The Artist’s
Fund was created by Wendy Black-Nasta, an
adjunct art professor at MxCC, and founder of Artists for World Peace, a renowned
Connecticut-based non-profit organization with
the mission of “creating opportunities for
artistic expression – fostering world peace and raising funds to benefit
humanitarian causes around the world.”
As an accomplished jewelry designer, Black-Nasta has created unique pieces for museums, galleries, and stores around the world (including Macy's, Sak's Fifth Avenue, and Jacobson's). In 2003 she created a sterling silver belt using out-of-circulation coins and gems representing 115 countries and symbolizing the peaceful unity of all nations. This belt became known as The International Peace Belt (TIPB), and has traveled to 24 countries on 5 continents under the stewardship of Artists for World Peace. It has been worn during hundreds of artistic performances, sacred ceremonies, and at peaceful and spiritual gatherings in New York (Ground Zero), South Korea, Haiti, Spain, Brazil, Tanzania, Canada, Egypt, Tonga, Scotland, and more.
“We
know art is such a crucial part of our society, bringing people together,
inspiring thought, and achieving positive goals such as peace,” explains
Black-Nasta. “We all benefit when we
support artists on any level, but I think most especially at the student level,
when new artists are learning how to integrate their talents into their careers
and lives. The Artist’s Fund will
alleviate some of the financial pressures they may be feeling so they can focus
on their purpose at MxCC – to become part of the next generation of artists.”
Each
semester, the MxCC Foundation will oversee a review committee to evaluate all
applications for the Artist’s Fund and select recipients for the awards. This year, the committee will include MxCC professors
Judith DeGraffenried, Matt Weber, and Donna Bontatibus, along with MxCC Dean of
Academic Affairs, Dr. Steve Minkler.
Founded in 1966, Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.commnet.edu) is an independent
member of the Connecticut Community College System. The school offers more than
50 degree or certificate programs on its main 38-acre campus in Middletown, and
at the Meriden Center in downtown Meriden.
3 comments:
Go Wendy! Keep your eyes open for upcoming news about Artists For World Peace instituting a scholarship fund for Middletown high school students that are pursuing the arts.
So happy to learn about this endeavor & would love to lend some support via the Higganum Village Farmers' Market, Wendy! I'm a friend of one of your students & fully support this great undertaking. WOuld love to help w/ grant writing/promotions/and getting the word out. The Market is the perfect platform for fundraising (you must have insurance is our only requirement & I can lead you to an ins. agent who handles vendor type Gen. Liab. ins.), but also for passing out info as a community group. Hope to talk to you soon! xoxodeb from Higganum
Wendy rocks! This is awesome for Middletown college students!
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