A Quaker’s Story (that’s mostly true) for Fifth Month (May) “Honesty is the Best Policy – Mostly”: a chance to see a top-drawer rock concert brings with it a challenge to truth-speaking, and accountability.

We envision dozens of Quaker and other artists and art supporters around our nation to hosting art events around these important issues in May(or close to May) of 2019. We hope that any programs planned inspire organizers and attenders to delve into them, as well as the connections between art and these themes.

Programs which have proved successful in past years are Art Shows, Performances- song, music, drama, poetry / Art Discussions/ Combination of above. Events can be as small, short, large or long as you find suitable for you and your people and locale.

The Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts has limited funds available (up to $100/event as funds last) to help with the organization/implementation of local programs. Please contact Doris Pulone at dpulone@comcast.net for more info, idea sharing, discussion about this project and your (hopefully!) involvement.

Here are some Queries developed in hopes of assisting you and your group as you think about an event:

1. As William Allen White says, “Peace without justice is tyranny”. Is justice necessary for true peace? How do we see that playing out in our family, community, nation, world?

2. The inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most has often impacted the peace that could be. How best can the artist act, make a difference, give voice to that injustice?

3. Peace and justice are intertwined. Can there be peace without justice? Can there be justice without peace? How can our art help move all of us toward peace and justice?

4. For those living in some urban areas, long established negative attitudes of the police toward racial minorities can lead to violence and disharmony. How, as artists, can we encourage and demand more tolerance and peace within the police and justice system?

In association with “The Arts of Peace and Justice,” a national project of the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts

Calling people of all faiths and ages to join us in an arts picnic, where we can celebrate joyfully our diverse community. As people of various faiths — particularly Muslims and Jews — are being demonized by elements in our culture, let us create the peace we long to see in the world, where each human being is respected.

Bring your good will, a blanket to spread on the lawn, and a potluck dish to share. We will provide:

• • An open mic for people to share music and poetry;
  • Art stations where people can add their artistry to an interfaith mural; and
  • Cooperative intergenerational games.

Justice, Environment, and the Arts at Kalamazoo Friends Meeting

May 9 – 11, 2019

Here are details about the series Justice, Environment, & the Arts hosted by Kalamazoo Friends Meeting (Quakers), 508 Denner St., for May 9 to 11.  Events also are on Facebook.

“In Relation”

A mobile-arts installation by Mey Hasbrook

• May 9 & 10, 5pm – 8:30pm
• May 11, 10am – 6pm

Info tables

• Citizens’ Climate Lobby, May 9 & 10, 5:00pm – 7pm
• Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, May 9, 5:30pm – 7pm
• Potters for Peace with Steve Smith, May 11, 10am – 6pm

Programs: May 9th

5:30pm -6:30pm. “Mahatma Gandhi’s Mentors and Disciples: The Philosophy and Practice of Nonviolent Earthcare.” A presentation by environmentalist Tom Small. Lower level.

7pm – 8pm. Worship sharing with KFM Clerk Kathy Ossmann. Upper level. A brief introduction to the series that includes worship sharing, “a form of worship that helps us listen to each other in a deeply spiritual, loving, and prayerful way.” A query about the series’ theme will be shared, which is informed by the art campaign “Peace and Justice” with co-sponsor Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts

Programs: May 10th

5:30pm-7pm. Reception for mobile-arts installation “In Relation” with artist Mey Hasbrook. Upper level. Simple snacks and hot drinks served.

7pm – 8pm. “A Quaker View on Connecting Concerns: Right Relationship, Justice, & the Environment.” A discussion with Mey Hasbrook. Upper level.

Programs: May 11th

11am to 11:45am. “Introduction to Potters for Peace” with board member Steve Smith (Angola, IN). Upper level.

12pm to 12:15pm. “Solving the Climate Crisis – 20 images in 7 minutes” with Dana Mains (Fennville) of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Upper level.

12:30pm to 3:00pm. Monthly meeting with Citizens’ Climate Lobby Kalamazoo. Lower level. Join CCL for a meet and greet (12:30-1pm), a live-stream guest speaker (1-1:30pm), and its local chapter meeting (1:30-3pm). For more details, visit CCL on Facebook.

2pm to 3:00pm. Family & School-Aged Youth (6+) Event with Dana Mains (Fennville) of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Outdoors (under balcony by parking lot). Art and story time! Mobiles will be decorated and a reading given from Gaia and the Golden Toad: A Tale of Climate Change.

Check the Events Page for Performances, Gallery Shows, etc. Involving FQA Members

The Long Road to Freedom: Performance Art by Chuck Fager and Diane Faison

Chuck Fager knew Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a young civil rights volunteer and spent time with him as a bodyguard during the civil rights struggles during the 1960’s, including a night in jail.  He brings these experiences of that period into a gripping reality.

Diane Faison has been reenacting Harriet Tubman’s life hundreds of times and brings the details of the life of the hero of the Underground Railroad to this performance.

Chuck and Diane are available to bring this performance to Meetings or other groups:  longroadtofreedom@gmail.com