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Imagination and Fantasy

The qualities that make for excellence in children’s literature can be summed up in a single word: imagination. And imagination as it relates to the child is, to my mind, synonymous with fantasy. Contrary to most of the propaganda in books for the young, childhood is only partly a time of innocence. It is, in my opinion, a time of seriousness, bewilderment, and a good deal of suffering. It’s also possibly the best of all times. Imagination for the child is the miraculous, freewheeling device he uses to course his way through the problems of every day….It’s through fantasy that children achieve catharsis.

- Maurice Sendak, American children’s book author and illustrator and Caldecott Award recipient, who was born this day in 1928. Throughout his career as an artist and writer, Sendak changed the popular perception of children’s literature and pushed boundaries in confronting topics like imagination, grief, loneliness, and just plain growing up. The author of “In the Night Kitchen” and “Where The Wild Things Are,” among many other treasured works, Sendak was also an instrumental board member in the early days of Sesame Street. In addition to writing and illustrating, Sendak was interested in theater and performance; he was a prolific set designer and adapted some of his works for the stage. Sendak’s memory will always live on through his timeless classics of children’s literature, which embrace the wonderment of childhood. Happy Birthday Mr. Sendak!

Around Town: April 13-14

It’s been a warm week here in the DC area, and our nonprofits are keeping it hot throughout the weekend with some great events! See what all you and your family and friends can get into around town this weekend:

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Family Concert & Educator’s Workshop with Jose-Luis Orozco

Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center
Last seen on the National Mall during the Library of Congres Book Festival, Jose-Luis Orozco will make Falls Church the first stop on his East Coast tour this spring. Children’s Author and Musician Jose-Luis engages young children in a bilingual, rollicking concert of engaging Latin Folk Songs that become an unforgettable lesson in basic Spanish for everyone. Following the concert, early childhood professionals, including home care providers, and Spanish language, music and ESOL teachers are invited to a networking luncheon and a workshop when Jose-Luis will share his methods of engaging children through music.
When: Saturday April 13, 2013 (11:00 AM)
Where: Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, 7234 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043
Fee: yes, concert, $5 children; $7, adults; Workshop, $45, includes concert, lunch, a CD of Jose-Luis’ music, and the workshop from 1 pm to 3:30 pm
Contact: Renee Boyle, (703) 534-4907

View the Cherry Blossoms Aboard the Historic U.S.S. Sequoia Presidential Yacht

Audubon Naturalist Society
Proclaimed by the History Channel as the Rolls Royce of Yachts for 90 years the Sequoia has catered to the needs of a dozen U.S. Presidents. Featuring most of the original furnishings, and chock-full of historic photos and letters, this special fundraising event coincides with our nation’s cherry blossom festival. Food and drinks donated by DC’s premiere caterer, The Main Event. Price of Admission is $350 ($250 of which is a tax-deductible donation in support of our local environmental education and conservation efforts) Space is limited! To reserve your space now, contact Loree Trilling at ltrilling@audubonnaturalist.org or (301) 652-9188 x35.
When: Saturday April 13, 2013 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Where: The Gangplank Marina, Maine Ave SW & 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Fee: yes, $350 ($250 of which is tax-deductible)
Contact: Loree Trilling, (301) 652-9188 ext 35

Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company

Dance Place
Dakshina’s unique blend of Bharata Natyam, modern dance and fusion works creates an evening of dance ranging from quiet and abstract to intensely theatrical and vivacious. The company premieres a reconstruction of Anna Sokolow’s iconic Magritte Magritte along with a new work by Daniel Phoenix Singh. Funded in part by the NEA
When: Saturday April 13, 2013 (8:00 PM)
Where: Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017
Fee: yes $22 General Admission; $17 Members, Seniors, Teachers and Artists; $10 College Students; $8 Children (17 and under)
Contact: Carolyn Kamrath, (202) 269-1608

ETC/ArtStream OnStage present The Final Showdown and Lights, Camera, Chaos.

Educational Theatre Company
Inclusive Theatre Companies are directed by trained theatre professionals and feature actors with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities and on the Autism Spectrum. An original script is developed during the rehearsal process through improvisation techniques. A play is scripted and then blocked, memorized by the actors and performed for the public. The final production is designed to showcase each actor’s unique talents.
When: Saturday April 13, 2013 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Where: Gunston Theatre One, 2700 South Lang Street, Arlington, VA 22206
Fee: no
Volunteer Info: ArtStream,Inc is producing two original musical comedies featuring actors with and without cognitive disabilities and WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We need 3-4 people to help run simple sound cues or help our actors backstage.
Contact: Jennie Lutz, (301) 565-4567

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company

Dance Place
Dakshina’s unique blend of Bharata Natyam, modern dance and fusion works creates an evening of dance ranging from quiet and abstract to intensely theatrical and vivacious. The company premieres a reconstruction of Anna Solokow’s iconic Magritte Magritte along with a new work by Daniel Phoenix Singh. Funded in part by the NEA
When: Sunday April 14, 2013 (7:00 PM)
Where: Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017
Fee: yes $22 General Admission; $17 Members, Seniors, Teachers and Artists; $10 College Students; $8 Children (17 and under)
Contact: Carolyn Kamrath, (202) 269-1608

Pictures for the Day

Today, catch a glimpse into … Greenbrier Learning Center, which reaches children in grades three through five with Learning ROCKS!, an after-school program and seven-week summer camp whose major focus is language and literacy, and helps parents support their children’s education as well as their own skill development.

GLC’s Learning Links AmeriCorps program just finished its second year with some great results: 87% of children improved their reading last year and 62% even improved by two or more instructional levels. The Corps Members ultimately serve as a critical link across the three main aspects of a child’s day: at school, after school, and at home.

Late this spring, AmeriCorps members, our staff, students, and families, all teamed up to clean up the Four Mile Run trail in south Arlington — and awards were given for the strangest, longest, and most beautiful items found on the trail. Check it out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 Questions – Nina Smith (GoodWeave USA)

I am pleased to welcome to GoodWorks … Nina Smith, Executive Director of GoodWeave USA! GoodWeave USA combats child exploitation in the handmade rug industry by recruiting manufacturers to make and sell child-labor-free carpets and by providing schooling and opportunities to rescued children. Read on for her inspiration, advice, and everyday heroes:

1. What was your most interesting recent project, initiative, partnership, or event?

We’re partnering with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on a major permanent exhibition entitled Invisible: Slavery Today. GoodWeave is one of four NGO partners in this exhibit, which highlights the issue of modern-day slavery and the many ways that nearly 27 million people around the world are living as slaves. The stories of children who GoodWeave has rescued from slavery and their poignant images are prominently featured. I was there for the exhibition opening on October 8th. The museum is a very special place and the Invisible exhibit is the only one of its kind. It has great potential to raise awareness and move people to action through their purchasing practices, philanthropy, and advocacy.

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