Artists for World Peace Award Scholarships

Artist for World Peace Scholarship event. From left to right are; Mike Bellabuono, Andrew Moore, Priscilla Harnesk, Meghan Garrity, Justin Carbonella, Wendy Black-Nasta, Ava Varszegi, Jennifer Lia, Erin DeLeon and Matt Lesser


The Scholarship Committee is comprised of Artists for World Peace founder Wendy Black-Nasta and Board member Jennifer Lia, Middletown Teen Theater Director Ali Sinacrope, Middletown High School art teacher Charlotte McCoid, Oddfellows Playhouse Executive Director Matt Pugliese, Middletown Youth Service Coordinator Justin Carbonella and Citizen Bank Manager Glen Taylor. The committee is chaired by Priscilla Harnesk.
Artists for World Peace was presented with study results conducted by Professor Rob Rosenthal’s Wesleyan University sociology students. The study found that there is a great economic divide in resources for students pursuing the arts. Students with greater economic resources are at a higher advantage; having the ability to participate in private lessons and purchase supplies. Artists for World Peace decided to help level the playing field by providing scholarships for items like lessons and materials to students residing in Middletown and going on to pursue higher education in the arts. Applicants showed involvement in community service, the arts, and financial need. This is the first year the award was given out, and the group hopes to make it an annual event.

News from Artists for World Peace

Artists for World Peace is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2012 scholarships for
Middletown high school students pursuing the arts. They are Xavier graduate Andrew Moore,
Mercy graduate Megan Garrity and Middletown High School seniors Erin DeLeon and Ava
Varszegi. Andrew will use his scholarship towards the study of architecture at Roger Williams
University. Megan Garrity will use her funds to purchase art supplies for her dual major in art
and psychology at the University of Hartford. Ava and Erin will use their funds to help defray
the costs of supplies for Advanced Placement Art.

Artists for World Peace is a nonprofit organization that feeds, clothes, shelters and educates
those in need with the goal of promoting peace. Founded by jewelry designer Wendy Black-
Nasta, the story began when Wendy was asked by a reporter what should be done with all the
European coins once the Euro was used. Wendy designed the International Peace Belt, a sterling
silver belt with coins and gems representing 155 countries. The belt has traveled to 25 countries,
on five continents. During those travels great needs were seen. The organization responded
to those needs by engaging in projects such as helping to build a community health center in
Tanzania, building a safe house in Cambodia and providing 500 pairs of shoes to children in
Brazil.

In 2009, Wesleyan professor Rob Rosenthal's sociology class conducted a study on the needs
of students pursuing the arts. The researchers found a significant economic divide in resources
for art students. Not all have the ability to pay for lessons or supplies. Artists for World Peace
decided to help these students through scholarships. In January, Artists for World Peace
established the Dr. Yoram Kaufmann Scholarship at Middlesex Community College. This
month the four Middletown high school students will be the first secondary students to receive
scholarships from Artists for World Peace. Scholarships are granted in the amount of $100 to
$1000.

This year Middletown lost a great humanitarian and arts supporter, Michael Bellabuono .
Artists for World Peace decided to honor this man through establishing the Michael Bellabuono
Scholarship fund. This year’s recipient is Andrew Moore. Priscilla Harnesk, chair of the
Scholarship Committee, said “When the committee saw Andrew’s work, transcript and
community service work there was no question that the scholarship should go to Andrew. The
committee was blown away by his work”.

On August 15th the four high school scholarship recipients will gather at First and Last Tavern
for an Awards Ceremony. State Representative Matt Lesser and Deputy Majority Leader Tom
Serra will be on hand to congratulate the students.

Those wishing to learn more about Artists for World Peace or the scholarships may go to
artistsforworldpeace.org.

Artist for World Peace Scholarships available for High School Students

ARTISTS FOR WORLD PEACE ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Artists for World Peace is pleased to announce that it is accepting scholarship applications from high school juniors or seniors who are residing in Middletown . Eligible applicants will be pursuing higher education in the arts, be involved in community service activities and have a demonstrated need for financial assistance. Awards will be given in the amounts between $100 and $1,000. The Application deadline is April 16, 2012. Applications may be obtained from the Guidance departments at Xavier, Mercy, Vinal, The Hartford Academy of the Arts or Middletown High School. Applications may also be downloaded from the Artists for World Peace website.The Scholarship Committee is comprised of Artists for World Peace founder Wendy Black-Nasta and Board member Jennifer Lia, Middletown Teen Theater Director Ali Sinacrope, Middletown High School art teacher Charlotte McCoid, Oddfellows Playhouse Executive Director Matt Pugliese, Middletown Youth Service Coordinator Justin Carbonella and Citizen Bank Manager Glen Taylor. The committee is chaired by Priscilla Harnesk..
Artists for World Peace was presented with study results conducted by Professor Rob Rosenthal’s Wesleyan University sociology students. The study found that there is a great economic divide in resources for students pursuing the arts. Students with greater economic resources are at a higher advantage; having the ability to participate in private lessons and purchase supplies. Artists for World Peace decided to help level the playing field by providing scholarships for items like lessons and materials.
Scholarship chair Priscilla Harnesk said, “We are thrilled to begin this scholarship fund. We see a great need. Our hope is that our esteemed committee will be able to provide not only financial aid but also mentorship advice.  http://artistsforworldpeace.org/

Artists For World Peace Take on Broadway

International Peace Day, Sept 21 - Drum for Peace at Harbor Park

PEACE lovers unite! The TIME IS NOW! Drum up a beat to lift us together in unison as we focus on something positive - PEACE on Earth! The Buttonwood Tree invites You to join us, along with drummers from First Church of Christ, Congregational to drum for peace and join in this Global community on International Peace Day. Around the world at 2 hours before sunset, people shall gather, intending peace on earth. We shall take down the Big Drum that hangs in our bookstore and gather in Love and Light at Harbor Park to start the beat for this special moment in history. Join us anytime from 4:30 – 7pm. We will have a few extra drums and chairs but invite you to bring your own, of any sort, and peaceful intentions. Location is at HARBOR PARK - Near the newly redone Mattabesett Canoe Club. You can come by boat! Join us in spirit if you can't make it to the river. Photos will be taken and submitted to the global community at http://www.timeisnowsummit.com/

Drums also fill the air Friday night with a world premier concert of TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS with Native American Flute and Guitar. This concert will focus on the deep spiritual sounds of the Tibetan Bowls and Native American Flutes with the timely addition of Jazz guitar and drums later in the set to bring the listener up to a sonic climax of the highest order.

Emile de Leon is one of the world’s foremost experts on Tibetan Singing bowls as well as a professional jazz drummer. He will bring his personal collection of antique bowls from the Himalayas for you to experience live and in person at this concert. The Tibetan Singing bowls are well known to inspire and transport the listener to other states of mind and being, never failing to amaze. Emile, whose CD Mystic Bowls is known globally and has been featured in holistic shops throughout India and Nepal, has appeared on TV and radio with the Tibetan Bowls and has performed extensively, and is the premier venue in North America for these incredible instruments.
www.templesounds.net
www.knightpeople.com

This special performance by Emile de Leone will be held at The Buttonwood Tree starting at 8 pm. TBT is located at 605 Main Street - on the corner of Liberty St near It's Only Natural market. Reservations are suggested and are offered at a reduced cost online at www.buttonwood.org

International Peace Day, Sept 21 - Drum for Peace

The Buttonwood Tree's All To-Get-Her NOW Circle for Peace

Time is NOW !

Peace Lovers unite! Drum up a beat to lift us together! First Church UCC (on Court St) and TBT (The Buttonwood Tree) invite You to join us! We shall call the Big Drum that hangs in our bookstore to the task of starting the beat for this special moment in history; (eventually to be Her Story). We shall gather in Love and Light ... 4:30 - 7pm. Bring your own drum (of any sort) and peaceful intentions. Location finalized soon but is currently Harbor Park. You can come by boat! Join us in spirit, here, there or anywhere. Then tune in ...
http://www.timeisnowsummit.com/

Artists For World Peace Fundraiser

Artists for World Peace presents ONE CONCERT/ONE CHILD

to help support our Children of Peace Projects around the world.

Share in a fabulous night of music on Thursday, June 30 at

Black Eyed Sally's in Hartford from 7-10 p.m.

Featuring Chester "Big Boy" Coda (a.k.a. Robert Nasta) of Middletown,

The D Smith Blues Band, and Ed Corvo and the All Stars.

Don't miss the appearance of The International Peace Belt.

For more details visit us at www.artistsforworldpeace.org or on fb.

We can be reached at 860-685-1789

Wendy Black-Nasta- Founder & Executive Director

Hear the Story of the International Peace Belt

- Hear the amazing story of The International Peace Belt’s travels & the many lives it has touched.

- Learn about past & ongoing humanitarian projects Watch a short video about the ongoing work in Tanzania.
- Find out how you can get involved!

Parking is available on High Street. For additional parking, turn down William Street from High Street. There is a parking lot immediately to the right. Parking is also available on William Street.

Time	Tuesday, April 5 · 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location	Wesleyan University Judd Hall Rm. 116 - 207 High St. Middletown, CT

Artists for World Peace : Hats off for a Cause!

Artist for World Peace is a non-profit organization, with a goal to foster peace and support humanitarian efforts around the world through artistic expression. Founded in 2003 by Middletown resident Wendy Black-Nasta ( who I might add is one of my favorite people), a renowned artist, AFWP is dedicated to creating a living link of people from diverse cultures who share a vision of global peace.

In the winter months of 2007/2008, a group of 30 dedicated artists assembled to hand-craft unique hats as a fundraiser for Artists for World Peace (AFWP). Donating their time and materials, these artists created over 150 hats that raised over $4000 at an AFWP charity auction. This extraordinary effort enabled

AFWP to build its first safe house

for battered women in Cambodia and supported the Children of Peace Project, providing basic necessities for children in the US and around the world. This fund raiser was held at Cold Stone Creamery, and has since been held there and at the Winter Festival in Chester CT in later years.The group then went onto create more hats in 2009 and donated money raised to various local women's shelters and food banks. The 2009/2010 campaign raised money for a scholarship fund that corresponded with AFWP Children of Peace mission.

The next Hats For A Cause event will take place:

December 4, 2010

Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown
10am-3pm
All proceeds support Children of Peace project, an initiative of AFWP.

Unique handmade felt hats made in the shape of various exotic animals, fantasy creatures, and whimsical themes can be purchased at this even just in time for the holidays. Last year, I had the pleasure of going to one of the session's held at Wendy's house where various artists had gathered to make hats. It was one of the highlights of the winter for me, and I wished I could have attended more sessions unfortunately I got the inevitable flu which laid me up for a few weeks. I got a warm welcome that snowy Sunday afternoon at Wendy's house where volunteers had gathered around sewing machines and those of us non sewers cut felt for patterns. It was discovered I was a non sewer after a failed attempt at a puppy hat which turned into a ball of threads & knots, it was later recycled as stuff for another hat. I got to try my hand at hat design and assist Wendy with a felt swan that was to become the centerpiece of a hat. A hot pot of soup accompanied the sewing session.

Later in the month of December AFWP is sponsoring a food and clothing drive to help those in need living on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.

Annual Food Drive December 9th 5-9pm

The First Church of Christ on Court Street in Middletown

Here is what is needed: Non-perishable foods: Flour, sugar, salt, shortening, baking powder, coffeerice, hams, tuna, soups, peanut butter, beef stew, veggies,pinto beans, pasta. Warm winter blankets, warm coats all sizes, new or like new, hats, gloves, scarves. New Unwrapped Christmas Gifts: for all ages. Wrapping paper and tape.
Financial donations are always needed to cover the cost of driving the truck to South Dakota.
All donations are 100% tax deductible. Please make checks out to Artists for World Peace and put holiday drive in the memo line. AFWP will be mailing receipts before the end of the year.

You may also make a donation & find out more about all the events online at www.artistsforworldpeace.org

Be sure to check out their website to see the MANY projects this group has done and the impact they are having globally.

(photos borrowed from the AFWP website.)

Local Artist's hold Fundraiser at Coldstone

A message from Artist's for World Peace, an organization founded by Middletown resident and multi talented artist & teacher Wendy Black Nasta, from the group's website:

"Fundraiser event with live music, African crafts (for children of all ages) and ice cream! Cold Stone Creamery will donate 25% of its proceeds. Artists for World Peace and the Good Hope Foundation (in Tanzania) are presenting this fundraiser to construct a roof for a community health center in Moshi, Tanzania. Foundation and walls are in, all that is left is to “raise the roof”. For info, visitwww.artistsforworldpeace.org or on Facebook: Artists for World Peace. The event will be held at Cold Stone Creamery, 100 Riverview Center, Middletown, CT.

We are also looking for the following donations to the community health center. Artists for World Peace will be traveling to Tanzania in August. If anyone would like to donate any of the following, please drop them off at Cold Stone Creamery on Friday, June 25th between the hours of 6:00-9:00 p.m. or call our office and we will arrange another time. (860) 347-4219:"

A Tip of the Hat for a Good Cause

Hats for a Cause is a fundraising event sponsored by Middletown non-profit, Artists For World Peace.

Created last year by the group, an auction of hats at Cold Stone Creamery in Middletown raised more than $4000 to build a safe house for battered women in Cambodia.

This year, the event is part of Sunday's Winter Carnivale in Chester. 100% of proceeds raised from this year's auction will be distributed to local food banks in Middletown and around the state, and New Horizon's Women's Shelter in Middletown. 125 hats, designed and created by state artists will be available in the auction.

Local Artist on HGTV!

Local artist and charity founder, and one of the super cool women I admire of M-town, Wendy Black Nasta appeared on HGTV this morning. Her studio in Middletown is also showcased.

The filming crew from HGTV in California arrived in Wendy's studio to film her making a pewter bowl. This segment aired on the television show, "That's Clever." The show aired originally this morning , on HGTV at 8:00 am. The episode number is HCLVR-422 if you missed it and want to catch it on the network's website or at later air dates on HGTV-

Wendy is a local artist who works with precious gems, silver, pewter and many other materials. She also teaches her craft in her studio in Middletown. Personally, I also know she is a great cook, talented singer, and painter!

To her credit, she is also the founder of Artist for World piece. At the center of this cause is the International Peace belt made by Wendy, featuring coins from around the world. The belt has been used in local dances across the globe.

For more about this incredible local lady see links to her charity site and jewelry site below!

www.wendyblacknasta.com

www.artistsforworldpeace.org

Artists for World Peace Holiday Food and Clothing Drive

Noted Middletown Jewelry Designer, Wendy Black Nasta, has a strong connection to the Lakota tribe of South Dakota. With a bit on native American blood, Black Nasta has found guidance for life and spiritual matters from leaders of the tribe.

As payback, for the last 18 years she has run and managed a holiday food and clothing tribe, filling a truck with blankets, coats, toys and food for the people in need on the Rosebud Reservation.

This year the drop off times and date are at The First Church on Court Street in
Middletown on Thursday, December 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Black Nasta is looking for donations of new blankets, new or gently-used winter coats, non-perishable food items, particularly flour, sugar, baking powder and shortening for traditional flatbread, and coffee. Black Nasta also would welcome donation of new toys and gifts for children. Cash donations are also accepted. Black Nasta is also seeking volunteers to sort donations, and to load the truck on the afternoon of Friday December 12, beginning at 5:30 pm.

Volunteers and donors can email Black Nasta (wendyblacknasta@aol.com) or call her at 685-1789. In addition she has Peace Belt t-shirts for sale on the evenings of donations are being collected, sorted and packed.

"The poverty on the reservation is so severe, that our donations are the holiday meals and gifts for most of these people," Black Nasta said. "We serve about 400 people. Our spirituality is all about taking care of each other. The giveaway is at the heart of it all."

Black Nasta had more than 300 volunteers last year, many of whom came from as faraway as New York City and Boston to help.

"It's all people to people," Black Nasta said. "We do everything from collecting the donations to driving them to the reservation and distributing them to families. It's a most incredible feeling."