A.A.C.'s Blog

The D.N.S.T.P. Chapter of A.A.C. Presents the 24 Hour Slam

2013-11-03T13:41:00.002-05:00

Sixteen slam poets will face off November 23rd when the D.N.S.T.P. Chapter of A.A.C. presents Georgia College’s first ever 24 hour Slam. The event spans three locations and features poetry, live music, and live art. Slam poetry is the competitive art of spoken word which pits teams of poets against each other in a poetic boxing match of epic proportions.

Monica Prince, Org Director of the D.N.S.T.P. Chapter of A.A.C. says, “The event transforms ordinary people into slam poets overnight. This is awesome!”

The 24 Hour Slam borrows inspiration from Georgia College’s 24 hour plays where participants create and produce plays in 24 hours. Paul Ayo, Director of A.A.C. adds, “This slam will do the same. We’ll write, create, and perform in a 24 hour time period.” The slam begins at 8pm November, 23 in Max Noah Recital Hall. Slam Masters, poets, artists, and musicians begin preparation for the slam Friday, November, 22 at 8pm.

Non-experienced and experienced artists, writers, and poetry enthusiasts are welcome to pre-register for the event while slots last. To pre-register, email us at connect@aacshutdown.org with the subject line, “I want to slam”.

This program is brought to you by the D.N.S.T.P. Chapter of Art as an Agent for Change which works to promote literacy and community engagement through the arts.

Something to Keep Me Vertical

2013-10-19T07:25:00.002-04:00

Jamie Walsh and Natalie Sharp prepare for a staged reading of excerpts from "Something to Keep Me Vertical," a choreopoem by Monica Prince. The performance features members of the Georgia College community including: current students, alumni, and members of the Georgia College MFA in creative writing program.

Poetry Jamz is A.A.C.'s monthly open-mic showcase that offers its stage to poets and writers pushing boundaries and using Art as an Agent for Change. Stay tuned as we feature Augusta's Catherine the Great Nov.20 at Blackbird Coffee, Milledgeville

View more photos from our events at our Flickr page. Also, join us on Facebook and get involved with A.A.C.

A.A.C. 101: Grand Announcement

2013-10-09T22:00:00.000-04:00

1. Any new project should start with a grand announcement that makes the focus and purpose of the project clear.

A.A.C. 101 is HERE!!!

A.A.C. 101 offers advice and opportunities to people using their passion (time and talent) to create a positive social impact in their community through the arts. We'll focus on what you're doing and how you're doing it.

Our goal is to experiment, ask the right questions, and solve the right problems. Let's Shut-it-Down!

A.A.C. Presents Something to Keep Me Vertical by Monica Prince

2013-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Wednesday October, 16 at 8pm Monica Prince presents "Something to Keep Me Vertical" a choreopoem. Choreopoems blend poetry and dance to create an artistic experience unlike any brought to the Poetry Jamz stage before.

"In an attempt to showcase love at its purest form -- at the very beginning, after years of adoration, and how it transforms into something all-consuming -- this choreopoem includes dance, music, artist renditions, and, of course, performance poetry all blended together. From break-ups to marriages, abusive love to honest love, watch as this multitude of voices come together to try and define what love isn't, what we think it might be, and hopefully, what it really is."

Poetry Jamz is a free event brought you by Art as an Agent for Change, Inc.

Miss Haze Takes Center Stage @ A.A.C. Poetry Jamz

2013-09-18T22:57:00.000-04:00

Miss Haze snaps a photo with Mike Scott and A.A.C. Founder Paul Ayo at Poetry Jamz. Miss Haze delivered an electrifying performance filled with haiku, history, and stories of phenomenal real-life heroines.

Don't miss next our Poetry Jam at Blackbird Coffee featuring excerpts from Something to Keep Me Vertical, a choreopoem by Monica Prince Wednesday October, 18.

PS: I found the poem that won Miss Haze the first Poetic Notions Poetry Slam "Slam School"

A.A.C.'s September Feature Poet: Miss Haze

2013-09-15T16:45:00.001-04:00

Art as an Agent for Change is pleased to present Miss Haze 8pm Wednesday Sept. 18 at Blackbird Coffee.

Miss Haze is an Atlanta based slam and performance poet. In 2012 she ranked top 10 in the Women of the World Poetry Slam and was also the Grand Prize Winner of the Roswell Roots Annual Poetry Slam. She is a 4-time member of Java Monkey Slam Team, 2011 Southern Fried Poetry Slam Champions. She has recently become engaged in the ancient poetry form of Haiku and ranked second in National Poetry Slam Head-to-Head Haiku Slam. A montage of metaphor and real life stories, her poems are intended to enlighten as well as entertain. Warning: Haze is highly addictive so proceed with caution. She is definitely worth the "trip"...

Poetry Jamz is Art as an Agent for Change's monthly collision of culture that serves as an open forum for artists to speak and engage through poetic form. Don't miss this month's Poetry Jam.

September Feature Poet: Miss Haze

2013-09-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Poetry Jamz is A.A.C.'s longest running community program and we are pleased to feature Slam Champion Miss Haze September 18 at Blackbird Coffee Milledgeville.

Poetry speaks for itself.

A.A.C.'s D.N.S.T.P. Chapter

2013-09-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

A.A.C.'s D.N.S.T.P. Chapter of Art as an Agent for Change kicks off the year with their first meet-up at Georgia College and State University. The group met with aspiring members and gathered input about goals and objectives for the coming year.

The all-new exec board and has a wonderful new A.A.C. program in the works, the 24 Hour-Slam. Stay tuned for more details.

You can still get involved with the D.N.S.T.P. Chapter by visiting their Facebook group and attending a meet-up.

A.A.C. 101: Milk or Wine?

2013-08-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

A.A.C. started off mixing drama and poetry together to create a unique theatrical experience for folks who loved theater and poetry.

Overtime we developed a mission that encompasses all of the arts to promote lasting social uplift in all communities.

Not many people will tell you to develop your niche slowly, but A.A.C. will. This may be a world of hurry, go now, start fast, do it cheap, give less, expect more, but we believe you and your art should grow, develop give, and offer more, overtime.

A.A.C. 101: Get Your Student Organization Off to A Good Start

2013-08-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's the start of another school year and many student organizations are embarking upon another year of ice breakers, team building, and recruitment.

When A.A.C. was founded in 2006 we were a rag-tag group of college students who wanted to change the world and we didn't have a set of guidelines about building our organization. We just kept building and connecting.

We're a bit older, now, and we can offer a little advice on starting your organization.

1. Recruitment never ends.

There is always a new person who wants to discover more about your organization. Continuously invite new people to join your organization when the moment arrives.

2. Inbound Marketing

Use your programs as a means to garner support from your base. Use programs as opportunities to build new interest in your cause and to bolster the support of your active members. We caution against hosting too many programs. Instead, create programs that matter.

3. Presentation is Everything

Lights, camera, action. Plan ahead and anticipate the procedures and processes necessary to facilitate your events properly. Go a step further, set-up a mock event and see if your plan works. If it doesn't, try something new to create the perfect presentation.

4. Everyone Isn't Going to Like You

Focus on the people who care about you and your cause. The people who care will tell their friends and garner more support for your org. Wasting your time on the people who don't care may not be as rewarding.

5. Have FUN!!!

Create the events that make you laugh, smile, and say, "WOW!"

Oak Morse Features @ A.A.C.Poetry Jamz

2013-08-24T17:22:00.001-04:00

Atlanta poet Oak Morse embraces the Poetry Jamz stage at Blackbird Coffee in Milledgeville. Oak is a versatile poet who offers a unique perspective about life and love.

Oak writes, "Oak Morse, a name derived from two separate words, first oak tree which is symbolic for southern strength and deep roots and secondly, Samuel L. Morse who invented the telegraph, which was the first transmission for messages in a digital era. So hence "deep rooted message."

Stay tuned for our next Poetry Jam featuring Miss Haze.

Poerty Jamz @ Blackbird Coffee: The Final Season

2013-08-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

The final season of A.A.C.'s ground-breaking, open-mic poetry series begins August 18, @ Blackbird Coffee with Oak Morse.

A.A.C. hosts Poetry Jamz @ Blackbird Coffee every third Wednesday August-April. The event is always free and features Milledgeville and Georgia College's finest poets. Patrons enjoy fine poetry and Milledgeville's finest coffee and conversation blended with the riveting spirit of the spoken word.

This season of Poetry Jamz is promised to be the biggest in history with a feature line-up that includes nationally recognized poetry slam champions, musicians, and Poetry Jamz Legendz. Join us for the final season of A.A.C. Poetry Jamz@ Blackbird Coffee. We always SHUT IT DOWN!

A.A.C. Visits Koinonia Farms

2013-06-23T15:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend A.A.C. visits Koinonia Farms to present a workshop titled "The Art of Building Peace." The workshop is a part of the two week Peace Builders Camp that teaches students to use their passion for social justice to bring peace and justice to the world. Check out more photoz from the event here. If you'd like to bring an A.A.C.Workshop to your camp, school, or locale click here, and we'll start the conversation. Human connections create a better world!

2013 Poetic Notions Poetry Festival

2013-04-14T21:01:00.000-04:00

A.A.C. presents the 6th annual Poetic Notions Poetry Festival.The two day event spans three separate locations and features a Youth Poetry slam, Literacy and Community Engagement Conference, and Performance Poetry Showcase.

Winners and participants of the 2013 Middle Georgia Youth Poetry Slam

Conference attendees share at photo at the REACT desk's presentation on creating an active conduit between your community and university.

Mistafunn, Slam Master of the Java Monkey Slam Team performs at the 2013 Poetic Notions Poetry
Festival.

The Poetic Notions Poetry festival is the culminating event of A.A.C.'s yearly efforts to provide solution based arts programs in their community of Milledgeville, GA. If you have what it takes to use your passion for the arts to socially uplift your community, visit our website and find out how to SHUT IT DOWN!

Harrison Thacker Features at A.A.C. Poetry Jamz @Blackbird Coffee

2013-03-20T23:07:00.001-04:00

Harrrison Thacker performs in front of a capacity crowd at the season finale of Poetry Jamz @Blackbird Coffee March 20, 2013. Harrison is a self made poet who links his personal stories, hip-hop, and the stories of others to create a truly meaningful experience for his audience. Want more poetry? Join A.A.C. for the 6th Annual Poetic Notions Poetry Fest.

The Results: So You Think You Can Dance-- Milledgeville

2013-03-10T22:12:00.000-04:00

Nandi Gattis, a senior at Baldwin High school, won this year's inaugural "So You Think You Can Dance — Milledgeville" competition for her liturgical and contemporary performances.

Gattis earned a $500 cash prize and raised the most funds to support charity National Multiple Sclerosis Society."I did this dance for my sister's wedding and wanted to perform it again for the community," said Gattis. "I'm so excited because this money will help me pay for college."

Held at Magnolia Ballroom during the weekend, the competition showcased the dance talents of eight local dancers, who performed for more than 150 community members.

Sponsored by the nationally recognized nonprofit organization Art as an Agent for Change (A.A.C.), the competition became A.A.C.'s largest community production and fundraiser. Funds support future A.A.C. community arts events.

Meet the Contestants of SYTYCD Milledgeville Part II

2013-03-06T04:34:00.001-05:00

A.A.C. present's SYTYCD-Milledgeville's final 4 of 8 contestants for this year's inaugural show. Learn about each's background in dance. You can also watch them perform live for a $500 cash prize at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Magnolia Ballroom. Tickets are moving fast! Get your Tickets today via our secure PayPal link.

LeDwasia Davis

This 19-year-old spiritual, step and hip-hop performer has been dancing for the past 13 years. A senior at Baldwin High School, LeDwasia loves to perform and plans to represent for her classmates and family members. “Dance is what I love,” said LeDwasia, who has danced with group Godly Steps. “It’s my passion, and I plan to give my community an unforgettable performance.” LeDwasia dances in support of charity Chard Wray Food Pantry.

Mollie Speights

This 10-year-old hip-hop star can dance alongside any one and to any music. Incorporating gymnastic abilities and ballet techniques, Mollie compares her moves to those of professional singer/dancer Ciara. A student of Eagle Ridge Elementary School, Mollie has been dancing since age 6 with Cultural Connection. “I have a flow like Ciara,” she said. “I’m a flexible, great dancer, who loves to perform.” Mollie dances in support of charity American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Madison French

The 5-year-old dancer is the competition’s youngest contestant. The hip-hopper trains at Cultural Connection and goes to school at Blandy Hills Elementary School. With only one year of experience as a dancer, Madison is a natural. “I’m a quick learner,” she said. Madison dances in support of charity Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Nandi Gattis

The 18-year-old’s dancing background includes jazz, African, contemporary and liturgical. A senior at Baldwin High School, Nandi has been dancing for the past 16 years. She has trained with dance groups Dance Steps and Rispa in Atlanta. “I love to dance,” she said. “Participating in this competition will help me pay for college.”Nandi dances in support of charity National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Meet the Contestants of SYTYCD-- Milledgeville Part I

2013-03-02T23:19:00.000-05:00

A.A.C. present's SYTYCD-Milledgeville's first four of eight contestants for this year's inaugural show. Learn about each's background in dance. You can also watch them perform live for a $500 cash prize at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in Magnolia Ballroom.

Alexis French

The 8-year-old hip-hop entertainer has been dancing since age 4. A student of Blandy Hills Elementary School, Alexis spends afterschool hours training at Cultural Connection. “I have attitude when I dance,” said Alexis. “It’s something I really enjoy doing after school.” Alexis dances in support of charity Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Colin McCabe

The 9-year-old hip-hop dancer has been popping, locking and break dancing since age 4. A student of John Milledge Academy in Milledgeville, Colin enjoys this particular dance genre because it’s fun and requires a lot of energy. He trains at Vibe Dance Center. “All of the us are good,” Colin said. “Hip-hop is popular, so I hope my family and friends enjoy watching me do what I love.” Colin dances in support of charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Brianna Cleveland

The 11-year-old fuses acrobatics and hip-hop for an unforgettable performance. An Oak Hill Middle School student, Brianna trains at Cultural Connection. She has been dancing since age 3 and compares her dance style to musical sensation Beyoncé. “I can make the crowd go ahhhhh,” she said. “I’m a natural entertainer when it comes to performing on stage.” Brianna dances in support of charity Project Hope.

Irene Backstrom

The 18-year-old classical, spiritual, hip-hop and African dancer is a passionate performer, who has trained for the past four years with dance group Godly Steps. Irene is a senior at Baldwin High School. “I dance with a determined attitude and tenacious spirit,” said Irene. “I put my heart and a whole lot of hard work into my dance.” Irene dances in support of charity National Association of the Deaf.

SYTYCD -- Milledgeville is less than a week away. Get your TICKETS today!

SYTYCD--Milledgeville is almost here

2013-02-24T19:20:00.001-05:00

This week prepare to meet the finalists for A.A.C.'s inaugural SYTYCD—Milledgeville competition that takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in Magnolia Ballroom. We guarantee you will be amazed by their moves.

SYTYCD-Milledgeville's New Cast Members

2013-02-18T17:22:00.002-05:00

The results of A.A.C.'s Last Chance Auditions brought several new dancers into the running for the $500 dollar SYTYCD-Milledgeville Prize. This weekend the new dancers limbered up and showcased their talents during rehearsal at the Wellness Center at Georgia College.

Discount tickets for SYTYCD-- Milledgeville are now on sale. Get yours today! TICKETS

Also checkout our Facebook Event and show support for your favorite contestant.

*Proceeds from the event help support future community arts events in Milledgeville, GA.

A.A.C. Supports Literacy

2013-01-27T19:55:00.000-05:00

Members of A.A.C.'s D.N.S.T.P. chapter at Georgia College pose for a photo with students from Baldwin County High School's Youth Poetry Collective--Team Spit Dat. The two groups united at the Baldwin County Literacy Fair Jan. 26, 2013.

Members reminded youth about the power of literacy by creating personalized bookmarks and conducting a live performance poetry reading during the fair. Discover more about A.A.C. by visiting our website and volunteering for other A.A.C. events.

New Dance Competition Hits Milledgeville

2013-01-20T06:42:00.000-05:00

Contestants of A.A.C.'s first community dance competition, "So You Think You Can Dance — Milledgeville," practice their group dance at Georgia College's Wellness and Recreation Center this weekend for our Saturday, March 9, show. Stay tuned to learn more details about the event and each dancer.

Do Good this Holiday Season

2012-11-20T11:35:00.001-05:00

GoodSearching and GoodShopping this holiday season is the ultimate way to do-good while shopping and searching this holiday season. GoodSearch allows you to support your favorite charity at no cost to you by searching the web or making discounted purchases through GoodShop. We figured these are things you're going to do anyway, why not do it for a good cause?

To get started click the logo above, choose Art as an Agent for Change, and start searching and shopping. That's it. Happy GoodSearching!

Tips and Truths with A.A.C. - Constructive Criticism

2012-11-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

By Melissa Cobb

This week's random truth reveals a bit more about the phenomenal Stevie Wonder!

One aspect of being in the field of creative writing that can be frustrating is having your work critiqued because it can be hard to know how people will react. On the other hand, critiquing someone else can be difficult because you want to be able to candidly express how he or she can improve his or her piece, but you don’t want to hurt his or her feelings. To make this a little bit easier, here are a few tips on taking constructive criticism and how to give constructive criticism.

Taking Constructive Criticism:

The most important thing to remember when someone is critiquing your piece is that anything they say about the piece does not reflect your worthiness as a person or anything like that. All this person wants to do is help you make this piece the best that it can. Also, it helps to remember that not every piece you write is going to be wonderful at first, nor is every piece going to be horrible.
If you disagree with something the person critiquing your work points out, instead of getting angry, ask them to explain why they feel this way and listen to what he or she says. You might get some really good insight.
Write down any criticism the person says on your piece so you can look at it later. This will help you get started revising.
Thank the person for critiquing your piece when the two of you finish.
Leave the piece alone for a few hours or a few days to let the critiques sink in, an then look back at the person’s comments and start revising.

Giving Constructive Criticism

The most important thing to remember when critiquing another person’s work is to be candid about what he or she needs to revise but not to the detriment of the person’s self-esteem. Think of it as you helping this person make their work the best it can be rather than pointing out everything that is wrong with it.
Point out what the person needs to revise and why, and be specific and thorough.
Point out any strong elements of the piece and why they worked well.
Answer any questions the person has for you after you finish critiquing his or her piece.

Random Truth of the Week: It’s common knowledge that singer Stevie Wonder is blind, but it is not as well known that he also cannot smell.

Art Through Technology - Graphics Speak

2012-11-03T11:03:00.000-04:00

By Mollie Cohen

As children we were often asked to do creative activities. These may have involved questions like, “If this color could make a sound, what sound would it make?” A Malaysian designer, however, took this idea and amplified it.

'Graphics Speak' is an installation for the Toolkit Festival, an Italian festival which encourages artists to go to workshops and to be inspired by the artists that have been chosen to display their work in the A+A Slovenian Exhibition Centre.

The installation itself is exactly what it sounds like. The artist (Weng Nam Yap) has designed several clear plastic discs that go over the records on record players. The user may choose one of these discs outside of the installation and then walk in.

The installation itself is inside of a darkroom and consists of two record players and an analog television. By broadcasting live video recordings of the discs onto the audio television the electromagnetic waves are translated into sound through a sensor.

The last piece of musical instrument of is custom made. Instead of being able to place discs on it and manipulate the sound with those it produces a solid sound that comes from the lines that are already on it. The sounds this device makes can be manipulated by turning the crank to the right of the instrument and changing the line that the analog television is reading.

Various musical compositions can be made by mixing different patterns on the turntables. Though unlikely to produce anything truly amazing in the realm of musical genius, the art installation is one that stands on it's own as something that nobody else has been able to do.

It is also family friendly. Due to the art installation not requiring anything truly special it is easy for children to interact with the exhibition making it a great hit among them.