Profile: American Painter Nabil Mousa

MOUSA: A NEW AMERICANA  (summer 2015)

      If you don’t know the name you might soon learn it.  After all, if the artist has it his way, his name will be as familiar as Pollock, Warhol or Goya.

     Co-owner of Gallery 874 in West Midtown, Nabil Mousa has big dreams.  He has been a guest at the big art fairs and is very aware of what it takes to become a collected fine artist.  The works he creates are big, and they have meaning.

     “To be a successful artist you have to treat your art as a business,” said Mousa. 

     Born in Syria and educated in the United States, the Artist Mousa incorporates the cultural tensions of both countries into his artwork, combining them with his own personal convictions. 

     At a recent exhibition, two female patrons stood for 45 minutes looking at an American flag painting. The painting conveys the lack of understanding for the USA on the world stage.  To see it correctly, viewers are asked to think about the flag as if they were born in another country.  

     “It’s so fantastic,” said Abha, an Atlanta woman originally from India.  “Our first learned bias is to appreciate the flag---from whatever country we are born---the most.  When I see the flag of India, it makes me want to cry.  It’s patriotism.”

     A majority of Mousa’s work could be interpreted as ‘controversial’.  Although there are no nudes, and no language to call offensive.  In most cases, language is represented in the works by colored dots.  

     “Mousa is my creative side, almost like double personalities I guess,” said the artist.  “We all have them whether we are aware or not. Mousa is the defiant one in me who wants to make it all happen. He will not accept ‘no’ for an answer. What Nabil dreams Mousa creates.”

     Current works seem to symbolize his new life in the United States.  Politics is omnipresent in Mousa’s work, as well as equality standards taught in the United States.  

     Yet Mousa’s interest in all aspects of life has been the common thread in his works.   “I think the color orange in the paintings represents fear,” said a fan.  “Fear is the reason poor decisions are made, and people become oppressed.”

     At 49, Mousa has done more than 3000 paintings.  His work is of the highest quality, because Mousa uses expensive oils and finishes to create a story within. 

      To schedule a tour of the works, contact Curator Scott Richter at the web site http://www.gallery874.com
 
---Ray Macon

Record The Moments of Life

PONCE AUTHORS PUSH MEMORIES (5/8/15)

        If you live near Ponce, you might spot Dave Savage working in his 'art garden'.  But that's not how he makes a living.  You could say that Dave inspires hope for a living. 

      Simply put: Dave and his charismatic wife encourage individuals and families to share and record their stories.

     Atlantans are certainly familiar with the StoryCorps conversations on public radio; (storycorps.org).   In these thought-felt conversations: survivors talk of resolutions; victims of failing health administer nuggets of wisdom. 

     Recordings are not always so serious, many are funny and 'feel good' talks. 

     A recent conversation was between Ambassador Andrew Young (82) and a very enthusiastic 13-year old, Tara Varzi. (IntvWithFormerMayor) Varzi set-up the interview and booked the famous former mayor because '...he had a story to tell about his father's influence on his career choice.'    

 

     Young's father wanted him to become a dentist.  By choosing a different career path, it has made all the difference. Varzi wanted this told to teens around her who were facing a similar problem, just 40 years later.

      Of course this is just one way to share important memories.   "Discovering who you are through the stories and experiences of your elders and ancestors is important to all people," said Dave.  

     "Look for gatherings where you know people will be sharing the back stories. Record these on media somehow (cellphones will work).  Have people explain any phrases or nicknames that sound funny, those hold stories as well."

     In any case, the Summer is a perfect time to start.  "With vacation visits and reunions being planned, now is the time to think about the opportunities you will never have again," said Dave.

     Dave Savage and his wife Rev. Beverly Molander wrote and recently published a helpful book Heartfelt Memorial Services: Your Guide for Planning Meaningful Funerals, Celebrations of Life and Times of Remembrance. 

     The two educators call the recordings you will make  'a lasting gift to future generations.'

      Inspiring sample videos are available at www.HeartfeltMemorialServices.com  The helpful site includes a  list of questions to promote conversations that you’ll want to record.  The book is available on Amazon.

      ---Ray Macon

Music Takes You WAY Back

LENA’S: AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE

     Anyone  proud enough to dub this the ‘Summer of Love’ must be a survivor of Woodstock, right?  Or at least have an appreciation for 60s music.

     At Lena’s Place Coffeehouse, you can get all the love, memories and music you need to make 2015 memorable…at least to your ears and hearts.

     Located at 2676 Clairmont Road, Lena’s Place has been around for 31 years.  During that time, the ‘secret social gathering spot’ has always offered great music and the very best of Atlanta song writing.

     Every second Saturday the coffee house ‘pays it forward’.  Attendees are asked for a $5 donation.  Refreshments are available on an Honor System.  All funds taken go to a different charity each month. 

     Past recipients have been the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Funds for Migrant Workers in South Georgia, and Plymouth Harbor, a program in Tucker designed for seniors.

     “Where in Atlanta,” asked Resident Stan Citron “…can you get two hours of entertainment, and do some good work for your community at the same time?  It’s terrific."

       Lena’s Place showcases incredible musicians in an intimate, listening room environment.  Performers are not only nationally and locally famous, they were trend setters who shaped the music industry.  Many music genres are represented as well.

     Since 1984, Lena’s Place Coffeehouse is a monthly opportunity to experience an eclectic mix of acoustic artists in a coffeehouse atmosphere. Lena’s is staffed by volunteers who love (and often play) in the lineup.

      This month donations go to fund New American Pathways (formerly RRISA). The organization helps new American citizens, with a mission to promote safety, stability and service for individual refugees and their families in Georgia.

     On July 11, donations will benefit the Clifton Men’s Shelter.  Lena’s Place invites anyone who appreciates great music to attend.

-----Ray Macon

One Day Off To Change The World

DELOITTE IMPACT DAY A MODEL FOR BIG CORPS

     In late spring, the Deloitte LLP company holds an annual day of community service and gives every employee a day of sunshine.

     Proud to be on the cutting edge of new corporate fundraising efforts, Deloitte didn’t give everyone the day off…in fact a lot of people traded their keyboards for dirty yard tools.

     “Each year, you see our Deloitte professionals in blue tees filling classrooms, parks, and recreation centers,” said Cathy Engelbert, Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte LLP. “It’s the one day we celebrate our contributions together…reminding us that we are all part of a culture that values volunteerism.”

     About 30 charities in the Atlanta area benefit from the added work force. 

     Deloitte’s national day of service started in Atlanta 16 years ago as a team building exercise.   It’s grown to a massive multifaceted project where tens of thousands of Deloitte professionals around the country spend the work day contributing to more than 950 community projects in more than 80 U.S. communities. 

    “This is an opportunity for us to celebrate our annual commitment to our communities,” said Ed Heys, managing partner for Deloitte’s Atlanta office. “Our employees get to choose the organization where they will volunteer.   Many continue helping that same organization, so a long-term relationship comes out of it.” 

     In Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery, Ed and about 190 Deloitte employees were hauling mulch from a pile that began about the size of a small house.  From there, employees used shovels and wheel barrows to distribute the good stuff to areas of the historic cemetery that were in need of repair.

     “They do tons of work in the gardens,” said David Moore, Executive Director of the Historic Oakland Foundation.  ”They get things done. We get things built.  Items are planted, we get our database updated, and records are cleaned-up. ”

       As the work is done, Ed Heys and his Deloitte Impact Staff stopped for a team photograph.  “We’re really good at this,” said Ed.  “We hope other companies will follow our lead.”

---Ray Macon

Profile: Philanthropist Kate Atwood

KATE'S CLUB IS REALLY GREAT     (6/8/15)

      For children who have lost one or more parents, life can be very hard.  In Atlanta, there's a great organization for kids in this situation.  It is called ‘Kate’s Club’.

     At age 6, Kate Atwood watched her mother fight cancer.  She lost her by the age of 12. 

     "My involvement with a bereavement camp in Virginia led me to discover my healing," said Atwood.   "...by bringing me comfort among others who had experienced this loss."

      Based on her childhood experience, Kate was inspired to help other children unite with their peers who shared a similar loss experience so they would know they were not alone in their grieving.

     "Grief is a normal reaction to loss in someone's life," said Atwood.  "Grieving children may act-out,  have trouble focusing or have low academic performance."

      Kate’s Club started in June 2003 with only six children.  They met at a local bowling alley.  Nearly twelve years later, they have touched the lives of more than 1,000 children and their families.

     "We engage our members and volunteers each year in four main programs," said Atwood.  "These events provide social, recreational and emotional support to the children of Kate’s Club."

 

     Former NBC Today Show co-host Meredith Vieira did a national story about the organization, which really helped.

    “After the show, we had people calling from all-over the country,” said Kristyn Back, Development Coordinator.  “Other places wanted to start a Kate’s Club, and we began to see a lot of donations coming in.” 

      The organization helps children in many ways, the best of which provides trained counselors who can help the children through the loss process. 

     If you know of a child who has experienced the loss of a parent, contact the organization to hear more about the programs: 404-347-7619 or email  programs@katesclub.org.

---Ray Macon

Trendsetter Les Bouska

CHESHIRE SALON GIVES BACK TO ART

     “From my point of view, beauty and style go hand-in-hand,” said Les Bouska, owner of the Atlanta Hair Studio, located at the edge of Buckhead.   “Art is the perfect complement to my salon.”

     Les was speaking of his new salon on Cheshire Bridge Road.  The company was in a smaller building up the street for years.  When he began refurbishing another building across from Faulkner Road, it was clear the project would take months. 

     “I wanted the building to speak to passers-by,” said Bouska.  “For years; the windows had been painted-over, repeatedly, creating a dark and seedy looking exterior. I wanted no trace of that.  I opened the windows, letting in light to create a space that would bring interest to the street.”

    Les Bouska is an Atlantan who grew-up on Clairmont Road.  His home was once located where Century Center now stands.  

     With a degree in computer science and technology systems, you would think he would be building machines. 

     “In college I worked at a salon and learned how to formulate dye colors,” said Bouska, “I thought the beauty industry was a lot more interesting than computers.” 

     Bouska is also a celebrated (and collected) photographer.  He has a lot of artist friends and that would eventually lead him to open a free exhibition space. 

      “We decided to bring art to that side of the street,” said Bouska.  “Each artist gets a three month period to show their work.”

     Best of all: Les Bouska does not charge the artists if a piece sells.  “I really just want the art there to create interest not only in my salon, but on the face of the street as well.”

     Les specializes in natural highlights, color and color-correction.  The Master Stylist is an expert at matching color to skin tone and the personalities of his clients.  But he’s also great in the ‘art of helping others’.

“Bringing this effort to a space that was formerly dark and uninviting has served to make it even more visible,” said Bouska.  “I’m looking forward to continuing Atlanta Hair Studio’s relationship with the community. Art, style, service, and goodwill all make for a great space for the street, and a great space to work."

      Les Bouska invites the public to drop-by the studio for a free consultation and see the popular “street gallery”.  

     Consistently a winner of Best of Atlanta, the Atlanta Hair Studio is located at 2043 B Cheshire Bridge Road.

-----Ray Macon

Les Bouska, Owner

Art by Matthew Craven

                                                               Art by Scott French

Pool Owner Instructor Melinda Slotnick

SWIM IN THE MIDDLE OF MIDTOWN (6/8/15)

     There's a pool hidden somewhere in Midtown, and children inside are squealing with joy.

    “There’s an indoor pool located here? “   J.J., a father of three, was dropping-off his children at another business.  “Inside this building?”

     Until recently, there wasn't a floatie or pair of underwater goggles for blocks near this place.  That's until the Swimmerman Swim Club opened a school on Amsterdam Walk. 

     Classes will begin in the fall, but there are already many interested parents who want someone else to teach their children the skill of swimming.

     Jennifer Kahlon dropped-by to check-out the place with her 3-year old, Zack. 

    “I know how important it is for kids to learn water safety,” said Kahlon. “…with outdoor pools you have the weather as a concern.  Here, the lessons have a consistency, in a warm pool designed for the student."

     Owner Melina Slotnick is very proud.  It has taken over two years to get the project completed.  “Our pool is nineteen by forty-five feet built exclusively for teaching the skill of swimming.”

    With UV System and two massive pumps that turn the water-over, the pool feels like it belongs in a tropical setting.   

    Eventually the school will teach children from two months old to adults who never learned to swim. 

     “The pool has different islands and ledges,” said Slotnick “…this allows the student to swim from Point A to Point B without having to walk.  It is a teaching pool, specifically designed for teaching.”

     The school is painted to resemble a comic book.  Slotnick created the Swimmerman character as the spirit of a non-swimmer.   

    “We wanted it to capture the heart of a child who is afraid of swimming, as they learn, their confidence increases like that of a superhero.” Slotnick said.

     To inquire about Classes, visit the school on Amsterdam Walk.

---Ray Macon