African Cultural Event

Ten San Francisco are resident artists will perform here in St. George December 5th and 6th. Master drummers, master dancers, sculptor and artist, and keyboardist Melissa Vardey are putting on a very unique event and a first for Southern Utah. These artists tour America to preserve traditional African cultural arts. Their mission? Bring joy, excitement, color, and music to us. But mainly, their mission is to raise funds for the Ecole de Dance et d'Exchange Culturell orphan children. They in turn will learn the traditional arts of West African Ivory Coast Tribes. Event tickets are $20 which all goes to the Exchange Cultural Center.
Please help us locate individuals or businesses to fund this unique event. They are a non-profit touring ensemble.
Thank you very much,
Phil and Brenda
ARTe Gallery

The Spirit of Togetherness

       “The Spirit of Togetherness” is an African Cultural Fundraising Even that has toured major cities in the United States. It was so well received in Mesquite Nevada a couple of years ago, that we are giving people here in St. George that opportunity to be part of this unique and special event. The performance weekend is slated for December 5-6th, hosted by ARTe Gallery at the Sunbrook Ranch Performance Stage.

​Over the two days, internationally acclaimed West African master musicians, drummers, and dancers will perform in the evenings. During the day there will be workshops and traditional painting classes appealing to all age groups. A fresh new experience, fun for all the family!

​The mastermind behind this touring group and fundraising event is artist Gueria Gaston, Emissary of Yacouba Tribe, Ivory Coast, W. Africa, whose traditional carving, painting, and tribal dress-design for ceremonies is recognized by The Brooklyn Museum of Art and United Nations. Gueria Gaston is one of the foremost experts on African art in the world today, and will be giving painting classes and a short lecture on tribal art and healing. 

​The individual and collective talent of The West African Drum and Dance Ensemble in remarkable! It was the opening musical act for Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones in New York, and the group travels extensively around the world. These artists will be bringing a sample of village life to St. George with its celebratory infectious rhythms, song and dance together with the exotic flavors of authentic West African cuisine. 

​The troupe is comprised of: Lasana Kouyate (master balafon player), from Guinea; Ahmadou Fall (master of the Kora—a delicate stringed instrument), from Senegal; Bara Mboup, also from Senegal, master of the djembe drum and sabar, who recently performed for Stevie Wonder and is a percussion soloist on many CD recordings. Faly Sydy is a master drummer from the Fulani Tribe, Senegal. Adama Ken Doumbia and Ahmeena(male and female dancers) are from the Bambara Tribe, Mali. 

​“Our mission,” says Gaston, “is to raise awareness of our traditional culture, and keep it alive by bringing joy and success to the orphans at the Ecole de Dance et d’Exchange Culturell in the city of Abidjan in my native Ivory Coast. All our efforts are to bless these children over there who learn dance at the Rose Mary Guiraud School. We invite all people to plwase enjoy with us ‘The Spirit of Togetherness,’ a celebration of artistic expression, and add to the efforts and success of the students and the school. We look forward to seeing you soon!”

​Award-winning British keyboardist and composer Melissa Vardey (resident entertainer for the American Embassy in London, England, and accompanist for Chaka Khan and Rod Stewart) will be making a guest musical appearance. 

​These performances are usually booking into big cities, but now this style of culture is being made available to Southern Utah. Public support for these events is vital. We encourage your presence. Contact ARTé Gallery for tickets at 435-862-0303, or visit our facebook page (Arte-Art-Gallery) 

​Donors and sponsors for this event are invited to support their efforts. 

 

Phil and Brenda Moulton

ARTé Gallery

Local Seasoning

     Local artists have their seasons. Fall is one of them. Why? They are enthused by the prospect of actually hearing the words, "I love this piece, I'll take it!" We artists are very motivated when we sell art. When we do, our artistic output gets more flavorful. "Wherein shall our local art cuisine be flavored if our artists lose their seasoning?" How will the art movement in Southern Utah be nurtured and perpetuated if locals choose "Made in China" over local offerings?
      Spread the word, blog your friends, help out our local artistic flavorings! Next week is the Art Walk and Watercolor Artists show downtown. If everyone bought just 20 or 30 dollars worth, that alone would generate thousands in revenue for our local artists. How wise you are in seeing the value of purchasing local creations over the "Asian alternatives." Please support our local artists.