Exhibit by Liberian Artist Naplah E. Naplah

You are coordially invited to attend an Exhibit/Opening Reception for Liberian artist Naplah E. Naplah and a Fundraiser benefiting The Lucille and Willie Murphy Foundation (LWMF) at Gems of Africa Gallery on Friday, December 4, 2009 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Exhibit runs thru December 19th.

15% of the proceeds from all sales during the Opening Reception will benefit (LWMF) and will be donated to the Sithabile Child and Youth Orphanage in South Africa.

Naplah was born on December 8, 1955 from the Grand Kru Country in Liberia, West Africa. He is a self taught artist who spent most of his time painting. His interest in art goes back to age 7, when he first saw his cousin drawing pictures of super heroes. At first Naplah would copy his cousin's drawings. Than when he was old enough, he bought his own comic book and drew the pictures line for line. Eventually Naplah became one of the best illustrators in his country and won first place in the Liberian Election Commission Art competition. Following high school Naplah completed three years of schooling in the field of education and began offering workshops and lectures, in addition to demonstrating his technique in different elementary schools. Naplah was also an illustrator for various magazines and text books for the National Catholic Secretariat of Liberia. After a great deal of illustrations, Naplah transitioned his discipline to painting. Since then, his drawings and paintings have been part of group exhibitions sponsored by the U.S. Information Services and other prestigious institutions. He has exhibited his works in Liberia at the U.S. Embassy, the Lebanese Embassy and The Liberian Cultural Center. He has also exhibited in Minnesota at the Broadway Community Center and the Lakeville Art Center.

For more info go to www.gemsofafricagallery.com

16th Anniversary Celebration of Africa's Children's Fund

Register Now by calling 770-465-6610

Even if you can not attend, please consider donating to this worthy cause.

Africa's Children's Fund

4470 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road  Suite 350

Atlanta, GA 30338  Phone 770-465-6610  e-mail:

Sunday, November 15, 2009 from 6:00 to 10:00pm

Teaching Kwanza To Your Child

In this workshop, participants will learn how to apply arts-based character building and teacher-developed hands-on activities to Kwanzaa principles throughout the year -- at work, at home and at play.

Dr. Collette M. Hopkins, Facilitator

Saturday, December 12, 2009
10 AM - 12 Noon

Atlanta Fulton County Public Library
Central Children's Department
One Margaret Mitchell Square
Atlanta, GA 30303
Get Directions from mapquest
404-224-3464
chopkins@nbaf.org

Price:
Free and open to the public

Pre-registration is required for this FREE workshop

REGISTER NOW!!!

Please contact 404-224-3464, for additional information.

THE LUCILLE & WILLIE MURPHY FOUNDATION

Lucille and Willie Murphy were both born in the segregationist South as it was emerging from the Great Depression. It was from this challenging environment that they formed their strong sense of responsibility toward addressing social inequities. Furthermore, giving rise to their unfaltering belief in the power of education to right inequalities and improve the lives of those for whom such education remained inaccessible.

In order to continue their legacy, The Lucille and Willie Murphy Foundation (LWMF) was established to honor those very same principles of higher education and community involvement. The LWMF envisions such community enrichment as its mission and endeavors to carry it out through its various Professional Development / Life Skill and Awareness Programs.

The mission of THE LUCILLE & WILLIE MURPHY FOUNDATION (LWMF), is to assist teens and adults in underserved communities to acquire skills, awareness and abilities that will allow them to have access to improved life opportunities in the 21st century economy.

Back in 2007, LWMF took an extraordinary trip to South Africa to work with the Sithabile Child & Youth Care Center (SC & YCC) and Sedibeng Sa Bophelo on a variety projects. LWMF will be going back again in September 2010 with an even greater charter. We will be purchasing school uniforms and handing out school supplies to the kids at SC & YCC getting them prepared for the school year. In addition, we will be traveling with a variety of professionals (i.e., Doctors and Lawyers) having educational awareness events for the young men and women. Sithabile is a Zulu word meaning "we are happy". SC & YCC is an Orphanage that has over 75 kids in it from ages 8 months thru 21. There are approximately 35-45 boys and girls. Click here for more information on the Sithabile Child & Youth Orphanage.

Furthermore, on their journey, they will be traveling to Sedibeng Sa Bophelo a cooperative project in Soweto, South Africa, to primarily serve women and young children victimized by HIV/AIDS. Sedibeng gives hope and healing for those who live with the stigma of this still taboo disease in Africa. We will be handing out basic toiletries and essentials needed to support the doctors with their everyday challenges. These essentials are but a small part to help fight against such a devastating disease.

They are hoping to raise $10,000 for this project. If you are interested in making a donation, please click here. If you would like to make a clothing donation please send it to:

LWMF
P.O.Box 3003
Decatur, Georgia 30031

For more information about how you can donate or volunteer please contact Gloria Jackson at 312.209.7225.

Thank you for your support.
LWMF

NBAF Partner Events

Workshop
Fun With Jazz for the Family
Carl Anthony of WCLK - Presenter
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Noon - 2 PM
South Fulton Arts Center, Atlanta
Free and Open to the Public




Workshop
Quilting: A Family Tradition
Belinda Pedroso - Presenter
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Noon - 2 PM
South Fulton Arts Center, Atlanta
Free and Open to the Public




Education & Family Programs
Kwanzaa Korner
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System at the Central Library
FREE and Open to the Public






Special Event
4th Annual Fine Art + Fashion
Thursday, February 25, 2010
2nd Floor, 2 West Wing, AmericasMart, Atlanta





For more information go to www.nbaf.org

New Shipments Coming Soon

We are expecting a new shipment of Driftwood Sculptures from Mozambique to arrive at the end of October.

We are also working on a new shipment of Ngwenya Glass which we expect to arrive before Christmas. We will keep you updated on the status of the shipments.

Huge Shona Sculpture Sale

We would like to invite you to our Huge Sale on Shona Sculptures. Buy any Shona sculpture at regular price and get the second Shona sculpture of equal or lesser value at an incredible 75% Off. All Shona sculptures will be on sale. The sale starts Thursday, October 1, 2009 and will end on Sunday, October 18, 2009. Stop by today to view our great selection of sculptures. View Newsletter

Gems of Africa Gallery
630 N. Highland Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-876-8200
www.gemsofafricagallery.com

Lecture: Continuity and Change in the Art of Burkina Faso

September 24, 2009, 6 p.m.
High Museum: Hill Auditorium
This program is free and seating is limited. Reservations required.

Christopher D. Roy, Professor of Art History, Elizabeth M. Stanley Faculty Fellow of African Art, University of Iowa. Made possible by Darl Snyder and Friends of African Art.

In 79 AD the Roman historian Pliny said: Semper ex Africa aliquid novii. "There is always something new out of Africa."

This is one of the very few things about Africa that has not changed in the past 2000years. The art of Burkina Faso is subject to continuity and change based on a broad range of historic, economic, social, political, and religious factors.

Professor Roy will use slides and video gathered over thirty-eight years in Burkina Faso to illustrate the changes in visual creativity of the Mossi, Bwa, Nuna, and Winiama people among whom he has studied.

This program is free and seating is limited. Tickets will soon be available online and through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000. Tickets to the Museum are sold separately. Learn more...

Art Exhibit

6 New works by Liberian artist Naplah E. Naplah now available!


"Pounding Rice"

Upcoming Art Exhibit

by

Naplah E. Naplah
Friday, December 4, 2009 at 6:30pm


Gems of Africa Gallery
630 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-876-8200

www.gemsofafricagallery.com

Riverdale World Fest 2009

Riverdale World Fest 2009
September 19, 2009
6690 Church Street, Riverdale, GA



This event is an International Festival of Food, Arts & Crafts. There will be special performances all day representing the various cultures in the Riverdale area. Authentic food, arts and crafts vendors will create an international marketplace for your enjoyment. For more information, please call (770)997-8989. Anyone interested in vendor opportunities, please click here for additional information. Learn more...

Our entertainment line-up includes international entertainers representing the Caribbean and Africa. To name are few of the entertainers to perform at this event; Kelly Love Jones, Mercy Mrya from Kenya, Fatima, the Guyanese/Senegalese dancer, Yetunde and Sam Mukoro from Nigeria, and Sholla Lewis from Gambia.

Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love

YOUSSOU N'DOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE
Opening in Atlanta, July 31st
Regal Tara Theater
2345 Cheshire Bridge Road N.e.
Atlanta, GA 30324
404) 634-5661
Check website for show times

The new award winning film Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love opens in Atlanta (Regal Tara Theater) on Friday, July 31st, after opening to great success in New York and Los Angeles – “One of the best openings for a documentary so far this year" - Indiewire. Opening weekend will feature Q&As with producer, Sarah Price.

An audience sensation at film festivals worldwide, I Bring What I Love takes you behind the scenes and into the world of Africa’s most famous musician: Youssou N’Dour. This never-before-told story follows N’Dour at a turning point in his life and career, as he releases his most personal and controversial album Egypt. But the singer’s hope for promoting a more tolerant face of Islam erupts in scandal and outrage in his native country that rejects the album and denounce it as blasphemous. Part explosive documentary, part stirring drama, I Bring What I Love is an unforgettable musical journey with an artist whose courage and conviction shook the music industry and ultimately awakened the world.

Watch the trailer.
You can learn more about the film at www.ibringwhatilove.com.

Visit the film on:
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

JOIN THE MAILING LIST

Black In America 2

CNN Presents Black in America 2
Wednesday July 22nd at 9:00pm
Thursday July 23rd at 8:00pm
Reported by Soledad O'Brien

Heritage Arts Festival

Heritage Arts Festival 2009
July 23-26, 2009
Underground Atlanta Celebrates African-American & African Heritage

Come out and enjoy the "Creative Spirit" of the Heritage Arts Festival at Underground Atlanta featuring a spectacular Artist Market, Vendor Market and daily entertainment!

This year's celebration is July 23-26, 2009. Join us day or evening for the Artist and Vendor Markets:

•Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 9pm
•Sunday: 11am - 7pm

Learn more...

National Black Arts Festival (NBAF)

The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF)
July 29 through August 2, 2009

MEET US at the National Black Arts Festival for a global celebration encompassing music, film, literary and gala experiences that blend the sights, sounds, words, flavors and excitement of the African Diaspora.

DISCOVER US through crafts, cuisine, legends and literature.

EXPERIENCE US through our heritage, performances, praise and passion.

FIND US in the more intimate setting of the Woodruff Arts Center - the nexus of this year's festival.

CELEBRATE US every hour, every day and all weekend at the National Black Arts Festival 2009, July 29 through August 2.



The NBAF, a non-profit cultural institution based in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrates the contributions of people of African descent and their impact on world cultures.

The mission of NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression.

The National Black Arts Festival celebrates the arts in three ways:

1. Education

2. Year-round programs

3. A summer festival in July

Peachtree Village International Film Festival

The Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF)

SEP. 24-27, Atlanta, GA


PVIFF is committed to the idea that the international film community is a powerful voice in our society, and increasingly plays a vital role in connecting not only the local communities they serve, but the world globally.

PVIFF has partnered with the African American Cinema (AACG) and, Hispanic Cinema Museum (HCM), International Soul Music Summit (www.soulmusicsummit.net) and other alliance partners to begin to leverage selected brands across various integrated markets comprised of thousands fans, consumers, filmmakers, executives, and leaders from various cultures throughout the U.S. & abroad. To view festival archives visit: www.black-cinema.org

Check out our official PVIFF Blog at: www.pviff.blogspot.com

Filmmakers Be Prepared To Shop For Your Deal With National Distributors, Investors, Cable Networks, Studio Execs. And More Will Be In Attendance:

-Echelon Studios

-Mindseed Studios

-HAH TV Network (www.hahtvnetwork.com)

-Comcast Video On Demand

-Turner Broadcasting

& More....


Take Part In The International Soul Music Festival at The Renaissance Hotel Downtown Atlanta While Visiting PVIFF...Music Artists Such as: Angie Stone, Algebra, Kem, Eric Roberson and many more will be in attendance.

Selected Artists Will Perform at PVIFF's Opening Night Ceremony & During Festival Screening & Networking Events..

Register Today!!

(Student Discounts Available)

PRE-EVENT

PVIFF will be holding a Pre-Festival Event at Underground Atlanta in the Welcome Center Theater on Sat. July 25, 12-6 p.m. The audience will have an opportunity to view hit short films from 2008 and an opportunity to rate films in competition to be showcased at PVIFF 2009. This Event is FREE. Don't Miss This Event!

Desert Jewels

SCAD-Atlanta presents Desert Jewels: Exhibition of North African jewelry and photography from the Xavier Guerrand-Hermes collection. April 7-May 2 at the ACA Gallery of SCAD, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, Ga.

The exhibition is organized by the Museum for African Art, New York and will feature approximately 80 previously unexhibited pieces of North African jewelry and 27 late 19th- and early 20th-century photographs. Collected over three decades by Xavier Guerrand-Hermès, this work illuminates the diversity and beauty of traditional North African design. Crafted from silver, coral, amber and other semi-precious stones, the jewelry includes wedding necklaces, hair ornaments and fibula. Moroccan, Algerian and Egyptian jewelry show common threads of the Berber culture as well as local variations in materials and motifs.

In addition to the exquisite pieces of jewelry, Desert Jewels features the work of some of the most prominent European photographers of the era. Theses include Scotsman George Washington Wilson, the Neurdine brothers from France and Turkish photographer Pascal Sabah, all of whom visited North Africa to capture the magnificent landscapes and "exotic" people on film.

Desert Jewels is presented as part of SCAD Style, the Savannah College of Art and Design's annual style and design series. SCAD Style events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Visit SCAD Style for a full list of events or for more information on exhibitions, visit SCAD Exhibitions.

The New Shona Sculptures Are Here!

Our new shipment of Shona sculptures have arrived and everything has been unpacked. Come in to see all of the great new pieces. Click here to see larger images.

In addition to the Shona Sculptures, we also have a few new Masks as well.

We are also having a 25% OFF SALE on all of the OLD Shona Sculptures until the end of February.