ARTISTS FOR WORLD PEACE ESTABLISHES NEW ARTIST’S FUND AT MxCC

The Artists for World Peace Foundation has established a new Artist’s Fund for students studying art, digital arts, music, theatre, broadcast cinema or multimedia at Middlesex Community College.  The new fund, which will be administered by the MxCC Foundation, will help students pay for art supplies, materials and student kits required for the different arts courses offered at the college.  Eligible students may apply for the funds each semester by completing the forms available online at www.mxcc.commnet.edu and at www.mxccfoundation.org.

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.