Yeyo Arts Collective

After the Annual Dinner is the Afterparty!

2012-02-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

Get your Tickets for our 2nd Annual Dinner Now!

2012-01-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

Adinkra Garden Association honors Yeyo Arts Collective Members

2012-01-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

*photography by Deborah Morrow Loving, coordinator of Adinkra Garden Association

For the second year, Adinkra Garden Association has shared their culminating Kwanzaa celebration with our gallery! This year we recieved a beautiful gift! Asante Sana to Mama D. and the Adinkra Garden Association!

2012-01-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

2012-01-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

"Sticks In a Bundle are Unbreakable" is a new photobook created by Yeyo Arts Collective to document our first two years as a collective! Although, we are a few months shy of our 2 year anniversary, we could not wait to share the news! To purchase our book visit our spotlight on Lulu.com or contact us!

2012-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

To Schedule a Guitar Lesson for your young person, email us at yeyoarts@gmail.com

Our instructor will be making appointments for THURSDAYS at Gya!

$15 per 1/2 an hour session.

2012-01-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

Literacy for Social Justice Workshop

Saturday, January 21st, 2012 10:00am-12:00noon

GYA Community Art Gallery – 2700 Locust Street

We encourage you to RSVP via our Meetup website:

http://www.meetup.com/Educating-for-Social-Justice-Meetup-Group

The LSJ Leadership Team invites educators & interested citizens to explore the relationship between social justice, education & literacy through three important lenses: 1) the classroom, 2) politics & 3) action. Members of LSJ will be sharing examples of current social justice work from their classrooms and political experiences involving education. There will also be opportunities for participants to share about how they are teaching or acting for social justice. This will be a great opportunity to dialogue with other social justice educators and get ideas for potential lessons! Please forward to others interested in educating for change & justice!

2012-01-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

2011-12-07T02:27:00.000-08:00

2011-11-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

Poetry Night wi/ Tim El- Thought Anderson

2011-11-22T20:50:00.001-08:00

Handmade Artist Market is This Friday! from
Noon til 6pm on Black Friday!

Poetry Night with Susan SPITFIRE Lively! Nov. 30th! $5 donation to event.

We would also like to thank 52nd City for the Kick Ass Award!. See the above pictures.

Upcoming!

2011-11-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

Join us this weekend in the return of Girls Create! We will be going strong for the next four weeks and will resume after the winter holidays! We look forward to seeing your young person! Have you been interested and want to enroll your daughter, friend of family member? email: yeyoarts@gmail.com.
$10 a session!
Girls Create meets every Sunday from 10am-noon!

This Sunday: Felted Soap workshop 2 with artist Simiya Sudduth. $15 for this two hour workshop!
1-3pm

Belly Dance with Adiya2:30-3:30
$7 a class, new students recieve one free class!

*Save the Date November 26th Shop with us on Black Friday! noon-6pm

THIS WEEKEND @ Gya!

2011-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Book Sale this weekend (Nov. 11/12/13) from 9 am – 5 pm at Gya 2700 Locust. Come during our events and these exclusive hours to find some cool used books!

Opening Reception Artworks by local artists on the topic of human trafficing. FRIDAY 6-8pm

POETRY with EL-Thought $5 suggested donation. Sunday from 6-8pm

·Hold the Date!
Black Friday November 25th Artist Market noon- 6pm!
Sunday afternoon - December 11th for a fun, easy-on-the-wallet, do-it-yourself auction to benefit Yeyo Arts Collective/Gya.

48 hours on StartSomeGood!

2011-11-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

We are down to the last stretch for our Girls Create program's project! We would love to honor you as a donor on our garden signage, or recieve a handmade book of our project! Donation gifts begin with just $10.

If you can not afford to donate, please help us spread the word.

Visit The Link!

http://startsomegood.com/Venture/yeyo_arts_collective/Campaigns/Show/GirlsCreate%20Garden%20Face%20Project

Whats NEW?

2011-10-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

This Saturday October 29th- Join us for the David A.N. Jackson Trunkshow that will be held from 11-4pm. He will be displaying all things handmade by the artist! Jackson's work is resourceful, unique and immaculate! FREE, artwork is for purchase!

Thursday Nov 3rd.- Join Us with Community Night @ the Grand Center Juice Box! A small portion of the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit!

Sunday Nov.6th- Fiber Arts with Is'mima Nebt'kata! After a wonderful Indigo Workshop, the artist will due a 2nd part session on an alternative dye process from noon-3pm!

Monday Nov.7th- Felt Soap Workshop with Simiya Sudduth! 6-8pm
Felted soap makes great presents for the holidays that are right around the corner! In this workshop you will learn how to dye raw wool with permanent, non-toxic dyes and transform your dyed felt into a nice little cozy for some delicious handmade soap! All materials provided $15

Sunday Nov 9th- Yeyo Arts Artist Lecture Series. Join us at the Schlafly Library Branch to discuss art and art history with local artists!

Exhibition Opening this Saturday!

2011-10-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Come Join us for the Work of Priscilla Block.

Coming Full Circle will be on display through out the month of OOctober.

The reception is Saturday, October 15th from 5-8pm

Welcome Simiya

2011-10-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

simiya is a visual artist, teacher, clothing and jewelry maker from inglewood, ca. she received her bfa in sculpture from webster university in st. louis in may 2010. as an artist, her work, primarily manifesting itself in the form of sculpture, installation and drawing, leans heavily towards an exploration of our relationships with nature. she exploits the perceived notions of fragility and delicacy in regards to a permanent, industrial materials such as porcelain, threads and paper and comparing and contrasting these ideas with the reality of our fragile ecosystems and our connections {or a lack of} to living beings other than ourselves.

simiya has worked with children of all ages and backgrounds through work as a teaching artist in a variety of St. Louis institutions and has exhibited her art work on the local and national level.

:::::

she has been collaborating with the collective and carrying her work in the gallery through the beginning stages. So, why not make it official? Simiya brings great talent and skills to the collective and we look forward to future projects!

Come to her FELTED SOAP Workshop from 12-2 on October 23rd! Register by emailing yeyoarts@gmail Attn: Felted Soap

Girls Create Project on StartSomeGood.com!!!

2011-09-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Girls Create has been working on their Garden Face Project for a year. We are now happy to announce that we are campaigning to start working on building the structure! Read more on the StartSomeGood website and make a donation today!

www.startsomegood.com/yeyo_arts_collective/campaign

S.H.E.R.A.H. Empowerment Circles @ Gya

2011-09-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to S.H.E.R.A.H. Empowerment Circles every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month!

Meditation, affirmations, planning and wellness can be found in one powerful womyn's group!

The first circle will be held Thursday September 22nd at 6:30pm til 8:30pm.

Childcare is available!

The suggested donation is $10.00 per circle or $50.00 for 6 sessions paid in advance.

For more information, please contact duncanshante1@gmail.com or visit sherah.webs.com

Fiber Exhibition

2011-09-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrate with us, as we welcome artists Edna Patterson -Petty and Ismima Nebtkata. Artists Jean Brantley and Dail Chambers will also be exhibiting their work.

When: Thursday, September 15th from 6-8 pm

Where: Gya Community Gallery, 2700 Locust Ave, Stl., Mo. 63103

Our exhibition is a part of the Innovations and Textiles bus tour. For more information please visit www.innovationsintextiles.com .

Before visiting us, stop by Whiz-Tech Cafe for a bite to eat! On Thursday from noon til 6pm, all orders that mention Yeyo Arts Collective will have a portion of the proceeds go to our organization! http://www.whiz-tech.net/ The awesome place to eat downtown happens to be directly down the street from Gya at 1629 Locust Ave.

Exhibiting Artist Ismima Nebtkata and Yeyo Arts Collective members will have a sign up for Nebtkata's upcoming fall workshop: Indigo Dreams

Window Murals!

2011-09-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

We were glad to install some great images in Walnut Park!

Window Murals: Ready for Install!

2011-08-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of the art for the Window Murals Project! We are so excited and look forward to our installations in Walnut Park! Stay tuned...

Indigo Tie Dye Workshop!

2011-08-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

Indigo Tie Dye
workshop
with
Artist Is’Mima Nebt’Kata

In collaboration with
Gya Community Gallery
2700 Locust @ Beaumont
St. Louis, MO 63104

Sunday, August 14, 2011
1pm to 5pm (sharp)
Pre Paid $20.00 ($25 at the door)
Email: ismima@hotmail.com
Do it Right Now
Thank you
*****PLEASE SIGN UP*****
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN AN
INDIGO Tie Dye
WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS & Children Pre Paid $20* all supplies provided

Girls Create @ Earthdance F.A.R.M.S.

2011-08-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

During the month of July GirlsCreate went on a magnificent fieldtrip to Earthdance F.A.R.M.S.! We had a great time! young folks learned a lot from Rachel Levi, our host and the young ladies got a chance to put their art in action at the end!

Samizdat Library Selection Coming soon!

2011-08-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Yeyo Arts Collective has hooked up with Samizdat Library! We are collaborating in many ways and look forward to Samizdat's section of Black Radical Feminist Zines in our community reading room at Gya!

Samizdat recently started a home next to the Archive on Cherokee St. where there are thousands of zines to flip through, purchase and more! Dail Chambers attended opening night for Yeyo Arts Collective, selling buttons jewelry and spreading the word. It was a great time with spoken word, on the spot zine creating and great food!

check out their feature in St. Louis Magazine blog:www.stlmag.com/Blogs/Look-Listen/July-2011/Have-You-Read-My-Diary-Samizdat-Zine-Library-is-a-Treasure-Trove/

*photo courtesy of Samizdat

Boarded Windows Mural Project Underway!

2011-07-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yet another exciting community project is underway at GYA!

Yeyo Arts Collective Members Dail Chambers, Andrea Hughes and Yeyo Art supporter Simiya Sudduth will be working together to create and install painted murals for 5 sites in the St. Louis area with a need for some creative boarded windows!

Two of the participants include C.A.M.P and GirlsCreate!

Constance's Story

2011-07-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

Constance is a monster created by a magnificent artist Jill Foote-Hutton. In collaboration, the young ladies of GirlsCreate are creating an environment and voice for Constance. Through the process, the young ladies have began a fictive story for Constance and wrote her letters that the artist will be recieving soon.

...In the words of the GirlsCreate, young ladies.

"Constance lives in a neighborhood where other creatures can talk and other monsters can run. At her house she has flowers: daffodils, roses and lilies. Crystals are hanging from the walls and ceiling. She sleeps on a floating cloud in her bedroom. Her home smells like vanilla & chocolate icecream.

When Constance woke up she realized she was different.

Constance has a friend named Star. Star comes to play with her & they play handgames, fastly clapping, grinning & sharing. A new friend Olivia knocks on the door. Olivia gives Constance a pet dolphin in a 10 ft. aquarium, filled with water, balls and krill."

Read how Constance's determination will appear in chapter two of Constance's story next week. We will be posting images of the installation the young ladies are simultaneously working on, too!

Chinyere & Dail are going to be great Urban Bush Women (Community Leaders)

2011-07-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

We are excited to share that both Chinyere and Dail are accomplishing things and taking names again!
This time we have been accepted to a dynamic summer leadership intstitute!

WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are packing up the mini artists A & A, a dynamic assistant, and are being housed by a gracious person who has opened up their home. However, we still need assistance for the difference between our partial scholarships and travel!

There are 3 ways to HELP:

-Donate now on our blog, our paypal button is on the right hand side! We would love for you to give a dollar or more!

-Enter our contests: Button Designs and Collage Contest. Each entry is $2.00 and the winners will be determined by popular vote at our:

Farewell Bash July 15th! We will have drinks, food, and great music! 7-10pm $10 at the door!

We hope that our participation in the Summer Leadership Institute will forge an even stronger relationship between our New Orleans creatives and St. Louis community artists. We also plan to hold a debrief at Gya to share our experience!
Our growth is the Community's Growth!!!

For more about the Urban Bush Women's Summer Leadership Institute visit: www.urbanbushwomen.org
This 10-day intensive serves as the foundation for all of the company’s community engagement activities, and its learning is infused with UBW’s artistic process. Ultimately the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) connects dance professionals and community-based artists in a learning experience to leverage the arts as a vehicle for social activism and civic engagement and to strengthen the national network of community arts practitioners. The SLI was born out of UBW’s first community engagement project in New Orleans in 1990, an artistic collaboration with community-based organizations to create an organized structure to support and assist in the development of community.

Le Salon De People

2011-06-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with M.O.R.E., young activists, friends and performers! Thank you to all who came out! We had great discussions through group activities, the musician and poet were both amazing! We had a great open mic session, too! Look for more "salons" popping up around St. Louis, Cat plans to keep the party going on a monthly basis.

Gya's Eye

2011-06-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of shots around our gallery space!

Thank You to Our Newest Supporting Members!

2011-06-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

Not just individuals are supporting members of our arts collective, so are groups such as The Garden Association and Literacy for Social Justice Teachers Group

Welcome St. Louis ArtWorks www.stlartworks.org

& Individual Supporters:
Cathryn Blue
Montague Simmons

We are thankful for your donations! Don't forget you recieve 10% off of classes and purchases at Gya when you are a supporting member!

Summer Yoga Celebration

2011-06-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Come and experience our two Yoga classes we offer at Gya for free during our Summer Yoga Celebration. You will take part in the Ital Vibes Yoga done to Raw Reggae music and Lunar Yoga a meditative and moon phase movement that SistahTru our Master Yogi has in store for us. It's a potluck so bring your favorite vegetarian dish and have a good time with us. Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30.

Namaste!

What's your Art Interest???

2011-06-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Art for the Fun of It!

GYA

Day, Weekend Art Classes

Scrap-booking/Collage

Portrait Paintings

Polymer Clay

Beading

Altered Art

Saturday Watercolor Classes

...and much more

Classes are $10 per hour session

some classes material and supplies are provided

for more information call GYA @ 314.932.1003

SUMMER CAMP

2011-06-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

:::Henna Design*Dots Makes it Better:::

2011-06-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is to introduce a new service offered @:::GYA:::

Henna Art Designs-Dots Makes It Better!!!
$15 per design
$50 hands & feet

If you can't make it on that day, don't worry, we take appointments call;
314-932-1003 or email: yeyoarts@gmail.com /subject: Henna

***Also: Drawings to being held in July to win; a self-portrait, a Jean Brantley Silk Creation or Spiritual Session by Tumpe

JOJO Slide New Time Thursdays @ Gya

2011-06-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

JoJo Slide Exercise is a choreographed dance based off the popular cha cha slide. St. Louis own choreographer and dance instructor Joe Hodges, incorporates ballet, jazz, hip hop and salsa dance moves to strengthen and tighten the body. Fun while losing weight, makes my day. Come out on Thursday evenings at 6:30-7:30 and slide with us.

A percentage of the proceeds will go towards the art programs and mission of Yeyo Arts Collective a 501c3 organization.

Mystic Nights

2011-05-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

We had our first Mystic Nights at Gya on Friday, May 27. We had an awesome time with the Egyptian Tarot Board with Andrea Hughes, and Numerology with Derick Laney. The accuracy of the oracles were right on point. The I-Ching was present but we didn't get to it this time. Look out for our upcoming Mystic Nights in June.

People's Joy Parade!

2011-05-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

We had a blast this past Saturday as we participated in the People's Joy Parade. Special thanks to Jackie, Simiya, Melissa, Derek, Jenny and all the GirlsCreate girls and parents! Dail and Simiya made a great-looking boat!

New Artist Featured: Frank D. Robinson, Jr.

2011-05-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

We are excited to feature Frank D. Robinson at Gya!

....through life, love and struggle in his haunting, surreal work. Robinson demonstrates a strong sense of place in his work- whether a place in time, physical location or metaphorical place. With this focus on location, Robinson forces us to examine what is truly home and the different routes we take to arrive there. Each piece is a meditation on history, love and struggle. Look closely- what you find in his work is what you find in life. Robinson transforms the lowliest of objects-our invisibles- soda can tabs, broken mirrors, buttons, tokens, lost jewelry- and elevates them to urban artifacts. By elevating the everyday object, Robinson makes art that is both accessible and intricate. Robinson’s art defies the confines of staid canvases, showing up on bottles, guitars, rocking chairs or boards- wherever the spirit of the art demands. Robinson weaves together a vibrant tapestry of the varied expression of African American culture. His work reflects the many faces of the people of the African Diaspora. Even images designed to hurt such as the mammy or gold-toothed thug are subverted into images to be admired for their beauty and strength.

Check out this wonderful article by Live from Memphis.

*artist portrait from Live from Memphis

http://www.livefrommemphis.com/creativedirectory?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=592

This Saturday.... and beyond!

2011-05-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we will be celebrating Mothers' Day for Peace....

...our volunteers, girls create, parents and friends will be participating in the people's joy parade, too!
http://www.stlouiskidsmagazine.com/category/tags/people%e2%80%99s-joy-parade

Tuesday we will be doing out at CPK. Stop by Gya to pick up a flyer!

NEXT Saturday: the 14th
Artists Simiya Sudduth, Chinyere E. Oteh & Dail Chambers will have select and collaborative installations on display in Old North. This exhibition is in conjunction with the house tours. Please stop by to see our artwork.

http://stlbeacon.org/issues-politics/96-Development/110082-preservation-week-preview-2011

END:CIV Film Screening!

2011-04-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

$3 at the door, donation goes to equipment costs.

From END: CIV Website:

"END:CIV examines our culture’s addiction to systematic violence and environmental exploitation, and probes the resulting epidemic of poisoned landscapes and shell-shocked nations. Based in part on Endgame, the best-selling book by Derrick Jensen, END:CIV asks: “If your homeland was invaded by aliens who cut down the forests, poisoned the water and air, and contaminated the food supply, would ...you resist?”....Backed by Jensen’s narrative, the film calls on us to act as if we truly love this land.

The film trips along at a brisk pace, using music, archival footage, motion graphics, animation, slapstick and satire to deconstruct the global economic system, even as it implodes around us. END:CIV illustrates first-person stories of sacrifice and heroism with intense, emotionally-charged images that match Jensen’s poetic and intuitive approach. Scenes shot in the back country provide interludes of breathtaking natural beauty alongside clearcut evidence of horrific but commonplace destruction."

For more information and clips from the film please vist; endciv.com

Mothers' Day For Peace

2011-04-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Join us for a celebration of the true meaning of Mothers’ Day…… PEACE in our homes, daily lives, and world! Honor the womyn, youth, friends, family and comrades in your life by joining us! Our gathering will be casual, inspirational, and fun-filled! Activities will include: *Meditation *Hand Created Kites *Simple Art *Refreshments *Community Building *“It will be a great day…” Bake Sale *Mothers Day Proclamation 1872 *Mothers Day Reclamation 2011 May 7th 1-4 pm What is YOUR commitment to creating the non-violent world Mothers’ Day originally intended to promote? Voluntary and/or bake sale donations are encouraged to benefit Yeyo Arts Collective programs. *Organized by the ad hoc Mothers’ Day for Peace Group

Get to Know our Newest Member!

2011-04-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

Nia Nah Tumpe is our newest collective member. She joined us this Winter, and we are thrilled with all that she has undertaken in such short time. Tumpe is a life counselor, community liason and has created some great happenings at Gya. She has planned numerous yoga sessions and also is also leading wind down wednesdays! Look for her posts on our collective blog!

She also participated in Yeyo Arts Collective's Lights Along Cherokee lantern project. Her panel depicted a universal symbol created in a repeated pattern. It looked great! We hope to see that she is creating more art in the future!

Earthdance F.A.R.M.S.

2011-04-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

Two of our collective members: Chinyere & Dail are participating in this years organic farming apprenticeship. Both artists are also the Farms inaugural Artist In Residents. The members hope to use the knowledge attained during the program to become better Healthy Living, and organic lifestyle advocates in the programming of Yeyo Arts, at Gya's events, and in the community- starting with Girls Create!

www.earthdance.org

Pro Life Billboard is a Racist Attack

2011-04-13T08:21:00.001-07:00

If you have not already heard the news: Yeyo Arts Collective stands against the Missouri Life advertisements that has been put up in north St. Louis, reading "The most dangerous place for the African American is the womb." As positive mothers and leaders we definitely disagree, and believe that the advertisement is disgusting!

With over half of our collective members and collaborators living and working in the area of North St. Louis, it is a repeated daily reminder that racism is still very much alive in the town of St. Louis!

The advertisement stands on Jefferson and Cass and also on Florissant Rd. and N. Kingshwy. We are generally not in the business of campaigning against causes, as we believe our daily interactions are living testaments to our commitment in the community. However, this blatant attack can not go without focus!

How do our CHILDREN internalize what they read as they drive by, walk to Vashon or Blewitt?

If you are interested in getting the billboards down please send an email or CALL 573-635-5110 or fax letter to 573-635-9285. The owner of the billboards are still being established, but Gateway Advertisement has made it clear that they are not the owners. The alderwoman of the 5th ward has also taken a stance against the billboard advertisement.

We will keep you posted on more concrete organizing efforts. However, make sure that you spread the word and encourage creative, positive action. Sometimes it is hard for the individual to wait on large business organizations to make a move through politics. We encourage you to start your own petition in your neighborhood, church, and with colleagues. We will be having a letter writing party at Gya on Saturday evening from 6-9pm. Join US!

Support us!... Eat!

2011-04-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Haha!

We have two dine-out events coming up to support yeyo arts collective!

Please join us for both! Our first one is an art-ful dinner at Urban Eats Cafe located at 3301 Meremac St. in South St. Louis! Join us on April 23rd between 7-10pm! Dail Chambers' artwork will adorn the walls and we will be having a great time.

Our second is a dine out at California Pizza Kitchen in the St. Louis Galleria. Come in and eat anytime between 4-8pm on Tuesday, May 10th with your flyer and the collective will get a small portion of the sale! Pick up a flyer from Gya from now til May 10th! We hope to see you there. Feel free to download the above flyer and print from home!

1 last thing! Yeyo Arts Collective is now doing Escrips. Pick up your card at Gya or your neighborhood schnucks! Once you activate it, use it during check out and help the collective out! If you need assistance registering your card drop by Gya on Thursday or Friday and we would love to help you! Just ask a collective member.

Why I Love Africa, Brother Amenra

2011-04-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Lecture/Book Signing

Date: April 17th 7pm-9pm

Place: Gya, Community Art and Fine Crafts

Included: Food

Fee:$10.00

I was fortunate enough to make my first trip to Africa at the age of 22! After my first trip to Egypt I wanted to go to Africa again and again. As a result, my life and level of consciousness changed. Traveling to Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana & Israel gave me invaluable experiences. African culture is so rich! My experiences in these great lands are in this book and I hope my stories help to motivate more black people in America to travel to Africa to experience African culture at its roots. Traveling to Africa made me love and appreciate the culture of black people even more.

Spring Equinox Event

2011-03-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Black Family RE-Education/Lecture and Conscious Hip-Hop for 2012 Showcase!!!
Included: Live Performances, Gift Cd's, Catered West African Cuisine, CD copy of the event (which will be aired on utube)!

We are Family!

2011-03-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of our collaborators, volunteers, and collective members!

What have we been up to?

2011-03-11T22:09:00.001-08:00

We are working, working, working on the Lights Along Cherokee Project. Each collective member completed one panel each and so did the young ladies of Girls Create. To see our finished pieces (it took two panels) check us out on March 19th by taking a stroll down Cherokee during the SGA Conference. It will be an amazing evening!

Also save the date for our upcoming event at Urban Eats Cafe (April 23rd) & Dine Out with us in May @ CPK... more details for both events are coming soon...

Mother Earth Awakens

2011-03-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY MARCH 20th, 2011 7:00 p.m. - 8:30p.m.

MOTHER EARTH AWAKENS ~ A Spring/Solstice Poetry Concert Celebrating Women's History Month

Gya Community Gallery & Fine Craft Shop

2700 Locust St. Louis Mo. 63103

http://www.yeyoarts-gya.blogspot.com/

POETRY CONCERT CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH and Acknowledging the First Day of Spring

Featuring: Poet, Professor, Artist, Activist, Word Smith, Word Warrior & Word Weaver MS. SHIRLEY BRADLEY LeFLORE

accompanied by David A. N. Jackson and other guest musicians and artists. Additional poets include MANTRA, and the debut of works, writings, and poetry by Léna Oluwa Amia Jackson.

This evenings special event is a presentation and production of The HOTBOX Virtualclub.STL. "The World's First and Only Virtualclub" / David A. N. Jackson. For more information or to be added to the contact list for this or other events call 314 995 - 9570; or contact David A. N. Jackson, founder and Artistic Director 314 774 -2123

The Artist Portrait Series March 3rd - 31st

2011-03-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

Yeyo Arts Collective warmly welcomes photographer Fern Logan to Gya community Gallery for the month of March.

Logan admits to a self-conciousness in her work that kept her early subject matter restricted primarily to landscape scenes. Her work as a documentary photographer, doing photojournalism throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and India, and as a graphic designer had reinforced this emphasis. In 1983, however, Logan resolved to put the human figure into her repertoire and created the photodocumentary “The Artist Portrait Series,” in which she photographed prominent black artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, and Romare Bearden. She began the series because of her philosophy of art as an educational tool and through a desire “to document the careers of highly accomplished black visual artists.” It was this work which was awarded a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts in 1985 and was published in a book by Southern Illinois University Press in 2001 with a grant from the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation. This work was presented in a solo exhibition in Amsterdam, Holland in March of 2002 at the International Institute for Social History. Always present in Logan’s photographs is an aesthetic of beauty, drama, and of mood. In 2001 Southern Illinois University Press published The Artist Portrait Series. The book features environmental portraits of 60 African American Artists, many of whom have subsequently passed away.

Logan’s work has been exhibited at The Smithsonian Institution, Just Above Midtown Gallery, The Studeo Museum in Harlem, Kenkeleba Gallery, Cinque Gallery, the National Urban League Gallery 62, the Clocktower, and the Jamaica Arts Center, among others. The Harlem State Office Building, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Bellevue Hospital Center, N.Y. City, have Logan’s work in their permanent collections.

During the closing reception, on Friday, March 25^th, Logan will give a lecture on the Artist Portrait Series and books will be available for purchase.

Logan recently opened a gallery in Carbondale, Illinois which provides exhibiting opportunities and photographic workshops to the Southern Illinois community. For more information on Fern Fair Gallery, visit: www.fernfair.com

the Collective's own: Visionary Award- Emerging Artist

2011-02-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

A news release from Grand Center follows:Grand Center Inc. and presenting sponsor Brown Shoe proudly announce the 2011 honorees of the Ninth Annual Visionary Awards, which recognizes women for their contributions to the St. Louis arts community: Juanita Hinshaw, Noemi Neidorff, Helen Gannon, Barbara Harbach, Yvette Woods, Kathleen Sitzer and Dail Chambers. The ceremony will be held May 17 at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd.

Grand Center's Visionary Awards is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the local arts community. Over the past eight years, nearly 50 women have been recognized from all parts of the community, including such accomplished women as Nancy Kranzberg, Carol Staenberg, Jill McGuire, Kim Massie, Susan Slaughter, Joan Lipkin, Jeanne Trevor, Ashley Tate, and Jessica Hentoff. This year Grand Center Inc. asked the community, "Have you been inspired by a woman in the arts?" The response yielded a talented roster of visual artists, musicians, dancers, educators, philanthropists and arts benefactors."In our ninth year, I am still in awe of the talent and dedication in our community," said Peg Weathers, executive vice president of Grand Center Inc. "Of course we knew there were many, many worthy women in the arts, but I never dreamed of the depth and breadth of the contributions over the years, and of course this year is no exception."

The 2011 honorees were chosen by an eight-member selection committee comprised of fellow distinguished women in the arts and in the community, including former honorees. This year's committee was chaired by Roseann Weiss, 2009 honoree and director of community art programs and public art initiatives at the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission; and Erin Budde, head of community affairs at Wells Fargo Advisors.The 2011 honorees are:

Emerging Artist: Dail Chambers, founder and artistic director of YeYo Arts Collective. Praised as an inspirational agent of change in the St. Louis African American community, Dail is known as a fervent believer in the power of art to change the world. Through the YeYo Arts Collective, Dail focuses that power on girls and adults with arts-based education and outreach. Additionally, she opened the GYA Community Gallery and Fine Craft Shop as an extension of the Arts Collective. She has had numerous group and solo shows, including her current show at the Vaughn Cultural Center in Grand Center. She is on the national board of the Women's Caucus for Art, was recently named the inaugural artist-in-residence at EarthDance farms, and was a recipient of the Kresge grant for 2011/2012.

Individual ticket prices are as follows:Arts Patron ($125): Listing in program book, pre-awards reception, cocktail party, reserved seating at awards ceremony, and dessert receptionArts Supporter ($55): Cocktail party, open seating at awards ceremony, and dessert receptionGrand Center is the arts and entertainment district located in Midtown St. Louis. It is home to more than 30 arts organizations that demonstrate the depth and diversity of the city's cultural life. The district hosts more than 1,500 cultural events and welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually.

Grand Center's artistic renaissance began with the restoration of Powell Symphony Hall and the Fabulous Fox Theatre and continues today with the growing vitality of commercial and residential development, the addition of more cultural institutions, galleries and dining establishments as well as serving as the home for two of the area's premiere large scale cultural events, the annual Dancing in the Street festival and First Night - St. Louis®. Visit www.grandcenter.org for more information.

Positive Press for The Cowry Collective

2011-02-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 12th, Yeyo Arts member, Chinyere, gave a presentation on The Cowry Collective at the Missouri History Museum as part of the Class: The Great Divide Series. Our growing time bank is gaining currency and this month is featured in the St. Louis Beacon and the St. Louis American. Check out these great articles! And check back for more information on the next Cowry Collective monthly potluck meet-up. New members are always welcome! Contact thecowrycollective@gmail.com for more information and to be added to our email list!

Our Gallery :::Our Fine Craft Shop

2011-02-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

Yeyo Arts Collective on Goodsearch!

2011-02-17T20:12:00.001-08:00

We are doing a LOT of great work online, and in REAL life, realtime. Help us out by supporting us via goodsearch. Have you heard of it before? We hope that it will be great for us!

Good Search is an easy way to raise money for Yeyo Arts Collective. Just start using Yahoo! powered GoodSearch.com as your search engine and they'll donate about a penny to the Collective every time you do a search!
In addition, do all of your shopping through their online shopping mall, GoodShop.com, where you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a percentage of your purchases will go to Yeyo Arts Collective. You pay the same price as you normally would, but a donation goes to your cause!

If asked which organization you would like to support, please type in Yeyo Arts Collective.
To include the Goodsearch toolbar on your window go here:
http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/yeyo-arts-collective

Artistik Approach Listening Session

2011-01-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Artistik Approach is back! Join us in this exclusive session with Artistik Approach!Beatboxing, Acapella, hip hop, new energy!
$7.00 per person

*Artistik Approach is a musical duo who performs beat boxing and acapella selections in jazz and hip hop. The duo is comprised of East Saint Louis artist Brandon Tolson and New Orleans Artist Siphne Sylve

See their 60 seconds here:

Thelonius Kryptonite and Special Guest Poet!

2011-01-27T18:16:00.000-08:00

Spoken Word Poetry You Don't Want To Miss!

February 18th, 2011, 7:00pm – 8:30pm,

Doors open at 6:30pm,

$5.00 at the door

” Thelonius Kryptonite is an alternative rap artist whose genre-blending approach derives from soul-jazz, post-funk, electro and modern blues” (Thelonius Kryptonite).

St. Louis Magazine features Yeyo Arts Collective!

2011-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

For the month of February, St. Louis Magazine editor Stefene Russell wrote a short feature on the little collective that could! Check us out by purchasing one at a newstand nearest to you!

Thank you St. Louis Mag!

Eat, Pray, Love Bookclub!

2011-01-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Eat, Pray Love is a gathering of souls whose desire is to learn more, live more, and be more.

We will meet at Gya every 4th Wednesday of the month at 5:30. There is a bi-annual membership of 25.00.

Each member will receive discounts and incentives throughout the year.

The facilitator of this book club is Nia Nah Tumpe, the collective's newest member! She is a writer, community and spiritual leader with a wonderful herstory of collaborations throughout St. Louis.

She offers the following class: Interpretations of Drawings on Sats. Jan 29, Feb. 12, and 26th 3-5pm.
Also, for Spiritual Counseling call or email us @ yeyoarts@gmail.com for appointment.

Our 1st Fundraiser Feb. 13th!

2011-01-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

Yeyo Arts Collective will be hosting their first annual dinner!

Sunday, February 13 · 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Nu Art Metropolitan Gallery
2936 LocustSt. Louis, MO

Sine Berhanu of Ah!zeefa lentil dips, a local independent product of Berhanu Organic, will be the caterer for our Ethiopian dinner celebration.
There will be performances, youth artwork, auction and more! All proceeds of this event will go to our programs!...

You are invited to share this monumental event with the group by RSVP to yeyoarts@gmail.com. If you are interested in reserving a table for your group contact us for a discounted rate.

Tickets for the dinner are only $25.00 and includes one drink! Please contact us via email or stop by the gallery to purchase tickets.

Please save the date and join us in celebration of Black Love Day through out the weekend. We will be writing love letters to our community and recommitting ourselves to our work. Each commitment made will be entered into a raffle for a creative mystery prize!
We hope to see you there.
:::
After the dinner, the collective will commence with the regular scheduled Sixpence Cinema film series, highlighting two films for the night for only 3.00 per person
Make it an heARTistic experience! :::
When you have a chance, read these brief articles on Black Love Day for more information. It's a powerful holiday:
http://www.blacknews.com/pr/black_love_day101.html
http://media.www.districtchronicles.com/media/storage/paper263/news/2007/02/12/Cover/Black.Love.Day.A.Valentines.Alternative-2713094.shtml

Kwansabas for Fannie Lou Hamer

2011-01-11T19:48:00.001-08:00

Join us for an intimate reading of Kwansabas for Fannie Lou Hamer, a tribute to Fannie Lou Hammer by Treasure Williams.

Ms. Williams is a published writer and educator, teaching at SWIC.

The “kwansaba” is a poetic style developed by the Poet Laureate of East St. Louis: Eugene B. Redmond. A kwansaba is seven lines of seven words, with each word containing not more than seven letters.

Saturday, February 12th
This event begins at 7pm.
$10.00 per person.

*please save the dates for an eventful weekend filled with community love. On February 13th The collective will be hosting an Ethiopian Dinner Fundraiser catered by Sine Berhanu of Ah!Zeefa, a local independent creator of lentil hummus.

2011-01-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Interpretations of Drawings
by Nuit Nia Nah Tumpe.
Spiritual teacher and counselor.

The workshop will help you to
*identify your negative past experience
*help you overcome or identify negative issues in your present
*help you identify who you really are
*help you identify who you are portraying

A goal setting technique through drawings will also be demonstrated. You will be able to see and experience what you may not have been able to see through traditional goal setting.

$22.20 per person to attend this powerful workshop
This Saturday from 3-5pm!

Nuit Nia Nah Tumpe is Pastor and Founder of Abyssinian The Empowerment Center a interdenominational God based teaching center. You can contact her at Abyssiniancc@yahoo.com

RSVP at yeyoarts@gmail.com

AJ Taylored Poet was on point !! Yes!

2011-01-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

AJ Taylored Poet "tore the house down" on January 8th when she delivered an astonishing performance fusing her thought provoking flow with songs of peace and beauty. AJ performed along with her son. He threw down on the piano and she threw down on vocals! It was definitely a packed house. She brought a huge supporting crowd with her, her loving wife, her daughter and her son. What a blessed evening. Peace AJ, we loved your performance at GYA and you are always welcomed back.

Fannta M.Drummer

Yari Yari Exhibition

2011-01-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

During December, the young writers of Yari Yari, the work of Deborah Morrow- Loving and Ismima Nebtkata graced the walls of the Gya Community Gallery. These are just a few images from the opening, where young people shared poetry and their artwork.

We look forward to our next exhibition UnMasked by Gundia Lock-Clay the opening reception is THIS Friday from 8-10pm!

Thai Yoga comes to Gya!

2011-01-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

Stretch into something new this year at Gya

with Instructor Naa-Dodua Ankrah!

What's Thai Yoga Therapy?? Well, it's a lovely modality that uses passive stretching, compressions, energy work, trust & compassion to help achieve balance and relaxation in the body. This practice has brought a lot of joy into my life. Here's an awesome chance to experience it for yourself! You will want to wear comfortable clothing that you can stretch in & bring a yoga mat. Let's kick off 2011 proper! : )

When: Saturday January 8th, 3-5 pm

Cost: $15

Happy New Year from Belle Butters

2011-01-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

Belle Butter's is offering a Buy One Get One Free Sale at Gya!

Stop by and get your handwhipped Shea butter. All items in stock are included!

Can't make it during regular gallery hours? No Worries! email us to schedule an appointment!

Only good through January 8th, 2011!

To bring in the New Year, join us for LIVITY 2011:

2010-12-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

A culture night to reflect on the past year, look forward to the new year

and enjoy creative company

This event is a FREE**, family event at Gya on

Friday, December 31st, 8 pm - 12 am

2700 Locust / St. Louis MO 63103

Music provided by Salim Kenyatta,

Performances by Mario Pascal, David A.N. Jackson,

and...you! Drums, poetry, dance, are all welcome.

Bring yourself, your family, your talents and your insights for 2011!

Food and drink will be potluck style so please R.S.V.P. to Chinyere at

chinyereoteh@gmail.com or 618.203.4103 with number of guests and

food or drink you can bring to share.

**Donations and Supporting Memberships to

Yeyo Arts Collective gladly accepted!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2010-12-13T11:26:00.001-08:00

* our next warm and comfy holiday bazaar is this Saturday! Join us!

Give @ Gya This Holiday Season

2010-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

We use Gya as our home... but Yeyo Arts Collective makes art happen.

YeYo Arts Collecive is made up of a small group of women who believe in the power of collaboration, creativity and independent business. At our community gallery and fine craft retail shop, GYA, YeYo Arts Collective provides regular art exploration classes, monthly exhibit openings of local and national artists, meeting space for various community and education groups and consigning opportunities for independent fine craft artists.

YeYo Arts Collective strives to provide unique arts-based community classes to underserved populations that have limited access to art education. We are requesting donations and supporting memberships starting at $50.00 per year. There are many special opportunities for our supporting members including "supporter's events for networking, 10% off our gallery and shop and more!

Monies will be used for art supplies, books, and plants for youth. Your contribution will allow us to keep event expenses to a minimum, so that more program funds can be allocated to our community classes and workshops. We appreciate your donation and look forward to acknowledging you as a supporter of YeYo Arts Collective’s Please contact yeyoarts@gmail.com for more info.

Livity Fashion & Dance Show!

2010-12-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday Bazaar

2010-12-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

Come support some cool local independent artists in the area! December 5th and 18th!

*earrings by Simiya Sudduth dec.18th

*belle butters shea butter dec.5 & 18th

Snapshots

2010-11-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

...Because we do great things!

Santa Costume Needed

2010-11-29T10:14:00.001-08:00

GYA is in need of a Santa Clause costume for our upcoming holiday events.

Please contact Fannta Drummer if you can assist: 314-599-0498

or email yeyoarts@gmail.com ATTN: Santa

Poet: AjA La'Starr, a Huge Success!!

2010-11-28T22:19:00.000-08:00

Her lyrical rhymes had the whole crowd smiling and wanting to hear more.

Thank You Aja La'Starr, Your presence and talents were a blessing

Holiday Shopping At Gya Makes a Difference

2010-11-23T21:44:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind of gift this season for someone special, maybe even for yourself?

Gya Fine Craft Shop is a great place to find local, unique, handcrafted gifts that make a difference. Every purchase directly supports our community art programming and no two gifts are alike!

We will be open Friday, November 26th 12-6:30 pm and we are offering a

Holiday Bazaar featuring local vendors on

December 5th, 12-4pm and

December 18th 12-5 pm

Artists' Booth Space Available!

2010-11-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

As the members of Yeyo Arts Collective @ Gya gear up for the holidays, we are offering a select few spaces for our Artist's Market(s). If you are a craftsperson and would like to display with us for the holidays, contact us!

Held on December 5th noon-4pm & December 18th* from noon until 5pm, artists will have the opportunity to share and sell their wares while collecting 100% of their money!

If you are interested in participating please send us an email to yeyoarts@gmail.com with a sample of your work. Each space is only $25.00 and if you are interested in participating in both days you will get a discount of $40.00 for both events! Deadline for participation is December 1st, 2010 5pm.

*Our December 18th event will have a live Santa for holiday photos, desserts, goodies and more!

Spoken Word @ Gya!

2010-11-19T09:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome Aja La'Starr to the Gya House! This event is family friendly, as mostly all Gya events are, and a wonderful way to creatively reflect after the holiday!

Gregory Isaacs Tribute Reggae Party

2010-11-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate the life of Gregory Isaacs,

dance to some great REGGAE

and enjoy Jamaican inspired refreshments next

Friday, November 26th from 8-11 pm at Gya, $5

Film Series Kicked Off This Weekend

2010-11-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

If you didn't make it out to the kick-off our monthly film series, be sure to join us in December!

Sixpence Cinema Kicks Off This Weekend

2010-11-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Our new monthly film series showcases independent, socially just and artistic films from a wide range of filmmakers and artists.

Our first screening will include:

Un Chien Andalou created by Luis Brunuel and Salvadore Dali,

Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti by Maya Deren

Within Our Gates by Oscar Micheaux

Join us on Sunday, November 14th at 4 pm.

$3 for 3 great films!

St. Louis Artworks Bicycle Bar Stools!

2010-11-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

For a limited time Gya will be the home of barstools created by area youth!
Come into our location to see the interesting and one of a kind creations.

St. Louis ArtWorks
... where area youth turn artistic dreams into practical reality through our innovative job training and arts education program. By apprenticing under working artists, teens expand their artistic talents, gain job and communication skills and work together to create art for clients and communities.
For more information: http://www.stlartworks.org/Programs

BoomerRacks: Recycled Sculptural Bike Racks for St. Louis

Apprentices working in this discipline designed bicycle racks for: Kakao Chocolate, The Moto Mueseum, and the Schlafly Tap Room. The bike racks, called BoomerRacks, were made from reused bike parts and promote healthy and green lifestyles through both biking and the reuse of discarded materials. Apprentices also made additional products for sale, creatively using recycled bike parts to make functional items such as clocks, coat racks, chandeliers, bar stools, key chains, and jewelry, as well as decorative tire weavings and wall pieces.

Lt. James Reese Europe, the book by Ron Herd.

2010-11-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

You can purchase the book at Gya as a great Holiday Gift, a great winter read, or for your historical collection!

Read below for more info!

::::::::::::::::

Who Was Lt. James Reese Europe?

Video: James Reese Europe: Jazz Lieutenant Commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jluUY_n7UC0

W.E. A.L.L. B.E. TV: Why We Should Remember James Reese Europe A.K.A. The Jazz Lieutenant...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N-H-RJ3T-E

James Reese Europe was an early jazz pioneer and war hero whose talents and patriotism knew no boundaries. Against all odds Mr.Europe advanced his cause as well as the cause of millions of Black Americans to the highest reaches of society.

He formed the first significant all Black musician union and booking agency in the United States (The Clef Club)at a time when Blacks were not allowed to join all White musician unions, his orchestra was the first Black music group to ever record a record as well as to play the prestigious Carnegie Hall concert venue in New York City. As Lt. Europe, James Reese Europe made military and music history as well by being the first Black to lead troops into battle during World War One and to spread the 'jazz germ' throughout continental Europe while bandleader of the greatest military jazz band of the most decorated regiment of the entire war, The New York 15TH National Guard Unit a.k.a. The Harlem Hellfighters. Ironically, Mr. Europe endured the hardships of racism and war to achieve all of these wonderful and amazing things only to die a senseless tragic death at the hands of one of his musicians at the young age of 39.

Please join the artist known as R2C2H2 for a highly informative and visually expressive pictorial narrative of a man whose untimely murder on the verge of The Jazz Age he helped to create left him and his work almost in anonymity. By reading this book, James Reese Europe: Jazz Lieutenant you will see why we should celebrate and rejoice in the life and legacy of Lt.James Reese Europe who according to the great Eubie Blake was the savior of Negro musicians and who is in a class with Booker T. Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.

Artists Against Prop A

2010-10-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in spreading the word about Prop A? Definitely pick up FREE POSTERS at Gya to post up and distribute, now and until we run out! The posters will be available during regular business hours. First come, first serve. To find out more about the info behind Prop A email artistsagainstpropA@gmail.com or find the group on facebook!

Save the Date: November 20th

2010-10-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the holidays, Yeyo members will be having a festive fundraiser with beautiful hand-crafted items for the home for sale. Come pick out something to add to your home or to give as a holiday gift.

The wall hanging by Jean pictured below is currently for sale and if it has not found a new home by then will be one of the items featured at the Saturday, November 20th event. Stay tuned for more details!

Saturday Watercolor Class

2010-10-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Have you thought of learning a new art technique?
Andrea is hosting a Watercolor Class every Saturday at 3pm! The class is only $10.00, and our atmosphere is creative and peaceful. For more information, please contact us at yeyoarts@gmail.com ATTN: Watercolor. See you there!

...And the Winner Is...

2010-10-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Cassandra Wesley of Los Angeles, CA for winning our first raffle last month! Some of the items she won are pictured below made, of course, by YeYo members. Thank you to all who supported this Gya fundraiser.

A Common Thread Opening

2010-10-19T20:37:00.001-07:00

What a great opening night for A Common Thread last Friday! We were joined by Kentucky artists Diane Kahlo and Steve Armstrong and several St. Louis artists, including our own Dail Chambers. Support a local student and local and noted artists by adding a unique piece of artwork to your collection!

Gya Supports Education

2010-10-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Educating For Change Fair at Roosevelt High School was a great opportunity to meet some new like-minded people and introduce Gya to the teaching and education community. Looking for unique classes, meeting space or a fieldtrip? Come visit us at Gya!

Fela Party Fun!

2010-10-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to Ibiyinka Alao for sharing his artwork, to Jeff Burns for keeping us dancing all night and to all who joined us! We will be doing it again soon so if you missed out, check out our next party!

Celebrate Indigenous Holidays!

2010-10-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Playback Workshop Theatre and GYA present:

Celebrate Indigenous Holidays:Come celebrate the beginning of your Holiday season by witnessing the truth of others and telling your stories of survival and gratitude!

WHAT:Playback Workshop Theatre is back performing exclusive limited engagements at GYA
A playback performance consists of audience members telling true moments and stories from their lives and the actors and musicians playing back those moments using improvisation, theatre, dance, song and storytelling.

Playback Theatre performance is theme based and done to honor the essence of the stories told.

Playback Workshop Theatre has been honoring stories all over St. Louis since 2005.

PWT proudly honored stories from the St. Louis refugee community, women who have lost their children, incarcerated youth and adults, students in county and public schools as well as SLU and Washington University, Adult Educators, Missouri Women in Trades (MOWIT) and people from all over Missouri during the run of Homegrown St. Louis' Organic Racism

When: Friday, November 5th and Saturday November 6th

Where: GYA
operated by YeyoArts Collective! @ 2700 Locust Ave STL Mo. 63103

TIME: doors open at 7:00, 7:30 showtime
COST: $15.00

Why: Because there is always a need for public celebration that honors the Authentic Story:

1. We must share our stories publicly during a season that recognizes Columbus as something other than a Terrorist
2. We must celebrate the true stories of faith that exist outside of capitalism. Youth are welcome. Tickets at the door. Limited Seating. Call to reserve your ticket now.

First Come first seated.Once a performance is sold out the doors are closed. For more information call PWT Artistic Director, Jackie Masei at 314 397-0733 All the proceeds for this two day performance go to production costs and to obtain GYA/YEYO's 501c3 status!GYA/YeYo is interganerational fierce female single mother run community arts and education based organization! We need YOUR SUPPORT to begin, continue and to thrive. Please consider a start up gift for us of $50.00 or more at this Playback Theatre Event.

Poem made by Girls Create!

2010-10-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

The young ladies created a great poem today!
With key words and collaboration, the below poem is what they came up with:

The Greens:

Growing is really, really fun
Growing in the sun grows me
Playing out of plants
Green growing plants growing up to the sun
Plants are green and the green grows in the pot
The sun helps the green grow
What fun it is!

-created by A., A., & L.

2010-10-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Womyn's Creative Circle

Saturday, October 16th

7-10 pm at Gya

Join the womyn of YeYo Arts Collective for an evening of relaxation and art-making, inspiration and networking.

This month we will feature collaborative jewelry-making and collage projects as well as fun makeovers and color consultations.

Feel free to bring your own creative projects to work on or share.

Healthy catered cuisine will be available. If you haven't visited our gallery and fine craft shop, Womyn's Creative Circle is the perfect opportunity to come and experience Gya!

$5 admission helps to support or community workshops and cultural library.

...In celebration of Nigerian Independence!

2010-10-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Gya is hosting a Fela Kuti Party!

this

Friday, October 8, 2010 from 7-10!

Join us and celebrate!

We will be dressed in our best African dress! We will have the finest body and face paint! AND we will be celebrating to the tunes of Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Afrobeat!

We will be serving refreshments. Nigerian artist Ibiyinka Alao will be showing his artwork... www.ibiyinka.com

and we will be showing concert and movie footage in dedication to Fela!

Door: $5.00

We are selling Tees!

2010-10-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

Have you been to our performance events? Have you been a part of our cultural gatherings?

...Do you love us?

We love you... support us by purchasing our one of a kind Gya tees. Sizes S-L in adults (12.00) and various kid sizes (8.00). Each shirt has a one of a kind color combination, and screenprinted by a local artist!

"A Common Thread" opens October 15th

2010-09-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

GYA/YEYO Artist Collective
Presents
A Common Thread: Life/Work Balance for the Visual Artist

Exhibition-October 15, 2010 through November 8, 2010
Includes a silent auction of original works byCuban Artist Luis Cruz Azaceta and Chilean artist Alfonso Fernandez Acevedo… with guest appearances by Kentucky artists Steve Armstrong and Diane Kahlo
(Proceeds benefit the Doris Marie O'Kain Educational Scholarship Fund)

When: Opening reception Friday, October 15, 2010 7-9:30 pm
Exhibit Hours: Tuesday-Friday noon-6:30 pm, Saturday 11-4 pm & Sunday 12-4 pm

What: “ A reflective exhibition that deals with the issues of maintaining a family life while balancing the complexities and lifestyle of being a contemporary visual artist working in the shadows of the post modern image of the successful artist. Each participant in this invitation only group exhibition explores the depths of the common thread shared in balancing family relationships with the drive and societal pressures to create meaningful art.”

Where: GYA Community Gallery and Fine Crafts
2700 Locust Avenue (in the Locust Business District)
St. Louis, MO 63103

Participating Artists:

Silent Auction Donors Alfonso Fernandez Acevedo-is a visual artist, sculptor, printmaker and painter. Nació en Santiago en 1969.Born in Santiago in 1969, Alfonso began his art studies in 1987 in drawing and painting workshop by Professor César Osorio of the University of Chile, Santiago Aprendió técnicas de grabado intaglio, litografía, fotograbado y serigrafía en el Taller 99 dewhere he learned intaglio printmaking techniques, lithography, gravure and screen printing. En 1993 participó en el Taller Internacional, del Tamarind Institute de la Universidad de Nuevo México en Aburquerque, Estados Unidos y fue invitado por el Departamento de Grabado de la Facultad de Bellas Artes de la misma casa de estudios donde integró el Programa de Entrenamiento en Litografía hasta el año 1In 1993 he participated in the International Workshop of the Tamarind Institute at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, USA and was invited by the Department of Printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the same University where he joined the Training Program Lithography until 1995. In 2000 he was invited to work with American visual artist Sam Gilliam in Washington, DC. Durante una estadía en el Zygote Press en Cleveland, Ohio, tomó contacto con sus pares, contrastando tendencias. He has exhibited internationally from the National Museum of Fine Arts, Santiago, Chile to Helsinki, Finland to Cochabamba and La Paz, Bolivia. When not traveling or working Alfonso enjoys spending time with his wife, kids and extended family in Santiago, Chile and often uses his wife as the subject of his figurative works on paper. Bidding for a donated original work will start at $300.

Luis Cruz Azaceta- Cuban American artist Luis Cruz Azaceta was born in Cuba in 1942 and came to the United States in 1960. He studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Some of his teachers at SVA included Leon Golub, Robert Mango, Mel Bochner, Frank Roth and Dore Ashton, among others. Cruz Azaceta's work has been shown in galleries and museums in the United States, Latin America and Europe. He's shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, The Museum of Modern Art, NY, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Miami Art Museum, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, among others. Internationally, his work has been shown in Germany, London, Spain, Australia, Venezuela, Mexico, Columbia and the Caribbean. Author Elena M. Martínez states that Cruz Azaceta's works, the Mariel boat theme of the 1990’s, his 1970’s-80’s works on urban space, his AIDS epidemic series (1987–1989) and his more contemporary paintings and drawings, expand the range of themes and motifs of visual representation. “By elaborating metaphors on issues of displacement and alienation, his work also helps to raise consciousness about his community's exile,” states Martinez. “His aesthetic concerns,” she adds “go well beyond reflection on the individual and one particular community; they underscore a universal preoccupation with human existence.” Luis Cruz Azaceta lives with his wife and two sons in New Orleans, Louisiana and maintains studio spaces in New Orleans and New York City. Mr. Cruz Azaceta has agreed to write a special essay on the theme of work/life balance for the exhibition catalogue accompanying this exhibit. Bidding for a donated original piece by Mr. Cruz Azaceta will start at $1000.

Special Guest Artists Steve Armstrong and Diane Kahlo- Steve Armstrong is a Lexington, Kentucky native known for his "Automata" sculpture. “Every piece has moveable parts, hand-carved from various woods and vividly painted. He deftly uses gears, pulleys, chains and the viewer's energy to make his sculptures move. They stand tall, they whirl and spin, and they open to reveal an amazing sense of humor. "Automata" sculpture generally fall into the category of folk art. But in the case of Steve Armstrong, he has taken this art form to a new level and raised the bar. He is an American. While his art form falls outside most conventional ideas of what realist art is — he is the best at what he does and collectors across the country are aware of this rare talent. Prices for his works range from $1,250 to $8,500.” Johns Pence Galleries, San Francisco, California (Representatives). Steve is married to artist Diane Kahlo where they raise two cats and share visits with three adult children and three grand children from their blended families. Diane Kahlo- Also from Lexington, Kentucky, Diane established herself as a brilliant painter in the early 1990's, and exceeds any expectations of her pedigree name. Ms. Kahlo received a 2010 grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women to debut her current body of work Las Desaparecidas (The Missing Women) at Logsdon 1909 Gallery in Chicago. This work pays homage to hundreds of young Latino women who have been brutalized and murdered in Juarez, Mexico since the early 90’s. The installation of portraits and sculptures has grown to several hundred portraits and symbolic images displayed to create a "memorial wall" as the number of murdered women as young as ten years old sadly continues to grow. Diane is represented by Swanson Reed East Market in Louisville and the Fraser Gallery of Washington, DC. She has one adult daughter from a previous marriage and two adult step-children, and three step grand children with Steve.

Gina Alvarez –is a printmaker, and Graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a MFA in Printmaking and Drawing. She is the former manager of Fort Gondo Compound for the Arts, St. Louis. Gina is currently the Gallery and Education Director at the St. Louis Artists' Guild, and the winner of The River Front Times (RFT) Artist of the Year Award 2010. She is also a wife and mother of a 4 year old gifted son.Linda Bangert-is a Printmaker, painter and Instructor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Her prints are in the permanent collection of Student Services at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, in corporate and private collections throughout the St. Louis area including Express Scripts, UM-St. Louis. Linda is a wife and mother of three and grandmother of three.

Dail Chambers-wears many hats as an Emerging Visual Artist immersed in the St. Louis art scene. She describes herself as a Visual Artist, Social Entrepreneur & Arts Instructor. Dail is a ceramic sculptor and installation artist who has exhibited nationally in various cities, and recently in the online collection, " From the Center: Now" juried by Lucy Lippard. She is also a jewelry maker, and craftswoman. Her jewelry can be found at Main Event Boutique in Memphis, the St. Louis Artist Guild, and other various boutiques. Dail believes that through the arts “we can creatively … reshape our society” and is a member of various activist and arts organizations including the Organization for Black Struggle, Literacy for Social Justice, and the Women's Caucus of Art. She has recently collaborated with two other artists to create a multimedia arts program sponsored by St. Louis Jobs with Justice, in an area high school, Riverview Gardens. Dail is the founder of YeYo Artist Collective and GYA, a cooperative small business in St. Louis which holds classes, exhibitions, small cultural events, discussions and tours. Dail is the single mother of a 7 year old daughter name Antigone.

Dorlene Dunne- is a visual artist with a MSW and a BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She currently works as an outreach specialist for Community Alternatives, Inc. Dorlene has exhibited throughout the St. Louis area, most recently at Forest Park Community College. She is the proud mother of our scholarship nominee, nine year old
Doris Marie O'Kain.

Alice Gadel- is a Teaching artist and University of Missouri-St. Louis printmaking alum who has taught children’s classes at Craft Alliance in the Delmar Loop for ten years. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Alice is a single mother of three: one adult son, one adult daughter and one high school age daughter who is also a budding artist. 1998 La Figura Humana, Galería AMS Marlborough, SaInició sus estudios artísticos en 1987 en el taller de Dibujo y Pintura del profesor César Osorio de la Universidad de Chile de SantInez Guzman- is a visual artist originally from New York. Born and raised in the Bronx, Inez attended the Artist League in N. Y. and studied under famous African American Painter Ben Jones. She exhibits both locally and nationally including New York and Puerto Rico. Inez is an active member of the Puerto Rican Society of St. Louis and a single parent to one college age son.

Fabio Rodriguez- Fabio is a high school art educator currently living in Arnold, MO. He has been teaching Art and Spanish at Desoto high school for a few years. He is connected with ArtDimensions and has gotten heavily involved in the Chicago art scene as of late. He was born in Virginia, but grew up in the Dominican Republic and does beautiful historic and contemporary paintings and drawings. He is also quite popular in the St. Louis Latin community. He has exhibited in Spain, South America, New York, and Chicago and will show next spring with Diane Kahlo in a historic show on immigration in Lexington, Kentucky. Fabio is married to a high school teacher; they have a two year old son. Sunny Santos- Sunny received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UM-Saint Louis and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. A figurative and feminist painter, Sunny's work has shown throughout Texas and the St. Louis area and is part of private collections in the area including DeWayne Eoff, Coldwell Banker, Gundaker. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Sunny currently lives in St. Louis and is the Command Chief Master Sergeant for 932 Airlift Wing at Scott AFB, IL.

Davide Weaver- is the founder of St. Louis Art Dimensions and Executive Director of the St. Louis Artists' Guild and Galleries. He is also one of the original founders of Taste of St. Louis, the creator of the St. Louis Classics, a new festival venue that celebrates all of the arts and producer of the annual ARTDtour in St. Louis. Davide is an active visual artist who makes assemblages in his spare time. He is a husband and the father of a one year old son.

Join Us for the Reception of Jon Calvert!

2010-09-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Flora "MsNterpretation' Carson

2010-09-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

Ms.Nterpretation

A Night You Don't

Want To Miss

"A Night of Thought Provoking Poetry"

Elegantly, Empowering,Edutainment

October 1,2010

9pm

$5.00 at door

Location:

GYA, Community Art Fine Craft

2700 Locust, St. Louis MO, 63130

GYA GOING GLOBAL

2010-09-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Global Craft Classes are a Huge Success!!!

Come Experience Various Countries at

GYA, Community Art, Fine Craft

1. September 15th

50 year old Sarah Maigari from Jos Nigeria.

Also Sarah is a student of Eden

Seminar and Minister and founder of

The Divine Women Merchantship in Jos Nigeria

Class-Hand needle work and how to

wrap traditional African head ties

2. September 22nd

44 year old Khadija Barwari from Kurdistan Iraq.

Khadija is a student at the Immigrant Refugee Women's Program

located on Arsenal in south St Louis

Class-A technique that involves the wrapping of beads

in patterned cloth

3. Will be held on September 29th you don't want to miss this one

56 year old Dorris Drummer from Saint Louis Missouri

Dorris is currently pursuing her 2nd Masters at Webster University

that will allow her to teach ESL to many refugees in Saint Louis.

She attends the African Presbyterian church in Webster Groves, where

she also teaches children and adults english.

Class-Learning African Proverbs & Singing African Hymns in

Hausa with MamaD, bring 5 dallors for class and experience

Gya featured on KDHX Monday, September 27th

2010-09-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

Support independent radio and Gya at the same time!
Tune into KDHX 88.1, Monday September 27th at 9pm when YeYo members, Fannta, Dail and Chinyere will join poet Ms. Interpretation and the hosts of Literature for the Halibut to discuss Gya's mission, community work and happenings, and Ms. Interpretation's spoken word feature performance coming up at Gya on Friday, October 1st.

http://next.kdhx.org/play/radio-shows/literature-for-the-halibut