Portfolio of Grant Moonifesters
In this round of funding, we invited proposals that moonifest ancient wisdom, activate holistic artistic awakening, and catalyze Earth regeneration.
In this round of funding, we invited proposals that moonifest ancient wisdom, activate holistic artistic awakening, and catalyze Earth regeneration.
ElizaBeth Bando has this to share about her experience receiving a 2009 Moonifest grant:
"Being an artist can feel like being an island. Many an idea ends up buried in the sand. People need to engage with one another to spark energy and make ideas a reality. People need to find the family that understands their ideas.
I was in the process of taking a little theatrical show that I had created and turning it into a one woman storytelling performance piece. Fortunately for me, I discovered Moonifest. The blessings from this connection are too numerous to mention, so I will focus on two. My little show may have ended up buried in the sand. Working with Moonifest, indeed allowed it to manifest. The second blessing is finding a spiritual home where artists understand that art can be an earth centered experience.
'Being Green and Other Mysteries' has had its first workshop and is well on its way to finding its final shape and form. This is a gift made possible by Moonifest."
Round 1 Summer '09 Grant Recipients Announced!
Congratulations to the following recipients of Round 1 Moonifest Micro-Grants:
Melanie Weidner received 12 grant units for new digital photo and scanning equipment to support her artistic pilgrimmage journey this summer to the Southwestern US. She captured images along her journey and in the summer and fall '09 produce at least four spiritual collages of earth connection, and Moonifest will help promote an art opening of her work in Portland. Melanie will also weave these works into her Spiritual Direction and art coaching practice Listen for Joy, and her work with artists and women. Additionally, the artist will make available a round of art-collage workshops to women with limited access to creative outlets (low-income or imprisoned women) later in '09. "I intend for these collages and my summer experience to spark the community to then begin telling stories. My giftedness and my practice are to synthesize spiritual learning, artistic imagery, and communication skills to create art presentations and workshop events that invite others to engage with the wisdom I've gathered in order to evoke and empower their own. My summer pilgrimage art will create the perfect introduction and atmosphere for community spirituality events, and will model the transformative possibilities of both inner journey and integrative art-making." Thanks Melanie for your inspiring work!
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ElizaBeth Bando received 1 grant unit to support stage props and other PR for production in the summer '09 of her new play "Being Green and Other Mysteries." The play centers on the learning process of five cousins who come into relationship with a Magical Moonlit Tree. The play offers "practical tips on being green in day to day life, and the mysterious possibility that the earth can (and does) participate with us, communicate with us and illuminate truth and how to live well." ElizaBeth has also worked with a Seneca elder and shares her theater coaching with the development of Women's Circles. "In our Circles, our purpose was to come to know who we are through the earth, to live in truth and harmony with her, self and other. Eventually, my quest was woven into a philosophy that I call 'Earth, Art amp; Heart.'"
From Glenda B.: "I want to see this show go into the school systems."
From Meredith GB:"I teach in the school system and I want you to bring it to my school. I can't wait to build a study guide around it."
From Jack M.:"I love the potential for kids and adults alike to take some of what they heard and put it to use in their own homes."
Various audience members renewed their vow to recycle, especially water bottles. They had no idea we use so many and so few end up in the recycling bin.
Thanks Beth for your amazing work!
We will provide portfolio updates as the artists' work unfolds!
Additionally, here are some links to magnificent moonifestations of earth regeneration underway now elsewhere in the local universe:
Feel welcome to ask questions of us at any time via email or otherwise contact us. When you are ready, you can apply.