A Holiday Sip and Shop

Dear Friends,

This holiday season many of us are faced with economic challenges beyond what we've ever experienced. Despite hardship, we want to celebrate the holiday grateful that we're able to experience the joy of the season. And, we want to experience the joy of giving, without spiraling further economically.

I suggest that we spend carefully and shop as close to our network of friends and family as possible. This way, as we give we are investing in our community's businesses. This will help keep our resources closely connected to the communities in which we live.

As such, the Parlor Gallery invites you to celebrate the season of giving on Saturday, December 5 at our Holiday Sip & Shop. Experience a day of meeting small businesses and acquiring unique gifts for your friends, family and, of course, your self.

We'll have lovely jewelry, accessories, artwork, and yummies. We'll end the day with the lighting of the Gallery's Christmas tree, which is so tall it hasn't been decorated for years. A good friend and landscaper, Jailton has agreed to help decorate the tree to beautify our block. (Please keep your fingers crossed it works out well.) The tree lighting will take place 8pm--don't miss it.

Join us for friends, shopping, snacking, cookies, hot cider and a tree lighting--for free! Way more than you'll ever get at Rockefeller Center.

Best wishes for health and joy this holiday season,
Sheila

An Evening of Jazz at the Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends,

Saturday, November 21st, we're happy and proud to present Bassist Parker McAllister and his superbly gifted friends. Please come and support these young musicians and enjoy a sensational evening of jazz.
Our doors will open at 6:30 and there will be two sets at 7 and 9 pm. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided. We ask that you please consider a $20 contribution. Proceeds are being used to support college funds. All donations are graciously accepted but not required. We are looking forward to seeing old friends and new.

Best wishes,

Sheila

Celebrate the Giving Season by Giving Thanks

Dear Friends,

Unemployment is climbing briskly and showing no sign of peaking; baby boomers are aging and unable to retire but can't find work; college students are struggling to stay in school and graduates are unable to find jobs; and a crazy war-torn political world with very little solutions.

Are you like me and considering hiding under the covers and waking up next year hoping for a better scenario?

Forget that, and instead let's thank God for another year as some of our loved ones did not make it to this season. Then, take one of your unemployment checks and holiday shop at some of the new businesses opened by a displaced worker. Also, remember to support your cousin that sells beauty and health products, your friend that sells crafts, your in-law that sells computers and hire your nieces and nephews to help clean your house and car. Shopping (like charity) should begin with friends and family.

And, don't forget to be thankful. I'm thankful I just completed a thorough medical review and got the best results in years; my daugher is happily engaged and expecting her first child; my son is working very hard to pusue his dream as a jazz musician; I have a husband who is a very good man; I have the best loving, giving and caring family in the entire world, and my friends are sensational!

As such, the Parlor Gallery is celebrating the Giving Season by opening and sharing the gallery with other businesses that need a place to present their goods to customers. Once again, Parker and his friends will perform and get support from old and new fans. And, we're inviting our neighbors to gather and start the season off with tree lighting and caroling.

Please join us Nov 21 for Parker and Friends, Dec 5, for Sip & Shop & tree lighting, and Dec 19 for a Jazzy, Jazzy, Christmas.

Best wishes for a joyful holiday season,

Sheila

Please Come to Our Fall Fete

Dear Friends,
We're back from our break and we're so happy to have an event at the gallery that was recommended by many of our patrons.
We're planning Fall Fete--a day of fun, shopping and mingling at the Parlor Gallery on Saturday October 17, 2009 from 10 am to 6 pm. This is the same day as the Bedford Stuyvesant Brownstone tour (http://www.brownstonersofbedstuy.org/), so there will be lots to do in the neighbor hood. Our vendors will feature collectibles, artwork, Accessories, crafts and more.
We also have a limited number of space available for information email (sheilakennedy@gmail.com) or call me at 917.658.5711 to reserve space.
"We're gonna have a funky good time." There wil be free apple cider and door prizes and the usual gang of warm, friendly people that make the Parlor Gallery a special place to enjoy. Looing forward to seeing you.
Best wishes,
Sheila

We've Only Just Begun--Just Keep Coming

Dear Friends,

Whew! We had a blast this summer. Beginning with the astounding piano recital of our own gifted classical pianist, Jennifer Kennedy. Followed by the beautiful and evocative works of Willie Torbert, which left our fellow art lovers asking "what's next?" Then we were all overwhelmed with Parker and Friends' spectacular performances that left our enthusiastic and appreciative audience clamoring for an encore performance. The overwhelming response from Parlor Gallery patrons is: "more jazz!"

I am thrilled and a little overwhelmed with the gallery's success and the support and interest of our patrons. We're taking September to catch our breath and refine our fall and winter events' schedule. In coming months, look for more jazz, art, a Fall Fete and Christmas Open House.

The Parlor Gallery has evolved into a supportive village of art, music, and culture with a vivid assortment of joyful people that love life. If you're a joyful lover of life or wish to become one, definitely consider coming to a Parlor Gallery event.

I'm exhilarated and grateful for all the support given to our gallery and our featured artists. Thanks so much for your generosity.

Best wishes,
Sheila

The Last Breeze of Summer

Dear Friends,

Before bidding farewell to summer, On August 22, 2009, The Parlor Gallery is presenting Parker McAllister and Friends for another evening of hip-swinging, foot-stomping, finger-popping, head-shaking, jammin' good music. Bassist Parker McAllister performing with the sensational Johnnie Mercier, piano; Travis Antoine,trumpet; Manny Laine,drums; and other musician friends who might join in the fun for another exhilarating evening of classical and contemporary jazz at the gallery.

This will also be the last chance to view artworks by Willie Torbert that have been exhibited at the Gallery this summer. Beautiful original collages, watercolors and drawings remain available for sale at very affordable prices. This is a chance for art lovers to collect original artwork and preserve history for future art lovers.

Parker and friends will perform 2 sets at 8 and 10; we'll serve light fare; and as always, we'll enjoy the company of fellow art and music lovers. Please come and support our talented young musicians. We ask only a $15 donation--but don't let that stop you from coming. All who bring good spirits and love of life are welcome.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Jazz at the Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends,

A fabulous evening a jazz! If you missed the July 25 jazz event, don't miss the next event on August 22 when Parker and friends return to delight and inspire us.

Four exceptional young musicians: Johhnie Mercier, piano, Parker McAllister, bass, Travis Antoine, trumpet, and Manny Laine, drums. All in their late teens to mid 20's and have taken on classical jazz and bumped it up to their own style of swing and bop. Young people playing classical jazz in this day and age--it was great!

We also had 2 surprise artists: John Polite, trumpet; and the extroadinary jazz and gospel vocalist, Ndelka Prescod, who delighted guests with a beautifully lyrical rendition of "Round Midnight." The audience loved Nedelka, who leads her own music group, Conscious Uprising.

Long-time jazz lovers, along with newer jazz lovers gathered to hear great music in a beautiful gallery setting for mutual love of art, music, and life. Please join us next time and support our new young artists.

I can go on and on, but I'm getting ready to go on vacation tomorrow. (Yea! my sister and I are taking a sister-trip of sun, books, and sleep.) Thanks so much to all of the generous supporters of the Parlor Gallery.

Best wishes,

Sheila

An Evening of Jazz at the Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends,

I'm very excited to host an evening of jazz with my son, Parker, and a few of his friends. As many of you know, Parker has been playing piano since he was 4 years old. Actually, he started at 2 playing all sorts of instruments very loudly--particularly drums.

As a parent whose followed and supported her son's interest in music from the very beggining, I am so pleased that he has taken ownership of his passion and has been building an exciting music career.

And now, by popular demand, Parker is playing for friends and family this Saturday. The line-up for the evening include: Travis Antoine: Trumpet; Johnny Mercer: Piano; Parker McAllister: upright/electric bass; and Manny Laine: Drums.

We're asking for $15 donation to support back-to-college funds--but all are welcome regardless. Please join us for a fun-filled evening and support our young musicians.

Best wishes,

Sheila

Willie Torbert Exhibit Extended to July 25

Dear Friends,

Some have expressed interest in the Torbert exhibit but are having a tough time squeezing it in between summer fun and travels and I don't want anyone interested to miss this vibrant, soulful and diverse group of original fine artworks that include beautiful watercolors, collages, and drawings.

The opening was fun-filled as well as saddened by the sudden death of Michael Jackson. As you can imagine, the interest in the artwork competed with the overwhelming emotional discussions surrounding Michael. Everyone had a a Michael Jackson story covering several generations.

Then the highlight of the event was when Jennifer and Parker (my musician niece and son) hit the piano and bass and started reminiscing MJ tunes. If I say so my self (mom's prerogative) Parker played soulful and melodic bass solos that had us all poppin' and almost dancing.

Don't miss the exhibit. We'll be here Saturday's and Sunday's through July from 2:00 to 6:00 and will open by appointment. Willie Torbert will join us Tuesday evening.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Showing Artist Willie Torbert at the Gallery

Dear Friends,

I am very happy to exhibit artist Willie Torbert at the Parlor Gallery June 27 to July 15, 2009. Willie and I go way back to the early 80's when I started collecting artworks and introducing artists and their works to friends and colleagues.

Willie has been exhibiting his works including oils, watercorlors, collages, mixed media and drawings for over 20 years. His exhibition credits include MoCada Museum, Brooklyn; Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, WBGO Jazz 88 Art Gallery, Bronx Courthouse, Medgar Evers College, Spiral Gallery and dozens of other exhibitions. His artwork has been commissioned by Esesence Magazine, Barardi Rum, Thelma Hill Performing Arts, Harper Collins Publishers, Henry Street Settlement and Medgar Evers 30th Anniversary Print.

The Parlor Gallery will have a large and diverse selection of artwork on view and for sale at very affordable prices. It is important that we support our artists in good times and bad as creativity will lead the way out of ecomomic recession and feed our hearts, minds and soul in good times and bad.

Please join us and enjoy the artwork and the mingle with new and old friends.

Best wishes,

Sheila

Great Friends, Food, Music--A Joyful Celebration !

Dear Friends,

One look at the pictures (yes check out the movie below, I've learned something new) and you will see we had a blast at our Mothers Day Tea.

First the food was good-- especially the cupcakes by Erika and the Amish cinnamon bread from Denise. Have you heard of the endless bread chain? Well, I'll save the details for a future blog, but the premise is that if you follow instructions you and your friends can make bread for ever using the same source batter. Confused? So am I but the bread is delicious.

Jennifer's piano recital was absolutely beautiful. Performing Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms and featuring Nathaniel Dett, a 19th Century, African-American Composer, gallery guests were overwhelmed with her talent and graciousness. Jennifer is completing her Masters in piano performance at Purchase University. I'll keep you informed about her performance schedule.

Not that Jennifer could be topped, but the day was also blessed with extraordinary and wonderful guests. Our gallery was filled with warm, friendly, giving and beautiful people. Old friends and new friends gathered to support the Parlor Gallery's first event in over two years and for that I am deeply grateful. Restarting the Parlor Gallery is a challenge in this current economy. However, it is my view, that this challenge will facilitate the re-emergence of Black entrepreneurship. And, if we all support each other, our communities and our businesses will thrive. Wouldn't that be a wonderful legacy for our children?

By the way, Estelle of Creative Blossoms located on Lewis Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant, provided the loveliest flowers for our event. Thank you!

Thanks so much for your support and I'll see you June 27 when we present Artist Willie Torbert.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Aloha Obama

Dear Friends,

I’m so pleased and delighted to share a picture of this Aloha quilt created by Ellen Mears Kennedy. Ellen, my sister-in-law, is a loving and giving woman and an extremely gifted artist that works with mixed media and specializes in paper collages and sculpture. Inspired by the inauguration of our wonderful President Obama, she used fabric that was purchased in Honolulu in 2005—it's all traditional cotton Hawaiian shirt fabrics—and that she had been saving for an "auspicious" occasion to make into a quilt. It couldn't get any more auspicious than the inauguration, which inspired her to start working on it. Now this masterpiece is complete and has been donated to the Sidwell Friends School benefit auction to support the scholarship program. Sidwell Friends is the school that the Obama children attend. To learn about the auction visit www.sidwell.edu and to learn more about Ellen’s artwork visit www.ellenMearsKennedy.com.

This site is a forum to share art, ideas and information. If you have something you’d like to share with my readers, you are welcome. This forum is for all who love life and art.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Keep Moving Forward

Dear Friends,

Happy April! This year is going so fast, we'd better stop procrastinating or it'll be over before you know it. (I'm primarily speaking for myself). I confess that despite all my efforts, I still find myself experiencing emotional peaks and valleys. I am very well aware that I am blessed--for that matter, VERY WELL-BLESSED, but that does not stop the blues from sneaking up on me from time-to-time. Yet, every now and then I'm at the right place at the right time and I'm reminded of the bounty that has been bestowed upon me. Thank you, Jackie Davis and Renee Alexander. Last week, Jackie and Renee (two beautiful and brilliant women both well past their fifties and just completing their doctorates) in different ways and probably without even realizing it, encouraged and inspired me by reminding me that life is short, precious and fleeting and that it's never too late to achieve new goals. So now I'm reminding my readers—"we're too blessed to be stressed!" Keep moving forward.

I also thank the 500 Hancock St. Block Association with special acknowledgment to our President, Desiree, for the work they've done to improve our block. In less than 2 years, our once neglected block has been transformed with new potted plants, new tree guards, friendlier neighbors, and regular block events for children. For over 20 years I've talked with a few neighbors or just waved and smiled--but we never visited in each other’s homes. Our association meetings were held on the sidewalk. Now, we have blossomed into real neighbors and friends bonded to beautify, secure and clean our block. And we now meet in each other’s homes. Getting involved in your block association is a very small thing that can be done on every block that could potentially make a HUGE difference. Imagine if every block in Bedford Stuyvesant, Jamaica and Harlem was committed to clean, beautify and secure their block. That would be real Power!

So I'm suggesting that if you want to make a difference and improve community, join and reinvigorate your block association for a cleaner, safer, friendlier and more beautiful block.
I also invite you to join me in beating "the blues" by planting window boxes and flower pots for your stoops. This is guaranteed to bring you beauty and joy.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Out and About Town

Dear Friends,

Recently I saw “The Good Negro,” a provocative play now showing at the Public Theater. Tracey Scott Wilson wrote an insightful story about the challenges, complications, atrocities and accomplishments of the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement. Mostly, she told the story of how despite human frailties, much can be accomplished if committed and focused on the greater possibility, rather than on individual problems and differences. Splendidly performed by an excellent ensemble, I highly recommend this as a worthwhile night out. I also suggest you bring a young high school or college-age friend as audience members when I attended were predominately well past their 50s.

I also read a book I just love. Crystal of Brownstone Books, a wonderful bookstore in Bedford Stuyvesant, recommended Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. At first I hesitated reading this book about a hostage situation that takes place in a small South American country. However, this is a remarkable story of terrorists, hostages and people of different backgrounds and how surprisingly touching relationships can evolve, even love, in a horrendous and doomed situation. Bel Canto is a very readable story that is bittersweet and thoroughly engaging. If you're a reader like me that is often in search of a good book visit Brownstone Books and ask Crystal for a recommendation. She hasn't failed me yet. Visit their website at www.brownstonebooks.com.

Finally, to inspire your inner artist as well as to support local art, please check out the sites listed below and consider visiting some of the local events and exhibits:

The Brooklyn Museum: www.brooklynmuseum.org
MoCada (Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts): www.mocada.org
Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival: www.centralbrooklynjazzconsortium.org
AfroArts Urban Design: www.afroart-design.net
Brooklyn Public Library www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
The Public Theater: www.publictheater.org

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: www.bbg.org

Have fun exploring.

Best wishes,

Sheila

Discover Your Inner Artist!

Dear Friends,

Look at my first creation! I can’t believe that I actually hand painted a beautiful silk scarf. For some time I’ve wanted to awaken my creative abilities. I’ve finally begun the journey. Not that I expect to become an artist, I just want to use my creativity and have some fun. Each of us has creative ability although we may have buried our talents with years of neglect and inactivity.

Recently, a friend very generously offered to teach me to paint on silk. Gloria, who paints under the name Lanza-Bajo, is a silk painter. Lanza-Bajo’s works are varied, some vibrant explosions of color full of energy and movement, and others are soft, delicate warm applications of color that beg to be touched. Her flowers are so beautiful and lifelike you almost believe you can pick them off the silk and smell them; her graphic designs are lively and appear to be in motion. If you want to learn more about Lanza-Bajo’s designs contact her at glbsilk@earthlink.com.

I look forward to growing in skill and creating more beautiful scarves, and I thank my teacher—friend. If I can paint a silk scarf, imagine what you can do.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Spring Forward!

Dear Friends:

Thank God for longer, warmer days. As winters go, this one wasn’t that bad but I found myself longing for spring. I’d tell myself, when it gets warmer I’ll start walking again; I’ll get the garden in shape; visit galleries and museums; etc. etc. All things that don’t have to wait for spring-- but I just had to ride this winter out.

Now, I’m ready. And what I’m most ready for is beauty. Don’t you love beautiful things? I want to bring more beauty in my life. For me, beauty is beautiful walks in the park, enjoying the joy of small children, reading a good book in my backyard after the flowers are bloomed, and sharing good times with friends and family. Life is so beautiful and most of the beautiful things in life are priceless and can be had during prosperous times and less prosperous times.

I just enjoyed a beautiful luncheon with 5 beautiful sisters and I believe I can speak for us all and say that the occasion was a real stimulus boost. As we’re all experience change, it was a joy-filled afternoon of provocative conversation, brainstorming, sharing our circumstances, and caring “for real” about each other. It was one afternoon that boosted our spirits exponentially. Simply beautiful!

We also had the most beautiful flowers that were provided by Creative Blossoms, a new florist in Bedford Stuyvesant. The spring arrangement was gorgeous and absolutely affordable.

Bringing beauty into your life with live plants and flowers goes a long way to boosting spirits. Try it and also try Creative Blossoms at 370 Lewis Avenue, Brooklyn, NY or creativeblossoms@gmail.com.

So tomorrow, I’ll start walking. Shall I look for you in the park?

Best wishes,
Sheila

Birthday Wishes from The Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends:

Last Saturday, I stopped by to see an Otto Neal exhibit currently showing at Afroart Designs in Bedford Stuyvesant. On view is an exceptional collection of oils, watercolors and beautiful sculpture depicting African and Caribbean-American culture. Afroart Designs is an urban lifestyle boutique and studio. Learn more at www.afroart-design.net.

Please pencil in May 9th for a Mothers' Day Tea and Concert at the Parlor Gallery. Look for more details as we get closer to the date. Also, join me in wishing our February birthday friends peace and joy for their new year. Happy Birthday Janice Battle, Deborah Kennedy, Bonnie Kirkland, Ernest McRae and Keiva McAllister.

I’m so excited; people are reading The Parlor Gallery blog. Thanks so much for visiting our Blog! Comments and news are welcome.

Best wishes,

Sheila

You're at The Parlor Gallery--Welcome!

Dear Friends,

I've been taking the last few days to figure out this blog before sending it to my friends. I'm learning as I go along, so please forgive me if things aren't perfect. Suggestions are gladly welcome. This blog is for us to share ideas and information about art, culture, politics, entrepreneurship or whatever that's on our hearts and minds. There are no rules except to be positive. We can challenge and express anger or even outrage, but let's do so respectfully and with an intent to educate.

I love art in all of it's form. It's functional, its a means to communicate and educate; art enriches our lives with beauty and provokes different ways of thinking. Art nourishes our soul and can be used to earn a living. Art makes us feel good and gives us hope for the future. Thank God for art!

This year I'm challenging my self to be an artist. As a youngster I was terrible in art class and took as few as possible. I never learned to make anything well. Now, I want to make things. I'm learning how to crochet and to silk screen scarves. I intend to learn how to make a quilt. It's unfortunate that many of us no longer are able to do the arts and crafts of our ancestors.

Please read my earlier postings, so if things seem out of order it's because I'm just now sending it out. Remember I'm learning and thanks for your patience and for joining this forum.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Gallery Tuesdays

Dear Friends,

At our Feb 17 Gallery Tuesday, John and I introduced James A. Garner, 2009 Candidate for Mayor of Hempstead and his teammates to our friends who gathered to hear his ideas and plans to reinvigorate Hempstead. We were delighted to host our friend Mayor Garner who has done so much to support small businesses.

Last November, John and I were also happy to present at Gallery Tuesday, Reverend Robert A. Waterman, Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church and a candidate for City Council. We gathered with our friends to hear Reverend Waterman's platform to bridge the communication gap between elected officials and the community. We're proud of the community building that Robert Waterman has already accomplished and are delighted to share his ideas with others. Please enjoy our photos from both of these events.

Best wishes,
Sheila

Welcome to The Parlor Gallery

Dear Friends:

It’s been a while since the Parlor Gallery last exhibited. First operating in our home from 1988 to 1990 and then at Fort Greene’s 4WCircle of Art and Enterprise until 1995, the Gallery languished with only occasional exhibitions. Now, recession notwithstanding, the Parlor Gallery is back. Our art sustains us through good times and bad fulfilling our need for beauty and vision that ensures our future. The Parlor Gallery blog will chronicle the events and goings on at the Gallery. It’s a place for all who love art, culture, politics, ideas and joy of life. We're delighted to be back.

Best wishes,
Sheila