A Quaker story for Second Month (February): “Esther & the Heathens” — A Friendly version of Romeo and Juliet romance, with star-crossed Friendly lovers caught in a meeting that’s splitting between Orthodox & Hicksites, and has its own special twist: (Valentines Day):

https://wp.me/p5FGIu-3y

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?

Maurice River Music 

Our next concert is Sunday, February 17, at our usual 2:30 pm.

As usual, make sure your are signed up early. Email is a very reliable method of signing up:

The phone number for Maurice River Music is 856-506-0580. The email is <<psomers@mauriceriverpress.com>>

Paul Somer

All concerts on Sunday at 2:30 pm at our house. Please call or email for directions.

February 17, 2019

Allison & Carlos Franzetti, piano

Composers old and new around New York & New Jersey

March 24, 2019

Christopher diSanto, clarinet

Ruotao Mao, violin

Michael Sheadel piano

Bartok — Kontrasts

April 7, 2019

Makoto Nakura, marimba

In the Image of our Creator – What we Make and How it Connects Us

On October 27^th a group of Kalamazoo Friends gathered to share something we enjoy making. This event was a response to the challenge from the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts (FQA) to consider “Art and the Beloved Community”. We shared some how what we make connects us with the one who created us and with each other. It was a fascinating exploration with each of us bringing unique creations, appreciations and experiences but finding a common bond in the sharing. The attached photo essay gives glimpses of our experience together. We concluded the afternoon by exploring ideas for how to expand these connections with our meetinghouse neighbors in the coming year.

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