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Seizing the Opportunity, The Artist Kasey becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

1/31/2023

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Kasey is a versatile artist, working across multiple mediums including photography, graphic art, painting, and mixed media. With a keen eye for composition and a passion for exploring new forms of visual expression. Kasey creates striking and thought-provoking art that pushes the boundaries of traditional techniques.

Through photography, Kasey captures the beauty and complexity of the world around them, whether it be through candid street photography or carefully composed landscapes. In graphic art. Kasey combines digital tools with traditional techniques to create bold and dynamic images that challenge our perceptions of the world. In painting and mixed media, she explores the endless possibilities of color, texture, and form to create surreal art that evokes emotion and provokes thought.

Kasey has exhibited her work at the Katalyst Gallery in Lansing, Art & Soul Gallery in St. John’s, and The Gallery at Brewery Park in Detroit. She is constantly experimenting and pushing herself to try new things. Kasey’s work can be viewed at her business page, Stella Cora Design at: www.facebook.com/stellacoradesign

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Seizing the Opportunity, Parker Knepp becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

1/30/2023

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Parker Knepp (Artist Name: PK) is an audio engineer, producer, hip hop artist, and entrepreneur originally from Charlevoix MI, but now residing in East Lansing, MI. He has a degree in Audio Technology from NMC in Traverse City, and a degree in Horticulture from MSU. PK is currently working on two companies. The first one, Apostle, is an investment group that comes up with solutions to problems. The 2nd company is Apostle’s solution to the entertainment industry, an app that lets you find and buy tickets to events, host events, and find freelancers for your events, whether you’re an artist, venue, or fan. On top of these companies, PK is creating collaborative hip hop albums with upcoming musicians, and mini-documentaries on these musicians, while running a podcast and other social media content as well. PK plans on moving to Detroit in a few years to make a lasting impact on the entertainment scene there, but in the meantime, is focusing on Lansing’s live music scene.

For more information on PK, visit:
Apostle’s Website:
https://apostlerec.com/

PK’s Social Media:
https://solo.to/therealpkfire

Apostle’s Social Media:
https://solo.to/apostlerec
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MSU Graduate Builds Community through Conscious Conversations

1/27/2023

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Conscious Conversations 2023
A Monthly Topical Discussion Series at the East Lansing Public Library
See Dates Below
www.verumesse.com/consciousconversations
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Abrielle (Abi) Mason has always been community driven, but it was while she was a student at MSU that she discovered specifically how she wanted to give back to her community. While minoring in Entrepreneurship at MSU, the university informed her of an opportunity to attend a young entrepreneurs retreat in Costa Rica in the spring of 2019. It was here that she was introduced to her dear friend Brian Helfman, the founder of Third Nature, a New York based company focused on building a fulfilling career and life, surrounded by a supportive, uplifting, and impact-driven community. “Brian started Third Nature as a way for young entrepreneurs to connect & share ideas during the pandemic,” said Mason. “I wanted to bring that same concept, but in person, here to my community in Mid-Michigan.”

Conscious Conversations, a monthly topical discussion series tailored for MSU students & young adults living and working in East Lansing & Lansing, is a space for meaningful, empathetic, and energizing discussion, around a monthly topic. Topics include “Choosing the Right Opportunities”, “Transitioning to Something New”, & “Making It Happen vs. Letting It Happen”. The monthly series will take place at the East Lansing Public Library. It is a space to feel safe, supported, and connected. “Attendees are encouraged to share what they have been feeling openly and honestly about both personal and contemporary issues,” said Mason. Abi hopes that the series cultivates a broader perspective on life and finding opportunities for personal, professional, and collective growth. The schedule for Conscious Conversations is as follows:

January 31st: Goal Setting
February 28th: Modern Love
March 28th: Choosing the Right Opportunities
April 25th: A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime
May 30th: Transitioning to Something New
June 27 th: Authentic Self Expression
July 25th: Learning From and Letting Go of the Past
August 29th: Making It Happen vs. Letting It Happen
September 26th: Finding the Right Environment
*October 24th: Belonging
November 28th: Acceptance
*December 19th: Recap 2023
(*Every last Tuesday of the month in 2023, excluding October and December)
Topics subject to change

About Abrielle Mason:
Abrielle (Abi) hails from Lansing, Michigan as a proud graduate of Michigan State University. She works as a User Experience Designer and Content Strategist at Gravity Works Design and Development. Abrielle is also training to become a certified professional life coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. She holds a Facilitator certification through Third Nature. In her free time, she hosts monthly Conscious Conversations, attends art shows, designs logos, and reads everything she can. Learn more about Abi at her website: https://abriellemason.wordpress.com/

For more information on Conscious Conversations visit:
https://www.verumesse.com/consciousconversations

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Lansing Musical Duo to Compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.

1/20/2023

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The Dedfoot Duo of Wil Pruitt & Justin Deason have qualified for, and will compete against Blues artists from around the world at The Blues Foundation’s 38th International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN. The Duo have been performing together throughout Michigan since 2018, and will be debuting original songs created for the competition. This will be the duo’s first time taking the stage in Memphis, TN, and they are honored to be representing Mid-Michigan at the Competition. The International Blues Challenge will run from January 24th-28th, in multiple music venues on Memphis’s world famous Beale Street. For more information on the International Blues Challenge visit: www.bealestreet.com/international-blues-challenge

The Dedfoot Duo qualified for the International Blues Challenge after winning the Best Duo Act for the solo / duo category of the 2022 Capital Area Blues Society Blues Brawl. In preparation for their trip to Memphis, the duo recently performed at the International Blues Competition Finalists Showcase at the Green Door on Lansing’s East Side. The Showcase was a fundraiser with proceeds going to help support the winners of the Blues Brawl on their journey to the Challenge. Anyone who is interested in supporting the artists on this endeavor should contact the Dedfoot Duo directly.

The International Blues Challenge’s Opening Ceremonies will take place in Memphis, TN at 6:00pm on January 24th at Beale Street’s Club 152, Wil & Justin will compete in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday, January 25th & Thursday, January 26th with a goal of advancing to the Semifinals the following day. “I’m a little nervous, but proud to rep Michigan,” said Pruitt. “It’s something that means a lot to me.” The IBC Finals will take place at noon on January 28th at Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre.

About Wil Pruitt & Justin Deason:
Wil Pruitt is a Vocal Performer, Front Man, & Guitarist working and performing throughout Michigan & the Midwest. Originally from Holt, Wil’s artistic endeavors are based out of Lansing & Detroit. He has developed his skills playing with multiple bands and experimenting with solo work. Wil has played multiple music venues throughout the Midwest including being invited to perform on stage at the world famous Tootsies in Nashville, TN. He has also performed at multiple Michigan music venues including UrbanBeat, The Green Door, The Loft, and GameTime. Wil credits Chris Cornell, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bill Withers, and Johnny Cash as the major influences in crafting his Bluesy, Soulful, Dirty Rock musical style. For more information on Wil & his work visit: www.linktr.ee/wil_pruitt

Justin Deason is a freelance professional guitarist from Lansing, MI who has spent over 15 years performing throughout the state. Emotive and enchanting, Justin’s smooth, soulful guitar sound is incendiary. He creates a unique and inspiring blend of Blues, Rock and Americana in his songwriting and energetic live performances. Justin also enjoys traveling and comedy. For more information on Justin & his work visit: www.facebook.com/JD517

About the International Blues Challenge:
“The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.”

For a full schedule of the International Blues Challenge visit:
www.blues.org/ibc-schedule-2023
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Visual Artist Sera ReneƩ Gives Pieces of Herself: Completes 365 Consecutive Days of Body Painting

1/4/2023

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View All 365 Paintings Here
It took an entire revolution around the sun, but Michigan based Artist Sera Reneé, (formerly known as Sarah Reneé Sanders), has completed her “Pieces of Me” Project, a 365 day, self-growth face/body paint project that started January 1, 2022, and ended on December 31, 2022. Each day, Sera would create a new face/body paint, and then present it to the public via her social media platforms, specifically Instagram & Facebook. The paintings were based on different concepts revolving around things related to the artist’s day. This could be an emotion, inspiration, or even an art concept or style that Sera wanted to work on. "Think of it like a unique journal/sketchbook, only on my face,” said Sera. “It was my way of documenting how I felt for the day, something that was important to me that day, or an idea for something I can look back on." All 365 paints can be viewed via the artist’s website at www.contrastedcontent.com/the-pieces-of-me-2022

Sera decided to create “Pieces of Me" to document her growth as an artist & a person. "Doing a project where you document yourself everyday gives you a different understanding of time,” said Sera. “It makes you mindful of how time blends into the reality of seaming fast while actually moving incredibly slow, and vice versa." The project also gave Sera the opportunity to create art when she wasn’t in a creative mindset. “When you do art as a career, you sometimes have to create art even when you’re not inspired to,” says Sera. “Some days were a breeze, and other days it was trudging through with everything on my shoulders, but I didn't quit. I would be lying if I said I didn't want to quit some days, but that wasn't an option.”  
One of the most impressive things about the project, aside from its artistic excellence, is the dedication it took to actually create a new face/body paint each and every day. In addition to her paintings, throughout the year, Sera had to battle through illnesses, the ending of a relationship, organizing & founding the Rooted Reverence Festival in Mason along with her colleague Poet Morgan Madden, working part time for a local small business, artistic commissions, travel for events, events themselves, as well as the struggles that come with everyday life. Someone had asked Sera if she had paints already done & photographed for this project, so she would have something to post publicly each day, just in case she got sick or something. “I did not,” said Sera. “It wasn't about what was displayed to the public, I didn’t even announce that I was doing the project publicly. It was about the authenticity within myself. So I didn't allow myself to do that. I would paint a new piece everyday no matter what." Sera continued, “On August 26th, I literally got up early to do a paint because I had a colonoscopy scheduled for later that morning and didn’t know what condition I’d be in to do the paint afterward.” No matter how she felt, no matter her schedule, or how her day went, whatever happened, Sera’s day was not completed until her paint was completed & documented for the day. "There was also a period this year where I had a horrible case of Strep C. It didn't stop me. I still created and pushed through though it was incredibly hard. But now I know in myself, if I really want to do something, I'm the only thing standing in my way." Upon completion of “Pieces of Me”, Sera decided it will set up her next artistic endeavor that she will call “Sides of Me”, which will debut in 2023.

To view all 365 paintings of the “Pieces of Me” project, visit:
www.contrastedcontent.com/the-pieces-of-me-2022

For more information on Sera Reneé & her work visit:
www.contrastedcontent.com
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    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
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