Building the bonds of family and community through art | The Homepage

Arts Excursions Unlimited kids and parents attended a performance of “Seussical” on Aug. 3. They had fun singing, dancing and laughing along with the show. Photo by Tameeka Jones-Cuff

By Tameeka Jones-Cuff

Arts Excursions Unlimited always finds exciting ways to embrace community and family. The last few outings have demonstrated how close our bonds have become. We had a blast on July 31 in Oakland for an excursion to Phipps Conservatory’s summer flower show, “Under the Sea,” followed by swimming and a barbecue. Then on Aug. 3, members jumped in the van to attend a performance of “Seussical.” Adults were out of their seats singing, dancing and clapping along with the children. A couple of the parents said it was one of the best theater experiences they had in a long time.

On Aug. 8, we went to Brew House Arts in South Side for an exhibit called “And Also Wide — Artist/Mother Lines” by Flock Artist Collective. We were amazed at the sculptures, canvases, fabric art and photographs on display. We circled around artists Eleen Alcade, Janet Walters and Sandra Bacchi to hear what inspired the art they create.

Eileen Alcalde, the daughter of Peruvian and Honduran immigrants, said her father’s work in salt mines was the inspiration for her artwork. She explained how those life experiences and bonds have changed the image and interpretation dynamic of her work.

Sandra Bacchi is a Brazilian and Hungarian photographer whose vision is to explore the idea of architectural change and self-awareness. Her exhibit features photographs of bridges and terrain. She said some of the images range from new to older images of the same location or object. Other images are of similar architecture, landscapes and objects but they show places and things completely different from what we had imagined.

The images made us think of particular locations or objects we know from our own experiences, which left visitors with a feeling of familiarity and childhood innocence, exploring our own thoughts and memories.

Janet Watkins is a gifted artist from East Liberty. A former Federal Bank employee, she has retired and now enjoys her plants and artwork. She works in a range of media, from ceramics to jewelry and fabric art. Ms. Watkins draws inspiration from encounters with everyday people, using her art to convey her love of history and diverse cultures.

At the end of the visit, Arts Excursions Unlimited members were given posters that said “VOTE,” a message for communities to take action in the area of government and politics that constitute changes in the laws and the lives of our citizens. The Brew House Gallery is at 711 South 21st St.

Arts Excursions Unlimited gives us the opportunity to learn, share, care and bridge the bonds of community and family through the exploration of art. We are taking action to construct a hands-on, strong relationship between families and the community as a collective voice to improve the needs of our community and the communities of Greater Pittsburgh.

For information about Arts Excursions Unlimited, located at 5125 Second Avenue Pittsburgh 15207, call Community Outreach Coordinator Tameeka Jones-Cuff at 518- 375-9307. Drop-in hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 7 p.m.