Shirley Cheng--a blind and physically disabled 23-year-old poet, author and contributing author of eight books--delights in introducing Sole Vishyuns' Celebration of Hope event that is scheduled for the spring of 2007 at Canadian National Institute for the Blind in Toronto, Canada and an outline of her own speaking appearance and book signing during the event, and sharing a bit of her inspirational life story to empower, inspire, and motivate.
The project is broken down into two parts; the first part will take place on November 11, 2006, and the last part will be held in the spring of 2007, where Shirley is slated to speak and hold her book signing.
A Celebration of Movement . Sound . Art . Language . Hope
Saturday, November 11, 2006
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
This arts initiative is comprised of two elements:
Multi-Media Arts Events ~ The first of these events "11:11 ~ Gala Celebration" will be the opening of the venue and the launch of Sole Vishyuns. It will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at the state of the art building which is the new home of CNIB, Toronto national office. The event will feature all of the arts, with appearances and performances by well known artists and celebrities.
Future events will include appearances by local and internationally renowned artists, authors and inspirational speakers.
Workshops & Artist Residencies & Studios ~ Ongoing inter-disciplinary arts workshops, lectures and performances will feature all of the arts.
The aim is to create a template at the flagship CNIB facility in Toronto and then to design and implement the model at each of the CNIB facilities across Canada. Going forward it is our intention to create Exchange Artist Residencies through partnerships with other existing initiatives both locally and internationally.
Art: Multi-media, fine art, film, performance art, art lectures, sound sculpture, culinary art, etc.
Movement: Improvisational movement and dance (free-style and choreographed), stillness, etc.
Language: Poetry, prose, free style & improvisational writing, spoken word, sung word, etc.
Sound: Music, singing, songwriting, sound as soulwork, sound sculpture, silence, etc.
Hope: Inspirational guest speakers, artists and authors.
An Invitation to the Press
Why:
SoleVishyuns is a community-centric multi media arts company that creates special events and workshops open to all, including those living with vision loss.
There are many ways of seeing and the intention of SoleVishyuns is to facilitate the meaningful exploration of all of them - with passion and joy.
What:
The premiere presentation and launch of SoleVishyuns, a new Canadian company that brings people together from every walk of life, in a celebration of art, movement, sound, language and hope. Founder of SoleVishyuns is South African-born Canadian transformational artist, frankieRICH. Co-founder is Bonnie Black, an expressive artist and theatre professional whose career spans Canada and the U.K.
The evening starts with live ‘random acts’ and performances during a pre-show cocktail reception, and continues with a multi-media live performances show. All are invited to an after-party to enjoy catered food, a cash bar and an opportunity to mingle with the artists.
Who:
Well known singer/songwriter/recording artist and sound therapy facilitator, Gary Diggins, whose eclectic career has seen him working as an opening act for artists ranging from Alice Cooper to Sly and the Family Stone, will be the main stage feature with his renowned band, “Triune.”
Other featured artists scheduled to appear include Ritchie Sinclair. “Stardreamer” is a born artist. His formal training in the fine arts, beginning at the tender age of four, culminated in apprenticeship under the tutelage of the Great Ojibway Shaman artist, "Norval Morrisseau". As a founding member of Morrisseau's, “Thunderbird School,” Ritchie is an authorized teacher and proponent of the Shamanistic Arts.
In addition, celebrated poets Andrea Thompson, Duke Redbird and Sharon Singer have been featured variously in many radio and television shows and film projects, including CiTr radio’s spoken word show, “Hearsay”, and on Bravo TV, TVO and CBC radio.
Independent dance artist, Martha Randall, whose most recent appearance was with MoonHorse Dance Theatre in their fall production of “This Castle”, is also an educational trainer in The Nia Technique – an expressive and soulful fitness program offering regular classes in Toronto.
Shirley Cheng, renowned poet and author of, “Dance With Your Heart”, among others, and recent recipient of the “Preditors & Editors Author’s Site of Excellence award, will be appearing via video from New York to welcome SoleVishyuns and to announce her appearance as the first guest speaker in their “Hope and Humour” inspirational speaker’s series. This event will be presented in April 2007. As co-author with other international bestselling authors Jack Canfield, Dr. John Gray and Tony Robbins, Ms. Cheng’s unique gift of delivering her message of hope will be found in the latest publication of a series of books, this one titled, “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2”.
Recording artist, Carlo Coppola, who wrote and produced the song/video “A Wish for Peace” and the upcoming release, “Moving In”, and the debut of an exciting, new rock band, “Blind Aviator”, complete a sampling of over fifteen performers and artists from the world of art, music and dance.
When:
Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 7:00 pm
(7:00 – reception, 8:00 – show, 9:30 - after party)
Where:
CNIB Centre, 1929 Bayview Avenue (Bayview & Eglinton).
The centre was recently voted “Best New Building in Toronto” ** by NOW magazine.