BELLE BRETT – GINA’S FLOATING WORLD: REFLECTIONS OF JAPAN

JULY 4-27, 2019 – RECEPTION JULY 19, 2019 from 5-7PM

BOOK TALK – GINA IN THE FLOATING WORLD – JULY 24, 3:00 & 6:00 PM

Art By Belle Brett

On Wednesday July 4 th , Great Bay Gallery opens the exhibit Gina’s Floating World:

Reflections of Japan by writer and artist Belle Brett of Somerville, Massachusetts (named

for the same Somers family as Somers Point). Belle’s recently published novel, Gina in the

Floating World, set in1981 in Japan, serves as the source of inspiration for her series of

collages, watercolors and photographs which will be on exhibit at the Gallery, 829 Bay

Avenue, Somers Point until July 27.

In her artistic career, Brett initially focused on photography and darkroom techniques.

More recently, collages, mixed media and watercolor painting have joined photography as

mainstays of her artistic expression.

Belle Brett’s first novel, Gina in the Floating World, was published by She Writes Press in

September 2018; it tells the story of a young American who undertakes a bank internship

in Tokyo who finds herself exploring the darker side of the culture. The story was inspired

by Belle’s own stint as a bar hostess in Japan when she was in her 20’s. Kirkus Reviews calls

the book “a sharply observed and unforgettable debut”. The novel was a finalist for a Sarton

Women’s Book Award in Contemporary Fiction.

Brett writes “Gina in the Floating World” inspired me to create this exhibit as a reflection of

different scenarios in the novel or aspects of Japanese culture, using collageas the

dominant medium since it is the most abstract of my art forms.

In this unusual exhibit of abstract forms that document the Japanese experience, Belle Brett

brings to the Jersey Shore an opportunity for art lovers, literary enthusiasts and the

continuously curious to explore Belle Brett’s experiences. See more about Belle Brett’s art

at www.bellebretstudio.com and writing at www.bellebrett.com.

Gina in the Floating World Book Talk and Discussion will be held on Wednesday July 24

with seating at 3:00 or 6:00pm. Seating is limited and reservations should be made by

calling 609-653-499; email: katharleth@hotmail.com. The event is free and open to the

public

Gallery hours are Wed & Thursday 12-5pm; Friday & Saturday 12-8pm; Sunday 11am-4pm

FLASH: WORLD ABOVE AT THE ARTS GARAGE

Your Arts & Music Photo Diary!

Words and Pictures By Raymond Tyler
For The Atlantic City Arts Commission


Wednesday June 19th, The Atlantic City Arts Commission (in the person of Raymond Tyler) attended the monthly reading World Above at The Arts Garage (2200 Fairmont Ave, AC, NJ.)

The World Above series is sponsored by The SJ Jersey Poets Collective and Stockton University.
The series takes place the third Wednesday of each month and is currently hosted by award winning poet and professor  Emari DiGiorgio.

Emari welcomes all poets to share one poem.
Poets attempting a second poem are shot (they are not shot.)
Emari also shares a monthly writing prompt.
Poets not completing the monthly prompt are shot (they are NOT shot.)

Poet and Sculpture, Lennox at World Above.
Sharing a poem dedicated to The Care Givers Exhibit
now on display at The Arts Garage!

The Ice Cream Man Can!
Poet and former educator Cole Eubanks.
You may see him this summer on a beach near you selling ice cream...
poems on the side are extra.


Poet and children's book author Doug Snelson (not an error) read from his new book.
Laughter Includes The Word is a collection he's published of poetry from his school days to his current days.
Some of the pages has copies of the original handwritten poems.
You can get more info at www.DougSnelson.com

NO POETS WERE SHOT IN THE WRITING OF THIS ARTICLE.


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5 REASONS TO GO TO TONIGHT'S STREET LIFE CONCERT

WORDS BY RAYMOND TYLER

Tonight! June 19th at Harrah’s Resort, the Hansen Foundation presents the 14th Annual Street Life Concert produced and directed by Waynard Scheller of Rainbow Full of Sound to help provide a supportive and safe environment for people recovering from substance use disorders through Resident Scholarships and supplemental needs for our life-saving endeavors…through our Serenity Houses and Serenity Estates, Hope Farm and Enlightened Café.

The Street Life Concert brings together some of the east coast's most accomplished singers and musicians who generously donate their time, exceptional talent, and celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock!

HERE ARE 5 REASONS TO ATTEND TONIGHT!

5. Affordable Live Music For what you might pay to hear one band that you never heard of before, doing music that might be good? You get a full concert of diverse music...celebrating one theme. WOODSTOCK! 4. The Best Music Live and Affordable These musicians that donate their time to The Street Life Concert are not fresh from their garage or piano recital. I have enjoyed myself the last 5 years and the musicians have played and sang in bands from coast to coast. We are talking TOP OF THE SHELF TALENT! So again, if you paid to experience this show any other night it would put a serious dent in your wallet. 3. Eddie Bruce- Yes every year the former host of Dancin on Air..is involved. He brings even more energy. 2. The 50th Anniversary of Wood Stock- No you can't get high at this show. However, we are talking about witnessing live presentations of music that defined one of the most creative generations ever...Janice Joplin ...Jimi Hendrix..Santana and more. To hear this music being played live in the Harrah's concert venue will be amazing.

1. The Hanson House Helps People...I hope I do not have to add to that. If you are interested in having a great time with live music tonight? I can't endorse a better event this week.

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The Secret Society of Fiction & Science Wizard World Diary

WORDS & PICTURES BY RAYMOND TYLER
FOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER STUDIOS

FOR GEEKS LIKE ME.
WIZARD WORLD PHILLY OR PHILLY COMIC CON IS LIKE  A SECOND CHRISTMAS.
IT'S THE ONE PLACE WHERE SCI-FI HEADS ARE GOOFIER AND GEEKIER THAN I.

THE PEOPLE YOU MEET ARE AS SINCERE AS A BOY WAITING FOR HE GREAT PUMPKIN ON HALLOWEEN

HERE HE COMES!
HERE COMES REX RACER'S DUMB KID BROTHER...SPEED.
I RATE THIS COS PLAY A 10..WOULD HAVE BEEN 11 OR 12 WITH SPRITEL AND CHIM CHIM.
BUT I KNOW HE'LL FIND HIS TRIXIE.

ACTION FIGURE.
THIS WONDER WONDER IS READY FOR BATTLE!

THAT TIME BACK IN KOREA.
THE BEST SURGEON TO EVER WORK A
MOBILE-ARMY-SURGICAL-HOSPITAL

THE ONE AND ONLY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN "HAWK EYE" PIERCE.
DO NOT ASK HIM FOR A BELT THAT IS NOT A SMOOTH MARTINI.

HERE'S A FACE AND MORE I HAVE MISSED.
PRINCESS DAPHNE FROM DRAGON'S LAYER.
SHOUT OUT TO DJ NINO BROWN...I SAW HIM FINISH THIS GAME AND GET THE GIRL.
ALL I EVER GOT FOR MY 50 CENT WAS DROWN, CRUSHED, SPEARED...JUST DEAD.

THAT'S ALL I HAVE FOR TODAY BUT I AM HEADING BACK AND WE HAVE 3 YOUTH REPORTERS THAT WILL FILE THEIR DIARIES.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT COMIC CON?

________

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THE PERRY /PEACE DISCUSSION : SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT

Writer Crystal Perry discusses why Spike Lee is genius and why "Nola Darling," works both in 1986 and 2019.

Writer Joe Peace discusses why Spike Lee is a cultural icon and why Nola Darling works in 1986 and 2019 (although he's kind of tired of Mars, Greer and Jamie.)

IT'S A NOLA DARLING JOINT !

WORDS BY CRYSTAL PERRY

I enjoy Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It.  The original which aired in 1986 explored the life of an aspiring artist, Nola Darling, who lived in Brooklyn New York.  Her journey during this time reflected on whether she was a “freak”, determined to live beyond limitations set forth by the male agenda, while attempting to discover her voice within her art.  For Nola this encompassed oil paintings that reflected her environment in which she lived, her community in which a reflection of herself was en grained, and her emerging sexuality that provided the foundational component in her artistic vision.

Fast forward to the newer series now played on Netflix, Nola is in the 21st century, dealing with today’s issues concerning environment, community, and an ever evolving sexuality, while continuing to confront the male agenda, and how unwanted expectations can increase the longing for freedom, self expression, and personal growth.  

Nola’s journey is rich with personal choice that is indicative of her creative voice when her artistic ownership is threatened.  Her personal relationships are examined, not only from a male perspective, but also challenged when lesbian possibilities become more evident within her life, all while attempting to remain authentic, and to allow the process of self expression to guide her vision.

Indeed, Spike Lee is a genius in many ways, and I think his updated rendition of She’s Gotta Have It is a must see by all women during this time because Nola Darling could be anyone of us, and for that I think her journey is inspiring.

_________________

HOW BROOKLYN CHANGED THE WORLD!

WORDS BY JOE PEACE

I am old enough to remember what being a black artist was like before Spike Lee. I wanted to be a film maker but I really saw no path. In fact any path to any dream as a black artist at that time meant hoping a more established non-black artist would offer some help. And then one day some friends Donnie, Shawn and Angel took me to The Little Arts Theater to see a film called She's Gotta Have It. I have always enjoyed She's Gotta Have It for being the first black film to break through, to start the revolution, to give artists in every genre permission to tell all the stories of our cultures. What I never liked is the circus of film makers that came after with one ghetto/drug dealer story after another.

She's Gotta Have It could be called a love story, a lust story or empowerment story. I never felt bad for Nola. She is a character that embraced every part of her being and lived in every moment

I feel sorry for all the women and men that aren't Nola. I feel bad for me when I don't live up to being Spike or Nola. Nola absolutely controlled what role the people she allowed in her life to play.

Fast forward to today's series now in Season 2 on Netflix. Spike continues this story of love, lust and power. I was comfortable with the Mars, Jamie and Greer of 1986 (I have even met Spike, Redmon Hicks and John Canada Terrell.)

The 21st century versions strike me as no less authentic but I do not get their motivation. Yes... Nola is still fine and special. While something about each of the 21st century group doesn't ring true. I think Spike will hit gold by exploring the one relationship he really could not in 1986, and that is the possibilities of Nola and Opal. Either way a trip through Spike's Brooklyn with out dope dealers and ghetto stories will always have me as a fan whether the screen is in a theater or my home.

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THE ARTS & MUSIC OPEN HOUSE TODAY AT NOON

Today is the premiere of The Arts & Music Open House at the Voorhees Art Center & Gallery ,
located inside the Voorhees Town Center!

The celebration of the arts is curated to be a great opportunity for families to enjoy a day, a cool place to take a date, a space for artists to feel creative and opportunities to network.

Scheduled to discuss her role in leading the nations no.1 community access radio station is Vanessa Graber. Ms. Graber is the station manager for FM 106.5 WPPM in Philadelphia.

She will discuss the importance of people powered radio and field questions.

If you ever wanted to learn about producing radio or TV? This is the event you should be at.
We also have workshop teacher and award winning poet Shawn R. Jones. Ms. Jones is opening today's event.

Maurice Waters of www.BlackSciFi.com (also a sponsor) will be attending.
Not only will he have a table.
He will discuss how Sci-Fi has evolved for people of color in the last few years.

The Father and Son Team of Demitrious and Bryce Bullock will be discussing why they recreated themselves as super heroes and the universe they have brought into reality.

We have many more poets, singers, and artists hat will be attending.

This open house is free and all are welcome.
There is free parking.
Please use the food court entrance!
Donations are welcome and needed.

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