Opportunity Arts
  • Home
  • Affiliates
  • The Aces
  • Fiscal Sponsorship
  • News & Events
  • Contact

Cedar Street Art Collective to Anchor the 2022 Capital City Creatives Crawl

6/16/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
​2022 Capital City Creatives Crawl
Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10am – 6pm (Historical Marker Unveiling at 1pm)
Cedar Street Art Collective (The Old Dicker & Deal Location)
1701 South Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48910
as well as other venues throughout the Capital Region
Interactive Map: https://bit.ly/2022CCmap
www.facebook.com/events/1153639178765529
Picture
(Lansing, MI) – The Cedar Street Art Collective is excited to be an anchor location for the 2022 Capital City Creatives Crawl, a city-wide studio/driveway sale featuring Greater Lansing artists, creators and makers, which will be taking place on June 25th from 10am-6pm at multiple locations throughout Lansing. Shoppers will be able to travel between homes and studios throughout the region hosted by local artists and makers! As part of the festivities, the Cedar Street Art Collective will be unveiling a Historical Marker at 1pm with special guest Jacob McCormick, chair of the Ingham County Historical Commission.

Cedar Street Art Collective will also have a multitude of artists showing & selling their works throughout the day. Cedar Street’s Resident Artists will be in attendance including Sarah Renee of Contrasted Content, Andrew Sandstedt, Steph Joy Hogan, Daniel J. Hogan, Aliyah Winston, Lucy Synk Fantasy Art, Molly Rose, Ricky Saksshaug, Emily Kibbie, Tod C. Parkhill of Lovely Junk, & Art of Adrienne. "We are so excited to celebrate the history of this building, and this historic moment for our collective," said Annie Signs, Co-Founder & Operations Director for the Cedar Street Art Collective. "We are also excited to have so many guest artists join us to celebrate the day as part of the 2022 Creatives Crawl.". The guest artists showing & selling work at Cedar Street Art Collective during the Creatives Crawl include Autumn Hopkins, Kylee Kellett, Mandy Mann, Chris Mattei, Color Square Vintage, Art by Sam, Cat Weaver, and Folk Art by Christine Beals.

For more information on Cedar Street Art Collective visit:
www.cedarstreetartcollective.com/

For more information on the 2022 Capital City Creatives Crawl visit:
www.facebook.com/events/1153639178765529

2022 Capital City Creatives Interactive Map:
https://bit.ly/2022CCmap

0 Comments

Seizing the Opportunity, Jordyn Bentley becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

5/21/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Jordyn Bentley is a self-taught artist originally from Perry, MI and now residing in Lansing. Jordyn has loved to draw since she could pick up a pencil. Drawing was her first love before discovering in high school that she could paint when she had to compete with her classmates for a government class in a reproduction of a Norman Rockwell painting. Jordyn chose his "Moving Day" piece, and received 1st place in the contest. It was then that painting became her main focus. When Jordyn creates, it is from her innermost self. It's her entire being. She is in love with what flows out of her, and it is often mindless at the beginning, or sometimes the whole time she is creating. It is just who she is. 

Jordyn competed in the regional Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival as a child, and received a rating of Superior with Invitation for her oil pastel picture of a cross, which put her in position to proceed to the national finals. She learned her techniques by hands-on and by researching specific information about what interests her and about famous artists she wanted to emulate. Jordyn is a Christian and believe her artistic ability is a gift from God. She wants to glorify Jesus and bless people with the beauty God has enabled her to create. Her work was also seen at the Walking In A Winter Wonderland Holiday Market in Downtown Lansing in 2021. 

Jordyn comes from a family of artists. Her late Grandfather was an artist who drew & painted, eventually owning and operating his own commercial screen printing business. Jordyn remembers that he was in awe of her art when she was young and was always telling her mom "she shouldn't be able to do that." Jordyn’s uncle is also an artist and is in the screen printing business. Her sister and mother are artists as well, with her sister holding a dual degree in interior architecture and interior design, and her mother being a layout artist in graphic design. Jordyn’s goal is to have her own studio to work in and have her artwork be her livelihood.

For more information on Jordyn and her work visit:
www.instagram.com/mixedmediacreator/
0 Comments

Seizing the Opportunity, Maya James becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

5/12/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maya James is an artist, writer, creator, dancer, tarot reader and activist based in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. Her works center around feminism, anti-racism, socialism and her experience as a cross-cultural black American from a racially hostile town in Northern Michigan. As a young freelance journalist, James’ works were featured in the New York Times Race/Related, USA Today College, and YR Media about controversial issues like the Flint Water Crisis and hate crimes growing up in her hometown. She has been on countless news syndicates for work she did on a particular socialist political campaign, and had multiple interviews for different media publications like Rose from Concrete with Justin Black, WIDR, and IPR stations across Michigan. She also did an episode of RISK. 

As an artist, Maya’s works have been exhibited during Artprize 2018 at the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (which won best juried venue) and 2021 at the Fountain Street Church and a sponsored mural in Calder Plaza, the Dennos Museum, the Black Arts and Cultural Center and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Maya was the first black female recipient of the National Arab American Museum City Hall Art Space Residency in 2019, and she has been a speaker at numerous events on the importance of black liberation in arts and media. In college, Maya studied African American Studies and Political Science. One of the first shows she did as a career artist was with Daniel Belardinelli in 2017. Maya is the author and illustrator of Maamoul Press’s graphic novel “LUKUMI”, a story of the importance of black female solidarity and friendship and Afro-Atlantic faith. She is also a teaching artist in the Education for the Arts Program in Kalamazoo Public Schools with KRESA (Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency).

Maya is the muralist behind “Faces”, a depiction of 94 faces of police violence and mob brutality permanently installed on the side of J-Bird Vintage in the Vine Neighborhood of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the fence mural on the Ferraro fence on Davis Street in the Vine Neighborhood. Her work has been featured in numerous articles in the southwest Michigan area and she has shown at many Art Hops, galleries and local businesses in her area. Maya also created “Faces, Pt. II”, a collection of portraits of black women throughout time who changed history as we know it, along with a key with all the accolades of their achievements and the obstacles they faced in their lives to achieve positive change as a sponsored artist in Artprize 2021 in Calder Plaza. Maya is currently working on the third part of her "Faces" series, a collection of QTBIPOC both alive and passed who are still changing the world for the better and she is accepting nominations of QTBIPOC from across the Southwest Michigan area who have changed people's lives. For this project, she is partnering with the Rootead (nonprofit) QTBIPOC branch Radicle and Outfront Kalamazoo. Maya has also been reading tarot since the age of seven, and is creating a tarot deck called the Black Taurus Rider Waite (aka The James-Smith-Rider-Waite deck), featuring QTBIPOC and intersectional characters as a progressive alternative to the colonial leaning Rider-Waite tarot.

As a daughter of the incredible black renaissance creative Rufus Snoddy, a founding member of the Black Arts Movement in Los Angeles, Maya has had a lifetime of apprenticeship that most artists would pay thousands for. Maya & her father’s art is the family business and their sole trade. Maya’s dad has painted the walls for many exclusive Los Angeles clients in the 1980s. In her free time, Maya James organizes community events for black liberation, like the Juneteenth Celebration with the Vine Neighborhood Association she founded, several marches for George Floyd, and ABOLISH ICE. She considers herself a soldier for abolition, anti-racism, feminism and freedom unapologetically, and at the same time.

For more information on Maya & her work visit:

https://mayamjjames.weebly.com/
https://www.instagram.com/therealmayajamesart/
0 Comments

Seizing the Opportunity, Hannah Rainy becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

5/5/2022

1 Comment

 
Picture
Hannah Rainy is a professional painter & poet from Lansing, MI. She also considers Chattanooga, TN a second home. Hannah simply wants to share her perspective of the journey of life, the little intricate moments and details through painting and words. She loves creating life through conversations about art and creativity, and how it connects us to one another. Hannah tries not to limit or label what something should or should not be. Her art is about perspective, and some of the art is based off of dreams, personal experiences with different ways of thinking, as well as with influences of the concept duality. As she changes, grows & evolves, so does the art she makes. It's a constant learning and evolving process, making life so much more beautiful and meaningful.

Hannah has shared her poetry in a multitude of places including Chattanooga's Rhyme and Chat events, as well as a poetry show by Demond Moultrie. Artists from the region such as Genesis the Greykid , Rondel Crier and Kren the Curator were all artists Hannah looked up to in the community. These artists had a huge influence on why she loves the art community today. It showed her that art could be a career path, and she wants to take that same love for the arts and connection wherever she goes in life. Hannah has also preformed several pieces at the Conscious Streamers events, and other open mic events throughout Lansing. She has received multiple awards for her creative writing throughout the years, as well as awards for most creative welding while a student in high school. She holds a degree in welding with Mig, Tig, and Stick, as well as flux core welding. This led Hannah, at 17 years old, to work with international artists such as sculptor Isaac Duncan. Hannah has researched the basics of color theory, color psychology, web design & graphic design basics, while also having and interest in UI/UX design.

Hannah comes from a family of artists & creatives. Her mom has always had a way with words & drawing, and with how she observers things and expresses them. In addition, her mom’s side of the family has always been creative writers, poets, actors & authors. Hannah’s mom also used to take her to blues and jazz shows where she would take the opportunity on her own to get to know the artists & musicians further, and was able to really connect with other artist at a young age. Hannah’s dad has always been musical and has a passion for cars. He had a huge influence on Hannah’s love for musical arts and poetry. He used to play everything from 60s to 80s in his 1967 Cadillac, telling her all sorts of facts about musicians like Jimmy Hendrix and The Doors. Hannah’s dad also plays the bass guitar and has played several solo shows, and with bands in Chattanooga. He used to take Hannah to a hotel in downtown Chattanooga and I would play on this grand piano as people walked by. Hannah was also exposed to the car show environment of pin striping, old-school tattoos, and weird unordinary art growing up. One of her grandfathers also customized old cars and hot rods in Lansing, while the other grandfather was very diverse in his art making, paintings, and sculptures.

Hannah loves living, and part of living for her is the process of being alive every single day including meeting people, meeting the different versions of people, and that includes herself. Even at a young age, Hannah knew creating, not just painting or poetry, but creating in general, is what she was meant to do. Hannah loves the idea of change and having a full life of experiences. For her, that happens best when she’s creating art, writing poetry, or having a meaningful conversation. Art is very much her preferred method of communication, and she wants to use her work to raise awareness about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) & mental health issues. Hannah wants that love of living to lead her on her journey around the world, traveling and meeting other creatives with similar passions. 

For more information on Hannah & her work visit:
https://rainydarkfi.wixsite.com/arts
Instagram:
@Rainydarkfi
1 Comment

Seizing the Opportunity, Alli Ottjepka becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

4/28/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Allison Ottjepka (aka Allisin Chainz, aka Alli Spins) is a Cyr Wheel Spinner, Aerial Chain Artist, Aerial Hoop Artist (Lyra), Fire Hoop Dancer, & Instrumentalist from Detroit, MI. She holds a Progressive Axis Training (PAT) Certification, considered the top international Cyr Wheel curriculum. 

She has performed at multiple festivals including Dally In the Ally, All Good Festival, Detroit Jazz Fest, Movement Electronic Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, Asian Cultural Celebration, Kertcheval After Dark, and Busker Festival Toronto. She has collaborated with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Asian Cultural Association. She has been featured in Grossed Pointe Times, Detroit Metro Times, and on Fox 2 Detroit.

For more information on Alli & her work visit her on Instagram:
@alli_spins & @allisin_chainz

0 Comments

Seizing the Opportunity, Christina Castilla becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

3/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Christina Castilla is a highly decorated & accomplished painter from Lansing, MI with a goal to use her creativity to reflect her life’s passion for recycling love back into the world. The mother of three is constantly giving back to her community presenting and teaching art at the Allen Neighborhood Center, The Village Lansing, as well as with the Letts Community Center for their summer programs. After studying art for two years in college, Christina started her own art business, RL Designs. 

Christina is the Fox 47/City Pulse 2020 Number 2 Overall Top of the Town Finalist for best artist. She has been featured in the Lansing State Journal, at The After Glow Market Events in Downtown Lansing & numerous Artist’s Umbrella Shows. Christina has created Art for local businesses throughout the community, and has collaborated with some of Lansing’s most recognized artists including Mila Lynn, KT Saxon, Paradoso Photography, and Morgan Madden. 

An outgoing soul, Christina can sometimes be laid back, but can also sometimes be the “hype man” for her friends & colleagues. She can get so into a painting and focus on every detail, or she can get super expressive and splatter paint everywhere. Either way, and even on days that she doesn’t paint, she still somehow ends up with paint on her. She has turned this into another artistic endeavor, creating the RECAP, and “tantrum tent” similar to a Rage Room where people can splatter paint on themselves & the walls of the tent to release pent up emotions. 

For more information on Christina & her work visit:

www.instagram.com/tinac28
www.facebook.com/RLDesigns28
0 Comments

Seizing the Opportunity, Brianna Garrett becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

1/6/2022

1 Comment

 
Picture
Brianna Garrett, aka Bubble Bri, is a Flow Artist from Lansing, MI who owns BubblesRFun, a company that crafts handmade bubble wands and mix to create the most extraordinary bubbles ever. Brianna has brought BubblesRFun to multiple festivals & events throughout Michigan including the U.P. Fall Beer Festival, the McLaren Foundation Fundraiser, Lansing Winterfest, The Island Art Fair in Grand Ledge, and Community Events giving back to non-profits such as Ele’s Place. The bubbles can be enjoyed by watching as an attendee at an event where bubble master Bri is playing with the wands, or by hiring Bubble Bri for your next special event. Bri also offers bubble therapy workshops, where you will learn the art and zen of bubble flow.

Brianna comes from a family full of artists from painters, to writers, to musicians. A huge inspiration to Brianna are her parents John & Yolonda aka “Teenagers with Money” as they like to call themselves. Her mother is the reason BubblesRFun came to be. After seeing giant bubbles at a festival, Yolonda went home & began working on the design of the mix and wand that BubblesRFun have perfected over the years. Today, BubblesRFun offers various styles and designs for kids of all ages. The bubble wands & bubble mix can even be purchased so you can partake in your own bubble fun at home!

For more information on Brianna & BubblesRFun visit:
www.bubblesrfun.com 
www.facebook.com/BubblesRFun517
www.instagram.com/bubblesrfun517
1 Comment

Opportunity Arts Announces “12 Days of Holidays”

11/19/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Opportunity Arts Announces “12 Days of Holidays”:
12 Holiday Themed Art Events in 12 Consecutive Days
December 13th – December 24th
Experience the Holidays with Opportunity Arts
Dates & Times Listed Below
For more information on the events & to purchase tickets visit:
www.opportunityarts.org/12-days-of-holidays.html
​Opportunity Arts, a local arts company that works with some of the top artistic talent in the state, is happy to announce their newest holiday themed art series coming to the Capital Region this December. “12 Days of Holidays” will run from December 13th through December 24th with a plethora of art events taking place at multiple venues throughout Lansing. The events collectively will include Visual Art Displays, Live Music, Interactive Performing & Visual Art, Holiday Themed Art Classes & Workshops, Photography, Poetry, an Art Market, Holiday Tea, & Christmas Cookie decorating, all culminating with a Holiday Concert featuring world renowned vocal performers that will air as a simulcast on ABC 53 WLAJ & CBS 6 WLNS at 11pm Eastern Time on Christmas Eve. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be making appearances throughout the series. For more information & to stay up to date visit: www.opportunityarts.org/12-days-of-holidays.html

“My team & I at Opportunity Arts have put together a bunch of different Holiday themed art events that our local community can enjoy while celebrating the season,” said Mike Marriott, owner of Opportunity Arts. “We are also excited to showcase the amazing artistic talent that will be on display throughout the festivities.” Tickets will be available in the coming weeks on the Opportunity Arts Website & Social Media Platforms as some times and venues are still being finalized. There will be ticket packages available for those who want to attend multiple events. Sponsorship Opportunities are also available to local businesses who wish to be a part of the festivities. A generous portion of the revenue raised during this series will go directly to the creatives and artists involved in the events. Below is a list & description of all 12 events in the series.
"12 Days of Holidays" 
Experience the Holidays with Opportunity Arts
Monday, December 13th – 7pm (Ticketed Event)
Monday Night Masterpiece with Sarah Renee Sanders – The Lighter Side of the Holidays:

Sarah Renee Sanders, the owner of Contrasted Content, holds an Art History Degree from Lansing Community College and will be discussing the lighter side of Holiday Art through the years.
Location: The Opportunity Arts Artitorium at Cedar Street Art Collective (1705 S. Cedar Street)

Tuesday, December 14th – 7pm (Ticketed Event)
Songs of the Season:

A Live Holiday Concert featuring internationally acclaimed vocal performers Stephano Andreotti & Sarah Elizabeth Wallace, along with esteemed concert pianist Liudmila Bondar. This event will be recorded for television. In partnership with the Turner Dodge House, and the City of Lansing.
Location: The Turner Dodge House

Wednesday, December 15th – 5:30pm (Ticketed Event)
Ornament Painting with Autumn Hopkins:

Bring the kiddos to paint & take home Holiday Ornaments with Michigan State University Alumni, the 2021 Ralf Henrickson Award Winner & Second Overall Top of the Town Artist Autumn Hopkins.
Location: “Santa’s Workshop” (The Opportunity Arts Artitorium at Cedar Street Art Collective - 1705 S. Cedar Street)

Thursday, December 16th – 5:30pm (Ticketed Event)
Pictures with Santa:

Avoid those lines at the mall. Come and get your kiddos pictures taken with Santa. Photo packages available via photographer Michaela Clark.
Location: “Santa’s Workshop” (The Opportunity Arts Artitorium at Cedar Street Art Collective - 1705 S. Cedar Street)

Friday, December 17th – 6:30pm (Ticketed Event)
Three Wise Men:

Come experience the talent of Poets Keyante Saxon, Morgan Madden, & Torrey Gray. This event is more geared to an adult audience as opposed to small children.  
Location: To Be Announced

Saturday, December 18th – Afternoon – Specific Time To Be Announced (Free Event with Vendors & Shopping)
Walking in a Winter Wonderland:

Get that last minute Holiday shopping in at this Downtown Holiday Art Market featuring some of Capital Regions’ most gifted Artistic Entrepreneurs selling some of their most impressive holiday creations. Gifts available for any budget. This event is in partnership with Downtown Lansing Inc.
Location: Downtown Lansing – Specific Indoor Venue To Be Announced

Sunday, December 19th – 1:00pm (Free Event)
Community Caroling:

Come join some of the Capital Regions top vocal performers for a community sing along. As Buddy the Elf said, “Best ways to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Location: To Be Announced

Monday, December 20th – 7pm (Ticketed Event)
Monday Night Masterpiece with Sarah Renee Sanders – The Darker Side of the Holidays:

Sarah Renee Sanders, the owner of Contrasted Content, holds an Art History Degree from Lansing Community College and will be discussing the darker side of the Holidays through the years.
Location: The Opportunity Arts Artitorium at Cedar Street Art Collective (1705 S. Cedar Street)

Tuesday, December 21st – 6pm (Ticketed Event)
Holiday Tea with SippaSanity:

Celebrate the aromatic arts with Laura Showers, the owner of SippaSanity Tea. Special Holiday Teas will be available, as well as tastings, & tea education.
Location: The Opportunity Arts Artitorium at Cedar Street Art Collective (1705 S. Cedar Street)

Wednesday, December 22nd – 5:30pm (Ticketed Event)
Drawn to Holidays with Claude JP:

Bring the kiddos down to create a Holiday themed drawing with local visual artist & illustrator Claude Johnson-Perry. Each participant will bring home their own drawing.
Location: “Santa’s Workshop” (The Opportunity Arts Artitorium at Cedar Street Art Collective - 1705 S. Cedar Street)

Thursday, December 23rd – 5:30pm (Ticketed Event)
Christmas Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus:

Mrs. Claus will be helping children decorate Christmas Cookies to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. If anyone knows what Christmas Cookies Santa likes, it’s Mrs. Claus.
Location: “Santa’s Workshop” (The Opportunity Arts Artitorium at Cedar Street Art Collective - 1705 S. Cedar Street)

Friday, December 24th – Simulcast at 11pm on ABC 53 WLAJ & CBS 6 WLNS
Songs of the Season Holiday Concert:

Highlights and Tunes from the Songs of the Season Live Concert from December 14th. Featuring internationally acclaimed vocal performers Stephano Andreotti & Sarah Elizabeth Wallace, along with esteemed concert pianist Liudmila Bondar performing from the Turner Dodge House. (The concert will also air on Christmas Day at 2:30am on CBS 6 WLNS, and at 6:30am on CW-5 ELAJ)
Location: The comfort of your home.

For more information on the “12 Days of Holidays”, and to purchase tickets visit:
www.opportunityarts.org/12-days-of-holidays.html
0 Comments

“Carnival of the Creatives” Returns for Halloween Weekend 2021

10/29/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Carnival of the Creatives: A Drive-Thru Halloween Themed Extravaganza
Presented by The Artists’ Umbrella & Downtown Lansing Inc.
Sponsored by MSUFCU & CATA
Saturday, October 30th, 2021 from 7:00pm-9pm
South Capitol Parking Ramp
320 S Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
The Carnival of the Creatives returns for the 2021 Halloween season. The Artist’s Umbrella and Downtown Lansing Inc. will be presenting this year’s iteration on Saturday, October 30th from 7pm to 9pm in the South Capitol Parking Ramp in Downtown Lansing. There will be multiple “Trunk-or-Treat” stations throughout the ramp. Entry to the event is $20.00 per vehicle, and you pay when you enter the Ramp. Due to height restrictions, no vehicles taller than ‘6 feet, 6 inches’ will be able to drive-thru the Carnival of the Creatives. To order Tickets visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-artists-umbrella-and-dli-present-carnival-of-creatives-tickets-188828780967

As attendees start to ascend the ramp from the comfort of their vehicle, they will begin passing a variety of performers & visual artists all decked out in Halloween themed apparel & costumes. “We are so excited to be a part of this unique Halloween event for a second straight year, and showcase some amazing talent from right here in our community,” said Brandon Navin, founder & executive director of the Artist’s Umbrella. Performers & artists for the Carnival of the Creatives will be stationed throughout the South Capitol Parking Ramp, and will include musicians, dancers, poets, circus arts performers, and visual artists. 

The Artist’s Umbrella, a Lansing based arts organization that has established itself as Mid-Michigan’s premiere variety show will curate the performers and artists, as well as handling the lighting, sound, & production for the event. Downtown Lansing Inc. will help with sponsorships & navigating red tape to help make this event a success. A generous portion of the proceeds for the event will go directly to compensate the artists & creatives who will be part of the show that evening.

Downtown Lansing Inc. will be coordinating volunteers for the event, and working with local businesses to ensure event sponsors & Trunk-or-Treat participants. DLI was also integral in working with the City of Lansing to secure the South Capitol Parking Ramp for this event, which will drive people to downtown Lansing, and in the process, Lift Up our Local downtown businesses. If you’d like to volunteer to work the event, contact the Artists’ Umbrella or Downtown Lansing Inc.

For more information on the 2021 Carnival of the Creatives, and to purchase tickets visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-artists-umbrella-and-dli-present-carnival-of-creatives-tickets-188828780967

Official Facebook Event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2002708746574531/

For more information on The Artist’s Umbrella visit:
www.theartistsumbrella.us/

For more information on Downtown Lansing Inc. visit: 
www.downtownlansing.org/
0 Comments

Seizing the Opportunity: Flames ‘N Dames becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

9/10/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Flames ‘N Dames is Michigan's premier Flow Arts Group specializing in fire dance demonstrations and ambient entertainment. It is an all-female fire performance group out of Lansing, Michigan consisting of Nat Spinz, Anna Faye, and Paige Marie. Nat grew up on the West Side of Lansing. Anna grew up in Mason, MI, and Paige grew up in Lansing & East Lansing before going to school in Mason, MI. The three met during a Flow Jam in East Lansing's Patriarche Park. A flow jam is when movement artists gather together to share, collaborate, dance, and socialize, creating community around their craft. Nat, Anna, & Paige are all multi-prop performers that come from different performance backgrounds, and are notorious for their sassy style of fire dancing and hype audience engagement. Each Dame brings their own special sauce to the group, giving every Flames 'N Dames performance an unforgettable experience.

The members of Flames N’ Dames have collectively & individually worked, performed, and taught hoop dancing in Michigan & throughout the Midwest. Nat has performed for several events, such as Viking Warrior Fest, Nordic Fire Festival, Trick-or-Treat on the Square, The Artist’s Umbrella, NYE South Haven, MerFest, Harbor Fest, Frontier Days, Charlotte Celebrates, How-to Halloween, 517 Living Week, Cedar Street Art Collective, The Marque, The Hall, Windwalker Underground Gallery, Grand Ledge Opera House, Stilettos and Steel Fall Showcase, AL!VE, Arts Night Out, Arts Beats & Eats, Eaton Rapids 4th of July Events, Urban Air, CommUNITY Day, Spinsanity Flow Down, Threadbare Mitten Film Festival, among several private events, and over 200 school and daycare assemblies. Anna has performed at venues such as the Wharton Center, Michigan State University’s Summer Circle Theatre, Windwalker Underground Gallery, MICA Gallery, and Lansing’s Jazz Festival & Blues Festival. She joined Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s international dance ensemble and danced through Europe for a month as a fine arts ambassador. Other events include Viking Warrior Festival, The Artist Gym Flowcase, Charlotte Summer Flow Series, and the Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat. Finally, Paige has performed at the First Miss Revelation Drag show, Lansing Bluesfest, The Artist Umbrella, Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat, Viking Warrior Fest, The Artist Gym Flowcase, Charlotte Summer Flow Series, A Day in the Village for the City of Stockbridge. 

Flames N’ Dames have been featured on Fox 47, WILX, Tia Time with Artists Podcast, Tim Barron Radio Show, Every Damn Day podcast by Jerry Norris, 517 Magazine, WKAR, and The City Pulse. They are always looking for opportunities to bring quality entertainment to the Lansing area and love to collaborate with other businesses. Currently, they are looking for sponsorships to help them continue funding and growing their Fire Flow Jam Series, which will be coming to Lansing in 2022.

Bios:
Nat Spinz is a professional hoop dancer and fire spinner. She travels the United States to various school assemblies and daycare centers to teach children about flow arts and the importance of following their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Nat teaches hoop dancing classes to both kids and adults in the Lansing area and strives to convey a message that play time is important, no matter the age. Nat has hosted the Charlotte Fire Flow Jam Series for 4 years, offering free public entertainment for all ages. Flames ‘N Dames was born in 2020 from the Series.

Anna Faye is a lifelong dancer who discovered a passion for flow arts in 2014. Brought up in the Lansing Area she studied ballet & modern dance at Happendance, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Dancewerks, the Children's Ballet Theater, and more. Anna is passionate about immersing her community in a celebration of art and culture. With her performance experience, international and local, she wishes to provide engaging entertainment to all.

Paige Marie was introduced to the flow arts community in 2016 and instantly fell in love. This passion combined with her zest for bringing joy to others has culminated in years of performing both professionally and for fun. She specializes in many different flow props and takes pride in continued learning and improving her craft.

For more information on Flames N’ Dames, you can visit their website:
www.FlamesNDames.com

To contact Flames N’ Dames, or to inquire about booking them for their next event, email them at: FlamesNDames517@gmail.com

You can also follow them on social media platforms listed below, or by using their handle: @flamesndames

Facebook.com/FlamesNDames
Instagram.com/FlamesNDames
Twitch.tv/FlamesNDames
YouTube: Flames N' Dames
0 Comments
<<Previous

    News

    News about Opportunity Arts and it's Affiliates. 

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Past Headlines

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Flames ‘N Dames becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Monday Night Masterpiece:
    New Live Talk Show & Art Experience Coming to the Capital City on Monday Nights this Fall

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Keyante Saxon becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Rue Anarchy becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Casey McVay becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Dr. Cheryl Caesar becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Anna Rose becomes an
    Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Sarah Parker becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Elisa Schmidt becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Amari Roper becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Who are The 4 Aces of Visual Arts?

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Claude J.P. becomes an
    Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Bryan Knickerbocker becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Sarrah Gani becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Local Award-Winning
    Visual Artist/Body Painter Helps Apple Blossom

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Wil Pruitt becomes an
    Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    THE SHOW MUST GO ON:
    THE ARTIST’S UMBRELLA RETURNS
    AFTER FIRST QUARTER HIATUS

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Dani Twigs becomes an
    Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Kylee Kellett becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Anne K. Miranda becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    TongFx becomes an
    Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Steph Joy Hogan Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Daniel J. Hogan Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Emily Scott becomes an
    Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    ​Michaela Clark becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Tamara A. Glenn becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Torrey Gray Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Cedar Street Art Collective Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Lithic Creation Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Introducing Hannah Vercelote as the New Director of Social Media for Opportunity Arts

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Melina Brann becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Get to know our Business Partner: 517 Living

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Kristine Brickey becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    WORLD RENOWNED VOCAL PERFORMER TO HEADLINE
    ​LANSING BASED VARIETY SHOW

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Mila Lynn becomes an
    Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity: Group 2 Saxophone Quartet Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Bridget Vander Hoff becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Sarah Sanders becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity,
    ​Amy Phillips becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    February 2020
    Events Featuring
    Opportunity Arts Affiliates

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Sarah Elizabeth Wallace becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    MATT BLITON BAND
    TO RELEASE THIRD ALBUM.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    ​Sarah Vedolich Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    The Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Bianca Green Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Allison Spooner Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    ​Seizing the Opportunity:
    Morgan Madden Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    ​Seizing the Opportunity:
    The Poetry Room with
    Masaki Takahashi becomes
    Opportunity Arts Affiliates.

    Threadbare Mitten Film Festival
    Comes To REO Town.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Grace Carras Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    ​​Seizing the Opportunity:
    ​The Artist’s Umbrella Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    ​Stephano Andreotti Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Isabella J. Mansfield Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Liudmila Bondar Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

    Seizing the Opportunity:
    Edward R. Truitt becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.
     

    Opportunity Arts Featured In
    the Lansing City Pulse - 7/25/19

    Arts & Entertainment Podcast
    with Mike Marriott & Metro Melik
    Season 1, Episode 1

    ​Matt Bliton Band Performing at Urban Beat on July 27th at 8:00pm

    ​Opportunity Arts to Host Artists' Networking Event on July 25th
  • Home
  • Affiliates
  • The Aces
  • Fiscal Sponsorship
  • News & Events
  • Contact