Art By Mia NewZ Letter May 2010

Art By Mia NewZ… May 2010 – What’s going on & What am I up to?

We celebrate the month of May with Rebirth, Magic, Healing, Growth, Art and Celebrations of all kinds. The month of May is strongly associated with Women, Warriors and the Goddess. This month in particular is very inspiring to me, as I walk into the day with an open mind I see the colors shine under the sun as they greet me in the morning, the dew gently sits atop the tips of the blades of the green grass, as if they were Mother Earth’s tear drops nurturing the roots of her children, the cool morning breeze gracefully sways with the buds in a rhythmic dance of new growth and a rebirth, a sure sign that spring is here and summer is on her way.

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The Goddess acknowledgment:

Greek Goddess Maia

The month of May has been named for the Greek Goddess Maia, who was identified with the Roman era Goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, whose festival was held in May. She bore Zeus a son, Hermes, and raised another one of his children as her own when the ever-jealous Hera killed its mother. 

She is sometimes referred to as the grandmother of magic, as Hermes is believed to have been the first to master the art. Incidentally, he is also credited with the invention of medicine, astrology, and letters, and was an escort of souls to the underworld.

Maia is mainly remembered as the goddess of spring and rebirth, she makes the
lush green grass and the fragrant flowers grow again, hence the color of the months birthstone….“Emerald” which means Love and Success, yet the May flower… The Lily of the Valley as is its Goddess Maia is delicate, medicinal and rare. For many years the leaves and petals have been used in medicine because they contain cardiac glycosides.

The Lily of the Valley is also known as Our Lady’s tears because according to the legend the tears that that Mary shed at the cross turned in to Lily of the Valley flowers. Another legend claims that the flower also sprang up from the blood of St. Leonard during his battle with the dragon.

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Mothers Day / Goddess Warrior Day:

The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day in the United States, in which I like to call Goddess Warrior Day. On this day we celebrate and acknowledge the strength, love and compassion of all Mothers, Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers. I have come across some Goddess Warriors in my life and each one has inspired me. Not all women are Goddess Warriors, I believe that there is a certain trait and strength that one must possess, be blessed with and obtain since birth to be a Warrior. These women showed me that the power, strength and will to achieve and survive are within…. we just have to dig deep, love, inspire, nurture and be patient. I realized that the rewards are plentiful and quite rewarding. 

I would like to acknowledge some of them in this newsletter. They are the single Mother playing every role including father… day after day…. The Abuela working the night shift at McDonalds for minimum wage just to help make ends meet, then goes home and does it all over again for the family. They are the sixteen year old that just had a baby, stays in school, and is up late feeding, studying and promising her child to always be there for her/him, while proving everyone wrong and not becoming a statistic. They are the Teachers that notice the introvert quiet lonely child, sitting in the corner and helps her/him find their voice and confidence. The Foster/Adoptive Mother that takes the child AND the addiction for nurturing and brings it back to life.

 The Warrior Suit of Armour… it varies from a housecoat & rollers to Judges Cloak. No matter the Armour the Warrior is a Goddess and the Goddess Warrior is the strength to a strong foundation. She is the healer, educator, nurturer, captain and magician… She can make it happen and come together under the stormiest conditions.

 My Mother and Abuelas are my favorite Goddess Warriors..Happy Mother’s Day to ALL !!

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Festivals & Celebrations:

In the Catholic Church the month of May is dedicated to and honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Goddess Warrior!!! Many churches around the world celebrate with prayers, processions and offerings to the Mother.

Vesak or Visakah Puja (“Buddha Day”)
Traditionally, Buddha’s Birthday is known as Vesak or Visakah Puja (Buddha’s Birthday Celebrations). Vesak is the major Buddhist festival of the year as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha on the one day, the first full moon day in May, except in a leap year when the festival is held in June. This celebration is called Vesak being the name of the month in the Indian calendar. See you under the full moon!!

Cinco de Mayo or the Batalla de Puebla is celebrated in Mexico on May 5. It is also celebrated widely in the United States. “ TEQUILA!” Orale Pues!…. yes I must admit I am a fan of Cinco de Mayo!!

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Exhibits, Events & New Projects:

New Project: Art by Mia Goddess Art

I have taken my Goddess Art a step further. I have created a line of Goddess Wearable Art such as handmade jewelry, made of semi precious stones and earth seeds/beads, symbolic Art tees, the all purpose tote bags and Goddess Art trading cards never seen before. All this to celebrate the Goddess Warrior in all of us, regardless of creed, background, culture or status we are ONE, a UNIT that is strong and supportive. You can wear or carry any one of these items with confidence…. They are and were created with YOU in mind and make an original gift for any woman in your life.

To get a sneak peek or snag a bag of the Goddess Warrior items log into the shop or website at http://www.artbymia.etsy.com/ or http://www.artsbymia.com/

Feel free to share it with your family and friends.

Art By Mia May giveaway!!!… The first 3 Goddess Warriors to send me a female warrior short story starting May 3^rd  will receive a FREE Goddess surprise of the artist choosing. All I need is for you to email me a Goddess Warrior short story which can be about any woman in your llife at artbymamamia@yahoo.com and in the subject line add May Art By Mia Goddess Warrior giveaway. You can be the lucky winner of a one of a kind piece of Art!! The winner will be posted so make sure to take a pic with your prize to add to the following months NewZ. 

“MUST BE A REGISTERED RECIPIENT OF MY NEWZ LETTER TO PARTICIPATE”

In collaboration with Communities IMPACT Diabetes Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine / Union Settlement Association, Debbie Quinones and the fellows of El Barrio I will be leading the Happier and Healthier living through Art project. I will work with a community of children in painting large outdoor planters to promote healthy eating, fitness, family and positivity. This is a way to engage the youth in an activity in which they will walk away with more knowledge of living a longer, happier and healthier life, more confidence, self esteem and inspiration. The pots will be left on premises of the Jefferson Houses as a living memorial of the event and the purpose and efforts it represents. Join us at the Jefferson Houses Block party on May 8^th, 2010 from 1:30 until 3:30 at 115^th street between 2^nd & 3^rd avenues and receive a wealth of information promoting health and wellness.

I just launched the Chamaca Arts Facebook page for ALL women. Chamaca Arts is a safe, fun and creative environment where women can share, explore and get advice from a fellow sister. This page is frequently updated with inspiring poems, arts, photos, quotes, reading suggestions, meet ups, notes and so much more. The members are so diverse that its one big melting pot of loveliness. The mission for Chamaca Arts is simple… Inspire, Support and Encourage. To become a part of the Chamaca Arts family is easy… just join Facebook, find Chamaca Arts and add as a friend. Hope to see you on Chamaca Arts soon… Namaste!

I have been blessed to participate in the documentary titled “HER” by Rebekah Frimpong which debut on April 22^nd in Philadelphia at the Orchid Women’s Film Festival. The nest stop for the film is Washington, DC and then hoping it will come to NYC. The film showcases courageous, inspiring, creative and empowering women from different backgrounds living and working towards their dreams. Poet, Actress, Barber, Artist, Musician, Art Advocate (ME). We share our sacred spaces, words, craft and dreams. To see more you can go to http://www.filmprojecther.weebly.com/ the website is still under construction but tells a short story of the inspiration and film maker behind this wonderful interactive project.

I teach once a week at this wonderful private art school called “The Children’s Art Carnival” every week I look forward to walking into class and greeting my tiny little students that range in the age of 4-8 years. We have worked collaboratively since September 2009 and have grown creatively as a family. We have worked on multicultural projects, landscapes, cityscapes, pop art and so much more. I know how imperative the Arts is in my life. I can’t even begin to imagine a world without rhythm, color, movement, shape or photo journalism to document and preserve the history and culture. If you know of a child that would be interested in attending a top of the line arts center that will encourage, inspire and advocate for a positive and healthy living check out the Children’s Art Carnival at http://www.childrensartcarnival.org/ . We are recruiting and are open to have you sit in a class with your child as a onetime test run. Let them know I sent you J.

If you are not following the Buzz then you are out of the loop.. My Goddess Art is showcased on the blogs of La Reina so now you have a chance to jump in at http://lrdbbuzz.blogspot.com/ for the happening, informative, inspiring, empowering and historical… A blogspot that you should follow and be a part of!! Check it, check it, check it!!! out..La Reina del Barrio is leaving her mark and making it happen.

I will be exhibiting three new pieces with the theme of Masquerade for this one of a kind show. This exhibit is not your typical exhibit but also a masquerade ball by the beach. The guests will be masked while being entertained by poetry, music and an art exhibit of works from over 20 local and international artists. The show opens on May 22^nd at 7pm, Gallery 101 located at 501 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Located in the FAT Village Arts District.. FREE admission… Wine & Cheese will be served…. hope to see you there or on the beach!!

May 30^th, 2010 – Community Festival

The Loisaida Festival and Carnival Celebration is held on Loisaida Avenue, between 12th Street and 6th Street, every year on Memorial Day Weekend. The carnival held on Sunday, provides a cultural and entertainment event for community families, artist, businesses, and more to rival other city street fairs in the Heart & Sole of the L.E.S. This festival has become a local tradition and now a city wide event and destination, and is one of the most successful events sponsored by any community organization. I will be participating in this annual event by selling art prints, wearable art, unique tees, art trading cards designed by me and so much more…

Hope to see you there!!!

Your suggestion, opinions and ideas are always welcome. You can either send them thru the website under contact me or directly to artbymamamia@yahoo.com

Until the next Art By Mia NewZ!!…. Peace, Love and Enlightenment