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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR CHASHAMA WINDOW SPACE AT 266 WEST 37TH.
For projects beginning June 15th through September 30th, 2008,
APPLICATION DEADLINE THURSDAY MAY 15, 2008, 5PM.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR SITE SPECIFIC SUNDAYS AT WATERSIDE PLAZA
between 25th and 29th Streets on the FDR Drive by the East River
APPLICATION DEADLINE THURSDAY MAY 15, 2008, 5PM.
Click here for more information and application link.

chashama is now renting its theater at 217 East 42nd.

  The theater is available for small, contained filmshoots or film screenings and performing arts events.
  For film-related rentals, please contact Associate Artistic Director Marc Dale at dale@chashama.org
  For performing arts events, please contact Performing Arts Program Director Risa Shoup at risa@chashama.org
  Please include your contact information, a brief description of proposed usage, and the dates you would like to rent the theater.

  Conveniently located near Grand Central: 4,5,6,7 and shuttle trains from Times Square; M104 & M42 buses
  Capacity: 74
  Stage Dimensions:
  16' 6" deep, x 15' 6" wide (including a 2' 6" wing);
  30" height (raised platforms on 2'x 4's);
  22' ceiling;
  additional 1400 square feet with 8' ceilings
  Window Dimensions:
  13' 1" x 7' 9.5"

  ****Bathroom, Dressing Room, Air-Conditioning, Theatrical Lighting and Sound Available
  NOTE: this venue is not staffed by chashama; clients must acquire a key to use the space.   217 theater specs

link to 217 page

exhibits

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left: "Passing II" by Rachel Miller, Latex, Dirt - 9'x 2'
right: Michele Brody, "Garden/Forest" 2000. Detail: Papyrus floating in 7' tubes image details

Preservation
a two-person exhibition featuring artists Michele Brody and Rachel Miller
chashama Gallery, 112 West 44th Street

(between Broadway & Sixth Ave. / Subway: 1,2,3,B,D,F,N,Q,R,V,W to 42nd St., 7 & shuttle to Times Square. Bus: M104, M42 to Sixth Ave., M5, M6, M7 to 43rd St.) directions

May 2 to May 23, 2008
Tuesday-Wednesday 12pm - 7pm
Thursday-Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Opening Reception: Friday May 2, 6-9pm
FREE and open to the public.
www.michelebrody.com
www.rachel-miller.com

Preservation will combine the work of these two mixed-media artists into a visceral experience of light, sound, space and time that focuses on their distinct methods of preserving the environment and memory. Michele Brody will encompass the main gallery of chashama's 112 West 44th Street with an installation of Garden Sentinels composed of aluminum hardware that will parade charges of floating plants suspended in tubes of nutrient enriched water, her piece is made possible through a grant from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund. The installation will focus on the piecemeal efforts by humanity to preserve Nature within our industrial society. Rachel Miller will fill the floor of the window platform and back gallery space with evolving, historical fabric patterns, which will be comprised of organic and industrial materials. Through this work, she explores how the patterns of our past are both historically and metaphorically connected to personal patterns of ritual, development, and transience. about the exhibit

The essence of Michele Brody's work is to understand how we live with change and the constant flux of our environment. By incorporating the growth of plants within a range of materials she wishes to express the meaning of change and transformation as witnessed in the actual life cycle of flora. She wishes to plant within the viewer a desire to be more aware of the tenuous relationship between ourselves, nature, and the urban environment and how we as individuals can make a difference.

Michele Brody is a native New Yorker who received her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1994. She has exhibited widely over the past 14 years in France, Germany, Costa Rica, California, Chicago and in New York City. She has been the recipient of a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship and a Pollock-Krasner Grant, and has created permanent public works for the MTA and on Wall Street. Her work can be seen at www.michelebrody.com. about Michele

Rachel Miller's work explores environmental and ecological patterns, and how they interconnect with our own patterns of growth, departure, and rejuvenation. Using both the body and landscape as cynosure and subject, she explores the landscape's role as an active residence for both the living and the deceased. Her works, which include sculpture, installation, performance and costume, examine the constant resurfacing of the past, and its integration with the present. She coalesces topics from ritual, archeology, architecture, travel, textiles, and nature.

Also a native New Yorker, Rachel Miller received her MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2004. Her work has been exhibited in California, Italy, Michigan, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and New York City. Her sculptural work was recently featured as part of the collection of Tsao-McKown Architects in Interior Design Magazine, as well as the Tribunale di Firenze for her costume designs in the world premiere Italian opera, El Sogno di Una Note Mezza Estate. Rachel currently resides and maintains a studio practice in Brooklyn, NY. Her work can be seen at www.rachel-miller.com. about Rachel

postcard image for "Advertising for the Consumption of Our Selves" at chashama Harlem Gallery

"mugshots 1", 2008, Oil on Canvas, 36 x 48 inches
(original photos gathered by Mark Michaelson) image details

Advertising for the Consumption of Our Selves
by Summer McClinton
chashama Harlem Studios Gallery, 461 West 126th Street

(btwn Amsterdam & Morningside Aves; 1/A/C/B/D to 125th Street station) directions

May 8-11 & 15-18, 2008
Thursday-Sunday 2pm - 6pm
OPENING RECEPTION Thursday May 8, 6-9pm
FREE and open to the public.

Advertising for the Consumption of Our Selves exhibits a new direction in McClinton's paintings, which represent her production of the last year. Her current work is an exploration of the relationship of personality to society: specifically the resulting conflict between the spiritual self and the physical organism. The works function as a conceptual manifestation connecting found imagery, realism, and cartoon surrealism. about the exhibit

McClinton's works are powerfully executed with sensitivity to form, color vibration and texture. Formally the works have two aspects; one linear-graphic and one natural-organic.

McClinton's work examines the nature of dualistic reality, which considers the individual in two parts: the physical self and the inner being/consciousness/or soul. The inner being is considered to be a larger, continuous presence that exists before and after the physical self. If this perpetual aspect is truly innate, it helps to explain the relief experienced vicariously through entities that deny the primacy of the physical vehicle: for example, the undeniable magnetism of the self-destructive persona, and the marketing appeal of food mascots ingesting themselves. more

Summer McClinton born in Boulder, Colorado, is currently living in New York City. McClinton was educated in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and New York where she studied Graffiti, Oil Painting, Printmaking and Comic Book Arts. She is the recipient of many awards and has had her work published in numerous forms. McClinton has exhibited her works in solo exhibitions and many group exhibitions around the United States. Works by Summer McClinton are in numerous private collections. Random House is currently publishing 150 pages of McClinton's drawings as the latest American Splendor (H. Pekar) novel. about Summer

also / upcoming

Beneath The Skin

A PERFECT8 Exhibit
chashama ABC Gallery
169 Avenue C
May 12 - June 2, 2008
www.PerfectEight.com

(at 11th Street, M14C, M14D buses, F to 2nd Ave., L to 1st Ave.)

OPENING RECEPTION Friday May 12, 6-9pm
Tuesday - Sunday, 11a-6pm or by appointment
FREE and open to the public.

featuring artists: Andrea Aragón, Jill Marleah Bell, Anki King, Jessica Lagunas, Laura Meyers, Alice Mizrachi, Chloe Paganini, Diana Schmertz, Alison Ward and Cindy Workman. details

Beneath the Skin is an exhibition based on PERFECT 8, a publication and project dedicated to de-objectification. As opposed to the idealized "perfect 10", PERFECT 8 forms a new expression conveying a sentiment and recognition of the beauty found within the imperfections of people. Perfect also being defined as "complete of its nature or kind", lends itself to the view that the individual can only be construed as perfect when all attributes of the whole person are acknowledged. Works on view at Beneath the Skin range from painting to video to the installation of "The Revised Men's and Women's Interests Sections". By provoking a curiosity, and ultimately a questioning of what it would be like to experience the feelings of another, this exhibit works to deconstruct the myth that people are objects and obtainable products. about Beneath the Skin

PERFECT 8 was created by Diana Schmertz in 2006. After completing her BFA from Purchase College at age 19, Schmertz was accepted into De Ateliers 63 residency program and awarded a two-year grant to live and paint in Amsterdam, Holland. Since, she has traveled extensively, completed two Masters in Science, and exhibited professionally throughout America. Most recently she has received a Manhattan Community Arts Fund grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and a grant from the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance. about Diana

The Center of Something

Neighborhood Breakdown, 2008, (DETAIL) screenprint on paper image details

by Chris Rubino
chashama Times Square Gallery
112 West 44th Street
30 May - 15 June 2008
www.chrisrubino.com

(between Broadway & Sixth Ave. / Subway: 1,2,3,B,D,F,N,Q,R,V,W to 42nd St., 7 & shuttle to Times Square. Bus: M104, M42 to Sixth Ave., M5, M6, M7 to 43rd St.)
Tuesday-Saturday 12pm - 7pm
Opening Reception: Friday May 30th, 6-9pm
FREE and open to the public. details

The Center of Something exhibits Rubino's take on New York as a destination for both visiting and living. Taking advantage of the Times Square location Rubino has created what he is referring to as a "limited tourist attraction". The Exhibit is modeled after the dozens of stores in the neighborhood selling the same inane souvenirs playing off tourist's pre-conceived image(s) of New York. In an attempt to create new "icons" for the city Rubino's installation will consist of his "souvenirs" as well as hand drawn screenprints that recreate pieces of the New York daily visual language, i.e., maps, advertisements, signage, etc. Tourists will be encouraged to visit, interact and possibly question what they exactly are experiencing. about the exhibit

Rubino's work plays with the commonly unnoticed daily language that we as viewers can relate to but often do not question, he twists our words and clichés for us in a way that may cause us to reconsider these undeniable elements in our lives. His work is colorful, clean and bold causing it to stand out in the littered visual landscape we walk in today, which is quite relevant to this exhibit both in concept and setting.

Chris Rubino is an artist/designer whose work has been exhibited in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong and around the U.S. He has created commercial artwork for such clients as The New York Times, Banana Republic & The NY Public Theater. He also runs a Brooklyn-based silk-screen studio named Studio18Hundred that makes limited edition posters for rock bands including The Rapture, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Vetiver.

Recent Exhibitions have taken place at The Academy of Visual Arts (Hong Kong), Varsko (Norway), The Majestic (New York), The Aram Gallery (London) & Journal Standard Homestead (Tokyo). A series of his prints has been added to the permanent collection at the Museum of Design in Zurich. about Chris Rubino

windows

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postcard image for "Bracha-Blessing" at chashama, 266 W.37th Street

Bracha-Blessing
chashama performance window
266 West 37th Street

Between 7th and 8th Avenues, A/C/E/1/2/3 to 34th Street, N/R/Q/W/7 to Times Square; M16, M34 buses to 8th Ave, M10, M20 to 36th St. directions

by Jill Ariela & the EyesInfinite Family
May 10 - 17, 2008
Opening reception: Saturday May 10th at 6:30pm
Open hours from May 11th to 17th.
For more information please contact jill.ariela@gmail.com.
www.artandapathyfilms.com
www.beyondblueandgrayfilms.com
www.eyesinfinite.com

Inspired by EyesInfinite's The Last Artist, from the Art and Apathy Film Project; A lyrical and visual reflection on the Jewish tradition of speaking out against injustice. We will be having open hours throughout the week of May 11-17th for individuals and groups to explore the space.

This piece comments on the word Bracha, Hebrew for blessing, reservoir of water as well as tree layering (to take the branch of a tree, bend it to the ground, make a wound, plant it under the ground to grow roots and create a new tree). My hope is to plant this wounded branch and pray it takes root, pray it grows honestly, justly and righteously enabling a future where my children may be proud of their history.

May we plant this wounded branch to create a new layer for righteous growth… We hope you can join us for this special event! You are invited to an interactive visual installation entitled Bracha-Blessing

events

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LAUGH LINES
BENEFIT PLAY READING
chashama, 217 East 42nd Street

1 1/2 blocks east of Grand Central, between 2nd & 3rd Aves; 4,5,6,7 and shuttle train from Times Square directions

May 10, 2008, 8p
All Proceeds Benefit Gilda's ClubNYC
General Admission: $75
General Admission with Post-Show Meet and Greet Reception with the Stars: $95
To order tickets, go to www.gildasclubnyc.com or
call Eileen Jackson 212-647-9700, x254

Written by Penny Bergman
Directed by Casey Childs
Music by Andy "A.J." Gundell
Lyrics by Penny Bergman/Andy "A.J." Gundel; "I'm a Middle-Aged Woman" by Lisa Koch
Musical Direction by Michael Larsen

The cast: Kim Zimmer (4 EMMIES Guiding Light), Ilene Kristen (EMMY nominee - One Life To Live, Ryan's Hope), Bobbie Eakes (Bold and the Beautiful, EMMY nominee - All My Children) Marj Dusay (EMMY nominee- Guiding Light, All My Children), Joel Rooks (Jewtopia), Jason Ostrowski (Broadway revival "Company"), Mel Gionson (King and I), Melissa Claire Egan and Amanda Baker (All My Children)

All Proceeds Benefit Gilda's ClubNYC.

General Admission $75
General Admission with Post-Show Meet and Greet Reception with the Stars $95
To order tickets, go to www.gildasclubnyc.com or
call Eileen Jackson 212-647-9700, x254 details

Laugh Lines is a musical comedy for anyone who's ever had a junior senior moment. For anyone who has uttered the words, "I'm too young to be this old!" This full-length, one act play follows three lifelong "New Yawkers" smack in the middle of midlife crisis -- and the men and families that love and support them.

The fast-paced ensemble show speaks directly to the huge generation of Baby Boomers: obsessing over losing their looks, their sexuality, their children, their jobs, their memory and their minds! Laugh Lines is not all about the young and skinny, rather we also celebrate the older and pear-shaped – former activists, groovy grandmas, and fabulous fashionistas. It's an intergenerational experience, a girl's night out and a middle-age date play.

Who deserves a laugh more than you? A little about Laugh Lines…

postcard image for "ALEGRIAS ON 42ND STREET"

photo: Paco Sanchez
ALEGRIAS ON 42ND STREET
"A Night of Song and Dance"
chashama, 217 East 42nd Street

1 1/2 blocks east of Grand Central, btwn 2nd & 3rd Aves; 4,5,6,7 and shuttle trains from Times Square directions

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, May 16 & 17
9pm & 11pm
more information to come
Cover: $15
Call for Reservations 917.667.2695
www.alegrias.com

also / upcoming

CURIOUS FISH

by Katsura Kan and dancers
chashama, 217 East 42nd Street
May 24 & 25 at 8PM
Call Theatermania: 212-352-3101 or 866-811-4111 or buy online:
www.theatermania.com
www.vangeline.com

(1 1/2 blocks east of Grand Central, btwn 2nd & 3rd Aves; 4,5,6,7 and shuttle train from Times Square)

Program: "Unspoken" by Vangeline
performed and choreographed by Vangeline (15 min);
"Curious Fish" by Katsura Kan and dancers
directed and choreographed by Katsura Kan (45 minutes)
"Curious Fish" was a premiere showing at San Francisco Butoh festival in 2001 and got 5 star rating at Edinburgh fringe festival in the summer.
tickets: $20 /$15 students and seniors
Call Theatermania: 212-352-3101 or 866-811-4111 or buy online:
http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/143547 details

This dance piece was inspired by MINAMATA disease/mercury poisoning. At that period in Japan faced to many kind of serious environmental crisis by the much too high economic growth. We were in the heavy tragedy, especially we saw lots, lots of strange fish in the rivers and sea. So cats, dogs, chicken danced DEATH DANCE because they ate the fish and human, also. My fragmental dance pieces/ "Curious Fish" were the requiem for the spirits who couldn't become human and the life that have been erased before come to this world. However I don't want to lose the HOPE. about "Curious Fish"

Katsura Kan is a native of Kyoto and a Master Butoh artist among the ranks of Japan’s first generation of Butoh. He performed with the seminal Butoh troupe "Byakkosha" (1979-1981) known for its austerity and integrity, rather than theatrical glamour. He is a celebrated solo artist, collaborative performer and choreographer. Kan has worked with what he calls "minority dancers" all over the world, in remote locations throughout Africa, Europe, South East Asia for the past 28 years, in addition to performing his creative works in cosmopolitan culture.

Kan's approach is inspired by classical Akoku Butoh otherwise known as the "dance of utter darkness." He reverses roles where men are women and visa versa, who then transform into chickens to flowers to frogs that frighten a ballerina. In the midst of all is Kan, a ghost-like figure, marking time and burning himself into your retina. He projects the sensation that he is something before human--a kind of fish or mineral. He awaits "the tears then climbs the rainbow." Kan's work exudes a dark humor that combines whirling images, handled delicately then powerfully. The result is an electrifying event that is both funny and terrifying. As Diane Dubois from the Scotsman wrote: "I laughed, got scared, and laughed some more." about Katsura Kan

Vangeline is The Artistic Director of The Vangeline Theater. She was born in France and moved to New York in June 1993. She founded The Vangeline Theater in December 2002 and has been training extensively with Master teachers Diego Pinon of the Butoh ritual Mexicano Center and Tetsuro Fukuhara from Japan. She has been teaching Butoh classes to dancers and non dancers in the New York Area since 2002. The Vangeline Theater organises intensive Butoh workshops in New York with Master Teachers Diego Pinon, Daisuke Yoshimoto, Tetsuro Fukuhara. More recently we have been teaching members of the incarcerated population (the Dream a dream project). Vangeline is also assistant Director for TOKYO SPACE Dance 2006/2007, an international Project co-founded by Butoh Artist Tetsuro Fukuhara, and a participant to the Monarch project, founded by Butoh artist Diego Pinon from the Butoh Ritual Mexicano.

The Vangeline Theater performs Butoh offerings in public places in New York to offer our energy to the city. We support other New York performers and curate mixed performances of danse, music, mixed media. We invite other artists and dancers/choreographers/composers to perform with us. We try to offer a platform for artists of all backgrounds. about Vangeline

cFF 2008

postcard image for "chaFilmFest 2008" at chashama 217

chashama 217 East 42nd Street
May 29 - June 1, 2008
Now accepting submissions for films to be reviewed in DVD, VHS or miniDV format.
For submissions guidelines and festival info, go to: www.chafilmfest.com

(1 1/2 blocks east of Grand Central, btwn 2nd & 3rd Aves; 4,5,6,7 and shuttle trains from Times Square)

cFF 2008 aims to bring together filmmakers in any area of the globe by showcasing their work in one space in New York City through the first annual chashama Film Festival. cFF 2008 will promote the work of all deserving motion picture artists to audiences who crave courageous and groundbreaking films.

Selected finalists will be featured on the chaFilmFest website, and will be judged by a panel of industry professionals. There will also be a vote at the festival on the last day of public screenings (June 1st). The winner will receive $217 (symbolic to the space), great exposure at chashama theater, and the director will be interviewed by a special guest (to be announced).

The top ten films will be publicly screened over three days, May 30 - June 1, 2008, at chashama's flagship space, 217 East 42nd Street in New York. Tickets for the screenings will be available for purchase online or by phone beginning May 16th. details

Since 1995, chashama, a non-profit arts organization has provided opportunities for performing and visual artists by awarding grants, producing shows and providing subsidized studio, rehearsal and performance space.

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