HOME HumanThread Center for Peace, Arts & Education is a non-profit organization that engages individuals in conversation about peace, non-violence and human dignity through art, education and discussion. The Center /Gallery offers public space and programs to the general community. Our efforrts also largely target south and west Chicago youth, a population that faces poverty, violence and low educational attainment due to diachronic negligence.
Celebrate and honor the extraordinary life of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr!
* MLK Scholarship Breakfast January 16, 8am - 10am_Sheraton Chicago Hotel by RainbowPush
http://rainbowpush.org/page/event/detail/anniversary/jwq
* King Day Celebration - The Dusable Museum January 16th
http://www.dusablemuseum.org/events/details/king-day-celebration1
* OpenMind OpenMic - January 20th 6 - 9pm _HumanThread
We are seeking sponsorships for our after school programs and February Juried Student Art Exhibition. Please contact us to help make a difference in our youth's lives. Contact us or Donate today! 312.243.9423 or info_humanthread.net. Thank you.
Support our youth today
for a sustainable tomorrow!
* "SATURDAY UNIVERSITY" - Free Tutoring for students ages 13 - 18; Noon - 2:30pm Call for details!
Introducing: OpenMind OpenMic After School Program!
An Innovative program to empower and inspire Today's Youth. Contact us for program details today!! 312.243.9423 or info_humanthread.net.
Program consists of:
1) Open Mic - Open to all artistic/self expression*
2) Curriculum/Discussion Forum - Victory Over Violence (VOV) centered on a holistic health/humanistic psychology perspective.
Event/Art Exhibit Schedule
(Free Admission, unless otherwise noted)
Don't miss 2012 Kick-Off Exhibition!!
JANUARY 2012 ART EXHIBITION
"2012: Abundant Affliction"
January 9 - 30, 2012
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13th, 6 - 10pm 2nd Friday Artists' Reception with Aaron Wooten &
C.j Hungerman
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20th, 6 - 9PM
OpenMind Open Mic - In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; All are welcome!
(Third Friday of each month)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 6pm - 7:30pm
CAFE SOCIETY - "Women & War"
- Perceptions and Reality
by The Public Square & The Goodman Theatre
https://www.facebook.com/events/146601065455193/#!/events/160907757353131/
SEE "MORE EVENTS"
Donate
"Help us get funding through IIC at no cost to you! Click to learn more."
http://iiconline.org
With your support and commitment, all things are possible!
ABOUT Vision behind the HumanThread Effort:
All too common in our political conversation and our popular culture today is a powerful message of violence. We are inundated with unrepentant rhetoric and overt visuals advocating the use of force as a tool for justice. The voice of brotherhood is lost in a horrible cacophony.
In our Chicago, with ever-growing violence on our neighborhood streets, where over 40 people are being killed monthly with majority of them being our youth, there remains a troubling void where substantive solutions are needed. Conventional solutions have not produced lasting success. They fail to recognize, as Albert Einstein saw through
"The world we have created is a product of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."
It is in that spirit, HumanThread believes the key to creating a non-violent community and world is to introduce and engage youth with educational programs focused on promoting peace through character development that respects life and diverse cultures. HumanThread is committed to providing and organizing programs, events, and resources, to mainstream a culture of peace (non-violence) on an individual to the community level and beyond.
Mission:
Goals:
We seek to mainstream (popularize) the message of a culture of peace* (non-violence and humanist values) targeting youth, especially in under-resourced communities, through art and educational events/programs. Our objective is to inspire dialogue and actions that bring about real social change by activating the common threads of compassion and brotherhood*. Thus the vision for our efforts are two folds:
1)On a micro level, we are about sparking a fundamental inner-transformation in each individual - youth in particular by awakening them to the tremendous power of their inner-resources for peace and winning in life.
2)On a macro level, our vision is to create A NEW ERA FOR HUMAN CIVILIZATION of brotherhood. (*Brotherhood as a generic term for humanity; thus, gender neutral. *As defined by the United Nations, the Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations (UN Resolutions A/RES/52/13))
Organize: Create a network of local schools/educators, counselors, artists, speakers/community organizers, focused on character development, non-violence and culture/art. Publicize: Create awareness of HumanThreads non-violence programs in the Pilsen community and other under-resourced communities, such as Chicago's south and west sides. Mobilize: Organize activities for youth (see programs for details), as well as monthly events at the HumanThread Pilsen center, that is open to the community. Establish a HumanThread Youth Development Center (after school program) in each under-served community. Mobilize a movement by youth calling for quality education the youth rightfully deserve. Organize an Annual HumanThread One World Conference/Concert in Chicago. Special Events Invitation to Students:
We invite students to explore who they are beyond any misrepresentations by the stereotypes, including the possibility of projected bias and/or the internalization process that stems from the outside expectations of them. Consider any possibility that some or much of urban youth's "choices and actions" could be closely linked to meeting others' expectations of them. When does "social-conditioning/learning" end and free-will begin in one's life? SO WHO ARE YOU REALLY? MAKE A STATEMENT THRU ART!
Lesson Plans for Participating Teachers:
As part of participation in the program, teachers will receive interdisciplinary lesson plans to assist with the complex theme of the exhibition and foster personal growth among their students.
Contact:
Project Director: Jeanette Thompson Art Educator, CICS Northtown Academey HS Email questions and notification of interest to: studentexhibitionhumanthread_gmail.com
Free Workshops for students:
Students will be invited to participate in three free workshops taught by local artists. These workshops will help students explore self-expression, new media that may not be available at their school due to budget cuts, and interact with youth from around the city to help create opportunities for dialogue and understanding. Each workshop will be limited to up to 25 teens to allow for maximum one-on-one attention and interaction with local teaching artists. Workshop: DECEMBER 3RD, SATRUDAY 1pm - 3pm _YOLLOCALLI
(continue to special events page 2)
I Am/I Am Not Juried High School Student Art Exhibition
https://www.facebook.com/pages/HumanThread/151883121529#!/event.php?eid=171119369640296
Who: All High School Students of Chicago
What: I am/Im Not Juried High School Professional Art Exhibition
Where: HumanThread Gallery in the Chicago Arts District, Pilsen
When: Announce call October 2011 Gallery Exhibtion February 2012
How: Create a 2D work of art (8" x 11" minimum to 18" x 24" maximum) that represents who you are beyond who you appear to be physically or otherwise, plus Artist's Statement
Objectives and Scope of Project:
The I am/Im Not juried art exhibition project aims to help today's Chicago youth explore their identity and how they are perceived in the world they live in by their peers, their community and the adults that surround them.
We all live in a world of assumptions, accusations and stereotypes that try to define who we are. We judge and are judged daily, be it by the color of our skin, the clothes we wear or the way we speak. These things do not define us. There is more to who we are than how we look, dress, or speak. I am/Im not exhibition challenges teenagers to take a closer look at who they are, as defined by their actions and choices, and who they are not, defined by society's classifications.
SPECIAL EVENTS page 2 Project Timeline:
* October 2011 Call announced
* November 7, 2011 Notification of interest to HumanThread from teachers
* Novemebr 14, 2011 Lesson plan and follow up materials sent to interested
teachers
* Workshop - Dec 3rd, Sat. 12pm - 4pm _Yollocalli
1401 W. 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608
* January 13, 2012 Submission deadline
* January 30, 2012 Jury selection of the winning art work announced
* February 2012 Drop off pieces and Exhibition month
* February 10, 2012 (6 -10pm) Gallery Open with Student Artists
* February 11, 2012 (Tentative) - Reception/Gala Students, families, sponsors &
supporters
For " GENERAL RULES & ENTRY FORM ," please see attached PDF document below.
Special Thank you to Stone Supply for their generosity for worrkshop art suplies!!
www.alvinco.com/~StoneArtSupply
Seeking sponsorships/donations! Your generosity will touch and move many young lives! All contributions will be recognized in all of our materials and sites.
Dialogue:
The I am/I'm Not exhibition will present an opportunity to the youth of Chicago for expression and dialogue about preconceived notions related to appearances. Not only will students have a safe forum to express their views and concerns related to stereotypes, prejudges, and preconceived notions, but this program will be a valuable opportunity for young artists to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery in full view of their peers and community, as well as opportunities to interact with peers in a non school setting.
Professional Exposure for Students:
We are also working on several opportunities for the exhibition to be seen beyond the gallery space as we develop collaborative projects which include printed media and national conferences.
Artists Reception:
Students, their family, school staff , and sponsors will be invited to a gallery opening that will include inspirational community guest speakers and awards for outstanding artistic merit. It is our hope that this exhibition opportunity will present new ways for teens to think about art, who they are, and the possibilities art can present, not only as a form of communication, but also as a valid field of interest for future professional choices.
Prizes:
Three artists will be honored based on artistic merit and be awarded valuable art related materials.
Past Special Event:
American Armistice - The Epoch of the Peacemakers
The 10th Anniversary of 9/11
See the Review by TimeOut Chicago
http://www.timeoutchicago.com/things-to-do/this-week-in-chicago/14948449/9-11-remembrance-at-the-chicago-fringe-festival
"Art communicates across ethnic, cultural, and national boundaries - Art creates connections." - Artists as Peacemakers
IamImnot.pdf
GALLERY All Events at HT center:
645 W 18th St Chicago, Il 60616
312.243.9423
(unless noted otherwise.)
* Free Admission, unless noted otherwise.
* Free Street Parking
"ART that SPEAKS" - Monthly Art Exhibitions 2012
January Exhibition
"2012: Abundant Affliction"
by Aaron Wooten & C.J Hungerman
http://web.mac.com/aaronrwooten
bhttp://www.thenextwave.me/2011/2011/cj-hungerman/
February Exhibition
"I am/I am not Juried Student Art Exhibition"
Chicago Public School High School Students
March Exhibition
April Exhibition
* May Exhibition - "Austin Special Art"
by Developmentally Disabled Individuals
* June Exhibition - Pride Month
* July Exhibition
Trish Williams and Ramona Lindsey
http://www.ramonadlindseyartist.com/
* September Exhiibtion
Photo Exhibit of Milton Rogovin
* October Exhibition
Illinois Surface Design Association
"ONE WORLD" Speaker Series/
Cafe Society - First Wednesday of Each Month
February 1st, Wed 6pm
"Women & War"
"Threater of War" Readings & Discussion
by The Public Square & The Goodman Theater
"OPENMIND OPENMIC" - Third Friday of Each Month
JANUARY 20TH, FRIDAY, 6p - 9pm
Open to all ages, free admission, beverages available for donation
CHICAGO - Chicago's Jazz, Blues, World Music scenes come together for one night only for one cause - Human Fellowship, in the wake of Japan's earthquake and tsunami
_Jazz Showcase April 2011
"ONE WORLD" Speaker Series
FEBRUARY
"Education as a Human Right"
Dr. David Stovall
Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago
MARCH 26, SATURDAY, 5PM - 7PM
"We are A Nation of Immigrants: WE ARE AMERICA"
Speakers from: Immigrant Youth Justice League &
The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights
MAY 12th, THURSDAY, 7PM
"JAPAN - BETWEEN THE LINES"
After math of Earthquake and Tsunami
Speaker: Dr. Michael Fisch
Assistant Professor, University of Chicago, Dept of Anthropology;
JUNE 9TH, THURSDAY, 7PM
"Pink Dignity: Contemporary Discussion about the LGBTQ Community"
Professor Dave Kube, U of I Springfield
STAFF PROGRAMS
CURRENT ONGOING EVENTS
EDUCATION : Introduction and re-enforcement of non-violence and humanist values through the philosophies and/or the exemplary lives of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Daisaku Ikeda, and others. CURRICULUM : A curriculum centered on building a culture of peace based upon the holistic health/humanistic psychology approach and humanist concepts of Human Revolution (character development) and Global Citizenship, appropriate for students from grade school to high school, to be presented and facilitated at local schools. LECTURES/SPEAKERS: Invited speakers on self-empowerment, non-violence, peace, and others including environment, health & food. DISCUSSION FORUM: Self-reflective discussion sessions regarding self, home-life, school-life, and health & food. MENTORSHIP VIA ARTS: Organization and facilitation of connections between artists and students/youth ART/MUSIC/FILM/OPEN MIC: Art Exhibitions/Appreciation, Open-mic and other art/social events with a theme of peace and activism; e.g. Reading by poets/authors, Presentations, Film screening, and etc. RESOURCE: Resource center for non-violence. COMMUNITY/PUBLIC SPACE : HumanThread office/space is available for community meetings for non-profit-organizations, community organizers, and educators. Contact HT for reservation. HumanThread recognizes our lives are endowed with limitless potential. Through pormoting the seeking mind for education, the poetic spirit of art and the dignity of life, we strive to empower youth to utilize this potential, thus stregthening the pillars of a peaceful future.
Our programming is based upon a Holistic Health/Humanistic Psychology perspective. It means that all aspects of people's needs, psychological, physical and social should be taken into account and seen as a whole.
Further more, our programs represent a significant shift from other solutions in that they aim to awaken each youth to recognize and tap into their tremendous power of their internal resources in order to bring about a change they wish and deserve in their environment. The program will help them see that they are the agents for change in the family, school, community, and of their lives, which means that they, too, have to and can organize greatness in their community.
"ART that SPEAKS" - Monthly Art Exhibition (HT is a member of the Chicago Arts District in East Pilsen) "ONE WORLD" Speaker Series & Workshops - Featuring invited Speakers & dialogue on topics that are impacting today's youth and society (followed by live performances, e.g. spoken word, music) OpenMind OpenMic AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM "OpenMind OpenMic/OpenMind Book Discussion Forum (facebook: OpenMind OpenMic) "Saturday University" - FREE tutoring program (in partnership with the Black Star Project) - Math/Reading/Chinese Culture & Language, Discussion on Culture of Peace & Non-Violence CONTACT VOLUNTEER! Become an Ambassador for Peace!
OUR location
GET INVOLVED!
Curating art and music for the center Curriculum development A Culture of Peace Administration Fund-raising & Relationship Management PR - Promotion/Marketing Net-working with other NPOs & Schools Event organization and facilitation Website design & development Database creation and management CONTACT:
e-mail: humanthread.net_gmail.com
tel: 312.243.9423
HUMANTHREAD CENTER
645 W. 18th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Michiko Kobayashi, Director
michiko_humanthread.net
Volunteer Sponsor an event Sponsor an ongoing program Join our email list Facebook HumanThread MAKE A DONATION TODAY! SUBMIT ART/PERFORM
HumanThread is always looking to exhibit new artists who share our vision for a culture of peace and social conscience. We are open to works of all media and subjects that relate to this core value. If you would like to show in our dynamic gallery, please send the following information to: shayne_humanthread.net
-An artist bio or statement
-2-3 individual jpegs or 1 pdf with several images of your work
-A link to your website and/or previous exhitibitions.
-Contact information
You may also send a package via snail mail to the center/gallery.
All major credit cards accepted.
OR Send a Check payable to "HumanThread c/o Goodcity" to HumanThread Center
645 W. 18th St
Chicago, Illinois 60616
