They Dance For Rain: The Exhibit
Photographs from a dance-making project in Nairobi, Kenya
The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Ave in Pittsfield, announces the presentation of photographs from They Dance For Rain until December 21st with receptions on Friday November 1st and December 5th from 5-8p coinciding with First Fridays ArtsWalk .
They Dance For Rain is a dance-making project that works with arts-for-social-change organizations in Nairobi, Kenya. It is created and directed by action-based dance artist Stefanie Weber in collaboration with fine art photographer Monika Pizzichemi.
Since January of 2012, They Dance For Rain has brought Tap shoes and the art form of Tap Dance to people with an interest and need for this unique kind of artistic self-expression. They also bring hoops to dance with and teach others the skills of making long-lasting dance hoops. They bring visibility to an otherwise unrepresented population of slum and ghetto dancers and dwellers through photography and film. In this area of the world, Tap Dance is still quite young and the eagerness to learn it is immense. Through this continuing global exchange of artistic dialogue They Dance For Rain inspires a new generation of Tap Dancers. These dancers will innovate the form through use of their own culturally distinctive ideas and styles.
The Lichtenstein Center exhibit will feature select photographs, videos and stories from Weber and Pizzichemi’s 2013 residency in Nairobi working with four organizations that support the performing arts in underserved areas: Shangilia Child Rescue Center, VOCAL (Voices of Change All Over), Banjuka Dance Program and GoDown Arts Center.
Photos will be on display through December 21st and are for sale. Proceeds from the sales will go to the 2014 continuation of the project. For more information visit: fertileuniverse.com/
I am planning on coming to the opening reception in Pittsfield. I have a job in Pittsfield the following day, so I am planning on coming up and staying over. Looking forward to seeing you.
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