Art Sanctuary Grand Opening

Wednesday, December 1 – Saturday, September 4

628 S. Bainbridge Street – New Location

1801 W. Diamond Street – Church of the Advocate

Founded in 1998 by writer Lorene Cary, Art Sanctuary  “uses the power of black art to transform individuals, unite groups of people, and enrich, and draw inspiration from the inner city.” Each year, the organization touches the lives of thousands of people from Philadelphia and beyond through its annual Celebration of Black Writing, the North Stars program and other enriching literary and arts events and programs.

Today, the community-based organization moves into its new digs at 16th & Bainbridge Streets with four days of music, poetry and a special event with writer Ntozake Shange, author of the critically acclaimed choreopoem, " For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf".

For the complete schedule, see below.

Wednesday, December 1

628 S. Bainbridge Street

12:00 pm

6-ABC anchor Tamala Edwards interviews author Tina Smith-Brown about her new book, Fish and Grits, where heartbreak turns to heartwarming in the lives of kids growing up in public housing in North Philadelphia.

6:30 pm

North Stars Guitar and Vocal music students will have a demonstration of their work from this semester led by music teacher and jazz guitarist Monnette Sudler.

8:00 pm

Grammy®-nominated composer and trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe kicks off the Grand Opening celebration with an evening of great music and art with exhibits by photographer Lonnie Graham and sculptors John Stone and RG Reid.

Thursday, December 2

628 S. Bainbridge Street

8:30 am

Valerie Gay, dynamic civic leader, local choir director and soprano will start the morning with song. Gay and accompanist will demonstrate the simplicity and emotional depth of African-American spirituals and talk about the use of this music in youth groups today.

12:00 pm

Art Sanctuary founder, executive director and renown author Lorene Cary will have a discussion with Simon & Schuster editor Malaika Adero about her upcoming novel, If Sons, Then Heirs (publication date, May 2011).

6:00 pm

You’ve probably heard about Zumba, the latest fitness craze to hit the country and now participants can try it from FREE! April Smith, certified instructor will lead an early evening class open to everyone. (Pre-registration required. First come, first served.)

8:00 pm

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial arts form that incorporates dance movements. Join a skilled instructor as he teaches how to move and groove. FREE class for the community. (Pre-registration required. First come, first served.)

Friday, December 3

628 S. Bainbridge Street

10:00 am

It’s never too early to develop a love for literacy. Join a storytelling circle just for pre-schoolers.

12:00 pm

Ever wondered what a conductor really does? iConduct! is a fun activity that everyone in the family can enjoy. Philly 360° creative ambassador Jeri Lynne Johnson and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra musicians perform for those who want to experience what it's like to stand up in front of a group of performers and make music through gestures.

6:30 pm

Are you a poem waiting to happen? Do you have the words but not the forum? If so, this open mic is for you! Join, HBO Def Poet Bassey Ikpi as she hosts an Open Mic for the community. All are welcome. Stay after the Open Mic and experience the sounds of Philly 360° creative ambassadors Writtenhouse for a unique hip-hop experience as they create and perform music – from scratch – right before your eyes.

Saturday, December 4

11:00 am-1:00 pm

Church of the Advocate

1801 W. Diamond Street

A Laying on of Hands: An Afternoon with Ntozake Shange

The playwright and author of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” will be on hand for an afternoon of literature, learning and love. Through performances, a discussion and readings the audience will explore how Shange’s work has touched so many lives.