Youngstown’s YMCA is inviting members of the public to come downtown and visit a new sculpture created by an artist whose works are designed to spark compassion and other spiritual values.
Youngstown YMCA to dedicate sculpture with spiritual theme
CT artists’ music video, featured nationwide, shows opioid crisis’ toll through 106 victims’ faces
RIDGEFIELD — Local musician Ethan Isaac has lost many close friends due to the opioid epidemic over the past 10 to 15 years.
“There was a period of a couple of years where every couple of months I’d hear another story of somebody that I knew overdosed,” said Isaac, who is co-owner of Factory Underground a 13-year-old media production company in Norwalk.
So when his longtime friend and fellow musician Bruce James, a Stamford native and former Norwalk and Darien resident, asked him for advice on how to raise awareness through a song he wrote, called “Dedicated to Life,” about the epidemic, Isaac had an idea.
“I said, ‘Why don’t you make a video around your song? … Let’s find ways to bring in some imagery in the video that will help raise the awareness of the problem and let’s get this thing out,’” said Isaac, who produced the music video, “Dedicated to Life,” based on James’ song.
The video, which can be accessed on YouTube, has been selected by the Association of People Against Lethal Drugs to be part of the nonprofit’s third annual national opioid crisis awareness campaign and rally day on May 6. On that day, more than 25 rallies in cities across the United States will play “Dedicated to Life.”
‘Talk about the crises’
The four-minute music video encourages people to “talk about the crisis, talk about what’s happening,” said Isaac, whose 6-year-old daughter attends Ridgebury Elementary School, and whose wife, Karen Zimmer, is a singer and songwriter.
The video features James talking about the opioid crises and shows 106 photographs of people ranging in age from 15 to 48 who lost their lives from addiction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain. In 2020, more than 56,000 deaths involving synthetic opioids (other than methadone) occurred in the United States.
“What you can hope is that people see this (video) and realize how serious it is and they either reach out to help a friend or family member that’s going through this,” Isaac said.
He continued: “Or, they might be having the problem themselves and they see this video and they don’t want to be one of those people that are affected or killed.”
James, who now lives in South Carolina, said aside from everyone who lost their lives through addiction, addiction affects the loved ones they leave left behind.
“These people — their lives are never whole again. So then they resort to their vices, whatever they are drinking or drugs or food,” James said. “So it really destroys a large part of the family unit.”
James, himself, will perform “Dedicated to Life” at a rally at a church in Greenville, S.C., on May 6.
Isaac said he has made a difference through his music on multiple occasions. One was in 2005, when he traveled oversees with his band, Edisun, and played music for U.S. troops in active war zones all over the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The band produced a documentary in 2021 about its experiences on the road.
“Our first single was a song called ‘Medicate,’ which… raised awareness toward the overuse of medication in today’s day and age,” he said.
What’s next?
Isaac and his music partner, Norwalk resident Kenny Cascioli, look to grow Factory Underground Tech, an audio and film school they founded in Norwalk in 2020.
He also hopes to perform oversees again.
“Now that the world is kind of reopening from the pandemic… (I hope) to go back out and continue entertaining the troops and servicemen and women all over the world,” he said.
“There’s nothing better than being able to make a difference in your music,” he added.
There will be rallies in more than 25 locateions on that day, across the United States.
Visions of a Life: Uprooted Visions at Edinburgh Printmakers
With the Conservative government’s vicious anti-immigration policies continuing, a new exhibition at Edinburgh Printmakers emphasises the importance of elevating marginalised voices through international collaboration.
Royal photographer reveals exclusive photos of King Charles III
Royal Photographer Christopher Jackson reveals exclusive photographs of King Charles III ahead of his coronation on Saturday.
“He is great to photograph, he brings a real energy, he’s got this amazing ability to connect with people from different cultures and societies all around the world,” Mr Jackson told Saturday Herald Sun columnist Steve Price.
Photographers dive into fundraising for ocean conservation
Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.
A picture of a manatee and her calf relaxing in Florida’s eelgrass and an image of seahorses feasting on plankton late at night are just two of the limited-edition prints that will go on sale this month, as part of an initiative that unites 100 renowned photographers to raise money for ocean conservation.
Set up by photographers Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier and Chase Teron, 100 for the Ocean will run throughout the month of May, selling prints starting at $100.
The three co-founders believe that art has the unique ability to “bring the world together and give voice to the creatures who depend on the ocean for survival.”
“Photography can provide a window into this mysterious world, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of life and habitat that rely on a healthy ocean,” Teron said.
He hopes that the sale will raise at least $1 million. “With the 100 photographers we have on our team and our community of ocean lovers, we think this is very doable, but it’s not an easy feat,” he added.
In this image, captured by 100 for the Ocean co-founder Paul Nicklen, an emperor penguin propels itself out of Antartica’s icy waters. Credit: Paul Nicklen/100 for the Ocean
Net proceeds go to Sea Legacy Canada Foundation, which will use the money to expand its own conservation efforts, and support other ocean-focused organizations through media connections and documentary storytelling opportunities, according to a press release. SeaLegacy was started by Nicklen and Mittermeier to use storytelling to protect the ocean.
According to a paper published in 2020, investments of $175 billion per year will be needed to conserve and ensure sustainable use of the ocean, to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 — “Life Below Water.”
“As a small group of photographers, we’re just going to raise a drop of that,” Mittermeier said in a press release. “The hope, however, is that we’re going to shine a spotlight on the ocean.”
“Ensuring our own survival”
The ocean faces many problems; more than 17 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2021, a figure that is projected to double or triple by 2040, according to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022. It also faces threats from warming, overfishing, and acidification.
“The health of our ocean determines the health of our planet. When we protect the sea, we are not only safeguarding the countless species that call it home, but we are also ensuring our own survival,” said Teron.
Curated by Kathy Moran, former National Geographic deputy director of photography, 100 for the Ocean features prints from world-renowned photographers including Steve McCurry, Jimmy Chin and Joel Sartore.
Teron added that the purpose of 100 for the Ocean resonated with many photographers, who saw it as an opportunity to create a lasting impact through their art.
The Incredible Bond Between Animals And People Captured In The Magical Photography Style Of This Artist (41 New Pics)
Anastasiya Dobrovolskaya finds similar features between animals and people to create beautiful fairytale-like images. They focus on our connection with nature and beauty beyond stereotypes.
Last year, Anastasiya was ranked among the 90 best portrait artists in the world. Though her work has sparked controversy over the animals in her photoshoots, her work is born out of love. In her previous post on Bored Panda Anastasiya emphasized: “If an animal can be so much like a human, then its life, desires, and interests should be valued no less than human ones.”
More info: Instagram | Facebook
Fundraiser harnesses power of photography to protect the ocean
100 For the Ocean was co-founded by photographers Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier and Chase Teron. The project is a collaboration between 100 renowned photographers to raise money for ocean conservation. This photo by Nicklen shows an emperor penguin propelling itself out of Antarctica’s icy waters. “To have communities come together like this, all for the purpose of good, to amplify and help grow other organizations, is a really beautiful thing,” said Nicklen in a press release.
World’s Largest Matchstick Sculpture: world record in Wadsworth, Ohio
Wadsworth, Ohio, United States–The annual Blue Tip Festival every June in Wadsworth, Ohio, started with the lighting of a 17 ft. tall match during the Blue Tip Parade; the match burns 24 hrs a day for the duration of the festival; the giant Matchstick is now on permanent display and sets the world record for being the World’s Largest Matchstick Sculpture, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY: https://bit.ly/3NVkda3
Photo editor set to begin his life in wildlife photography
Mason Maron is an interesting person who is very passionate about birding, wildlife photography and more
Mason Maron is one of the most interesting people in the Daily Evergreen newsroom. He is graduating Saturday with a major in wildlife ecology and conservation sciences and a minor in forestry. He has been at the Evergreen for five semesters, isn’t a communications major and has been heavily invested.
Maron is the former president of the Wildlife Society Chapter in Pullman and is the current photo editor for the Daily Evergreen.
He is extremely passionate about wildlife photography, so much so that he has put it at the forefront of his life.
“I got into wildlife through wildlife photography. Obviously, I’ve kind of based my life around it, because I’m about to graduate with a degree in wildlife. It’s something that I really enjoy. And I really enjoy nature, so something about capturing it in photos and capturing those moments I find fun. When you get a nice photo it’s very satisfying and very gratifying,” Maron said.
He was originally going to go into mechanical engineering, but around his junior year of high school, he found wildlife photography and did a 180 his senior year, becoming very passionate about wildlife. Maron declined a scholarship from Autodesk, a 3D modeling company in Portland, Oregon to pursue wildlife in college.
Maron is going to take a gap year after graduation, take some time to travel and then work a winter field job, potentially in Hawaii or Antarctica. Then he plans to apply to graduate schools.
A week after he graduates from Pullman, his plan is to do a cross-country road trip. He will leave from Pullman and travel down to the southernmost part of Texas and then to the upper peninsula of Michigan. He will then fly to Rhode Island and spend a week and a half in Rhode Island and Connecticut, then fly back to Washington.
Maron has high goals; his plan is to get his master’s degree and then a Ph.D.
“Cornell would be nice, but it’s pretty competitive especially in that field because they have the Cornell Lab of Ornithology which is like their bird lab. It has a low number of openings. It’s basically the number one place to study that’s in the world,” Maron said.
He went to WSU because of in-state tuition, scholarships and the fact that his sister went here. He gave credit to his parents for always being supportive of him and his endeavors.
“My parents have been very supportive of what I like to do. Which is good, because you don’t make a ton of money in wildlife,” Maron said. “My parents have worked so hard to get us to live comfortably, but they’re supportive because they can tell that it’s stuff that I like to do. Truthfully, if I decide later in life that I’d rather go do something else, they would be supportive of that as well.”
Maron’s portfolio features a wide degree of things. He also speaks Spanish and studied abroad in southern Chile. In the semester of spring of 2022, he took the opportunity to study abroad. He said that he was rusty when he first got there but eventually was confident enough to speak fluent Spanish to Chileans.
He spoke about birding, explaining how competitive it truly is. People compete in a competition called a “big year,” which people take very competitively, setting aside 10s of $1000s. They fly across the country to see a rare bird, ready to go somewhere at the drop of a hat.
Maron did a “big day” in Washington a couple of years ago. He traveled all over Washington State to see as many species of birds as he could in one day. He set the state record for individuals at 193 bird species in one day.
“I didn’t go to sleep that night. I stayed up the whole night listening for owls to start off, and then at sunrise I was at the Puget Sound and then I drove all throughout Washington, like through the Cascades, and I think the furthest east I got was Othello. The entire day was just driving places to see birds,” Maron said.
Regarding his wildlife photos, Maron has been published in a multitude of different publications, including three of four field guides, in different publications in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, a few research publications, magazines and the Cornell Lab. He has been on the local news and has hopped on different podcasts to talk about wildlife and birds.
Initially, when he started at the Evergreen, he was a photographer and was not interviewed they just sent him the paperwork and he started taking photos. Then after his study abroad semester, he applied to be the photo editor and got the job. He said it has created some good friendships.
“I think some long nights spent in the newsroom helped form some bonds between the people in there and I hope that I can stay in touch with the people that I’ve worked with,” Maron said. “I think that it was a good experience and there’s definitely some good times and good memories looking back. Everybody kind of sitting and working late hours on a Wednesday.”
Letter from the writer:
When I first got started at the Evergreen it was very unconventional; I randomly took the job as the deputy sports editor and got placed in a desk right next to Mason. Our friendship has grown as the year has gone on, from mainly acquaintances to friends. He has been so kind to me and we have talked hours on hours about a wide-ranging amount of topics.
He is wildly interesting and is such a great person. I am proud to call him my friend and am happy to see him follow his dreams in wildlife.
Here’s what’s happening for First Friday
Juneau Arts & Humanities Council: Fabienne Luiza Peter-Contesse | “The Fine Art of Textiles,” 350 Whittier St, Juneau Arts & Culture Center, 4:30-7 p.m. The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council presents: “The Fine Art of Textiles”, a solo exhibition by Fabienne Luiza Peter-Contesse that features new works in textile, fiber and art quilting.
Peter-Contesse uses vibrant hand-dyed fabric, thread and ink as her palette to create intricate explosions of color and depth. Her exhibition examines both improvisational and representational art through textiles.The Fine Art of Textiles will be on exhibit through the month of May, and can be viewed during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fabienne will give an artist’s talk at 5 p.m. Friday, May 12 in the Gallery. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be provided.
Alaska State Museum: “Visceral: Verity, Legacy, Identity – Alaska Native Gut Knowledge & Perseverance,” 395 Whittier St., Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building, 4:30-7 p.m. “Visceral: Verity, Legacy, Identity – Alaska Native Gut Knowledge and Perseverance,” is a group of three interrelated exhibitions co-curated by artist Sonya Kelliher-Combs, one of only a few artists working with marine mammal gut, that explore contemporary and historical Alaska Native issues, spotlighting gut as a conduit for Indigenous voices.
“Visceral: Verity,” a new exhibition of work by Kelliher-Combs, includes mixed-media installations that combine natural and synthetic materials and evoke questions of authentic experience, truth, abuse, transparency and credibility.
“Visceral: Legacy” expands Kelliher-Combs’s solo exhibition themes through a selection of objects from the museum’s permanent collection.
“Visceral: Identity” features gut parkas from across Alaska to highlight technical and historical aspects of this remarkable material in cross-cultural perspective.
Kelliher-Combs, co-curator and conservator Ellen Carrlee, and anthropologist Sven Haakanson, Jr. will participate in a panel discussion at 6:30 pm in the APK lecture hall on Friday.
Haakanson will lead a free bear gut processing workshop 10 a.m-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Drop-in participation is welcome throughout.
The Visceral trilogy of exhibitions will be on display throughout the summer 2023 season and will include other special workshops and lectures. Visit the museum’s exhibitions and events page for more information.
Juneau Jazz & Classics and Áak’w Rock: Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, 320 Willoughby Ave, Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, 7-9 p.m. This Spring Festival, Juneau Jazz & Classics partners with Áak’w Rock to bring you the extraordinary talent of the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, made up of 16 members representing a wide range of Indigenous cultures from across North America.
More information about the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band is available online at the band’s website.
Tickets to Friday’s concert can be purchased online through the Juneau Jazz & Classics website.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum: “For Our Children: Chilkat Regalia Woven in the Lineage of Jennie Thlunaut & Clarissa Rizal,” 114 W. Fourth St., 4-7 p.m. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is hosting a free reception for the re-opening of “For Our Children: Chilkat Regalia Woven in the Lineage of Jennie Thlunaut & Clarissa Rizal.” Curated by Lily Hope, this exhibition showcases finger-twined Chilkat robes woven by three generations of Chilkat weavers: Master Weavers Jennie Thlunaut and Clarissa Rizal, living weavers Hope, Shgen George and Ricky Tagaban, and seventeen new student weavers.
The exhibition will be on view May 5 through September, 2023.
Marie Drake Planetarium: Open House at Planetarium, 1415 Glacier Ave., 5:30-7 p.m. Join Steve and Quinn for a visit to the universe in the planetarium’s 30-foot dome. Masks will be provided but not required. The Marie Drake Planetarium is a nonprofit that provides free astronomy education to Juneau’s public.
Coppa: MK MacNaughton, artist, 917 Glacier Ave. 5-7 p.m. Coppa will feature original paintings by MK MacNaughton. MacNaughton has been enticing the Juneau community with her paintings that depict the beauty of nature. Come and see the next chapter in her artistic story.
The exhibit will be up through the month.
Hearthside Books: Mary Lou King, Author, Kelsey Hoke, Watercolor Artist, Dan Hopson, Musician, 2 Marine Way, Ste. 119, 4:30-7 p.m. Hearthside Books is pleased to welcome Mary Lou King for the book launch of the brand new “90 Plus Short Walks Around Juneau.” Kelsey Hoke will be showing her original watercolors and Dan Hopson will accompany the evening with classical guitar music.
First Friday opening only.
Frost + Fur: Glo Ramírez – GloInk, 2 Marine Way, Suite 114, 4:30-7 p.m. GloInk / Glo Ramírez is the featured artist at Frost + Fur in the Historic Merchant’s Wharf. Ramírez will be fully stocked on all her Cute But Cool products — earrings, stickers, clothing, etc.
This event is for First Friday only.
Black Moon Koven: Chromatic Crystal, alcohol ink painter, 224 Seward St., 4:30-7 p.m. Black Moon Koven will feature Inupiaq artist “Chromatic” Crystal Jackson and her “Strange Eyes” series of alcohol ink painting prints, along with other vibrant aluminum prints of critters and places of Alaska. Humorous stickers and handmade beaded earrings will also be available on opening night.
The exhibit will be up through the month.
Annie Kaill’s: Louise Kuntz-Tadda, ceramicist, 124 Seward St., 4:30-7:30 p.m. Popular Annie Kaill’s ceramic artist Louise Kuntz-Tadda has a fresh batch of her nature-inspired works. Kuntz-Tadda tries to capture the beauty of our wonderful Southeast surroundings in drawings, etchings, and glazes on each piece she creates—each piece is a blank canvas. She loves to share the joy of creating with clay, and has taught pottery classes in both Nome and Juneau for more than 20 years.
This event is for First Friday only.
Plants Before Time: Plant Stitches by ReccaShay Crafts, 118 Seward St., 3:30-6:30 p.m. Plants Before Time will feature local artist Rebecca Hsieh of ReccaShay Crafts and her recent exploration of combining gouache and embroidery “Plant Stitches” showcasing some of her favorite plants in this new mixed media.
This event is for First Friday only.
Shoefly Alaska: Tuesday Rabbit by Hannah Mitchell, 109 Seward Street, 4-7 p.m. Shoefly will feature local artist Tuesday Rabbit by Hannah Mitchell. Tuesday Rabbit focuses on silver, shells, and hand picked finds to create one of a kind jewelry pieces. Mitchell has been silversmithing since November 2022 and is finally ready to launch some silver pieces after honing her craft. Exclusive silver rings, earrings, and shell pieces will be launched during her first guest artist appearance on First Friday.
This event is for First Friday only.
Sealaska Heritage Institute: Mario Fulmer (Fur and Beaded Jewelry), Kelsey Erickson-Kizer (Beaded jewelry and prints), Christina Waska (Fur jewelry), 105 S Seward St, Sealaska Arts Campus, 4:30-7 p.m.
Sealaska Heritage Institute will be hosting three artists (Mario Fulmer, Kelsey Erickson-Kizer, and Christina Waska) in the lobby of the Walter Soboleff Building. Check out SHI’s new exhibit, which celebrates the art of Native women across Alaska, and will be open and free of charge for the duration of First Friday. The Atnané Hít (Arts Campus) will be open to visitors to view Steve Brown actively working on a totem pole and a Northwest Coast art exhibit filled with student artwork made from the classrooms of JDHS and TMHS.
First Friday opening only.
The Crystal Saloon: Sunny Porch (Solo) with Melanie Brown & “Cinco de Dance – O”, 218 Front Street
5-7 p.m., 10 p.m.-close
Melanie Brown is no stranger to The Crystal Saloon Stage. Bringing reggae-inspired originals and feel good vibes.
Starting at 10pm: “Cinco de Dance – O”. A two story dance event featuring DJ Javiii on the mainstage of The Crystal Saloon and DJ Aicardi in the Bearcade. A night featuring salsa, bachata, house music and specialty festive cocktails and mocktails!
First Friday opening only.
Barnaby Brewing Company: Hollis Kitchin, 165 Shattuck Way, 3-8 p.m.
Hollis Kitchin uses watercolor to create interpretations of the Southeast Alaskan Landscape. “Mini Mountainscapes” by Hollis Kitchin features a collection of paintings that capture the mood of the Southeast weather and landscape.
Exhibit up through the month.
Rainforest Yoga: Free Yoga with Tammy Davis, 171 Shattuck Way, Ste. 202B, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Join Tammy for a free foundational asana practice with functional movements and breath work.
First Friday opening only.
Rainbow Foods: New Oil Paintings by Page Bridges, 4th & N Franklin Street, 4:30-7 p.m.
New paintings on new forever theme of OUTER SPACE. Outer space is a broad subject including earth space and inner space. It inspires formal invention and imagination. See them near the sandwiches and in the child’ bay.
Exhibit up through the month.
Cosmik Debriz: Cosmik Debriz Launch Party, 204 N Franklin Street, 4-8 p.m.
A blast from the past with the future in mind – Juneau’s favorite purveyor of vintage alaskana, retro stylings, and wearable art is opening a store front! Enjoy homemade cookies while you peruse a curated collection of vintage flannels, dresses, mugs, Alaska themed t-shirts, and more.
Exhibit up through the month.
Devil’s Club Brewing Company: Logan Terry, 100 N Franklin Street, 4-8 p.m.
Dark Daze by Logan Terry showcases the light and dark times in his life. By contrasting the bright pop art we’re used to seeing from him with darker more abrasive pieces, it shows that these two experiences in life must exist together for good or bad.
Exhibit up through the month.
Kindred Post: Annie Bartholomew, 145 S Franklin Street, 4:30-7 p.m.
Get an advance copy of Annie Bartholomew’s debut album, Sisters of White Chapel, only at Kindred Post during May First Friday. Annie will be at the shop with her banjo playing songs from the release and selling early copies of the CD featuring of songs inspired by women who came to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Please note mail services are not available during special events
First Friday opening only.
Juneau Artists Gallery: Kelsey Hoke Martin, contemporary painter, 175 S Franklin St, Ste. 111, Senate Building , 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Kelsey Hoke Martin, artist and owner of K.Hoke Contemporary, is the featured Artist of the Month at the Juneau Artists Gallery. Kelsey features framed prints of her gorgeous watercolor and acrylic paintings of the Juneau landscape. She also has on display acrylic originals, unique printed camp mugs, and other detailed items.
“I am inspired by colors, texture, and culture. I fully recognize I am new to Alaska, however, I want to be as good to Alaska and its land as it has been to me. I’m lucky to live here and call this home. I hope that comes through in my art.”
Exhibit up through the month.
Arctic Chiropractic Juneau, LLC: Sonni Suson, 2243 Jordan Avenue, Valley, 7-9 p.m.
First Friday in the Valley, featuring wheel-thrown pottery made by Sonni Suson. Sonni has been an active participant of the annual UAS Student Art Exhibition and participates in the Pottery Sale held at the end of each semester at UAS.
Sonni Suson was born and raised in Michigan before transplanting to the west coast. She lives in Juneau with her husband Dean, their dog Riku, and one cantankerous, beautiful blue-eyed cat, Crono. Sonni works for the Department of Fish and Game by day, and by weekend and evening pursues her love for pottery.
Exhibit up through the month.
