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Medha Atre-Kulkarni

Educator; Visual Artist

Medha is an artist & art teacher from East Brunswick, NJ. Having a passion for art since childhood, she always wanted to be an artist ever since she remembers. Growing up in India. She is a B.F.A from the prestigious art university Sir. J.J. School of Arts. She has been painting & exhibiting in USA for many years. Medha has won several award for her art in several prestigious art exhibitions. Few of her notable exhibitions are Solo show in Indian Consulate in NYC, group shows with Garden state Watercolor Society, New Jersey watercolor society, Ellarslie Mansion Museum /Trenton city Musem, Monmouth Art Museum, New York Art Expo 2019. Several of her paintings are in private & public collection in USA & India. Several notable places that own & display her paintings are Indian consulate in NYC, School library mural in Lanning Ave School in Verona NJ, mural & figurative paintings in Mejwani restaurant in South Plainfield NJ. Her portraits are in several private homes. She masters & paints in several mediums including Oil, acrylics, watercolors, pencils, charcoals & pastels. She also conducts art classes, workshops & art parties. She has given water color demonstrations at Garden State watercolor society & Hunterdon water color society.

Nelson Baez

Dancer; Entertainer; Music

Pronounced “BOAM-ba,” this Afro-Puerto Rican genre of music and dance is lively, full of movement and rhythm, and best described, in the words of Bomba Master Nelson Baez, as a conversation between a drummer and a dancer: “The dancer is literally playing that drum through their body.” Bomba is completely unchoreographed – the drummer must predict intuitively what the dancer will do. Nowadays, drummers and dancers often perform onstage, but Nelson prefers to think of the experience of Bomba in its traditional setting: a circle amongst actively participating spectators. “As the people get inspired,” he says, “one would come into the center of the circle.” This intricate relationship between the dancer and the lead drum, or subidor, is enveloped by other drummers, singing voices, and the movements of the spectators, resulting in a beautiful and impressive artistic experience.

Olga Mercedes Bautista

Visual Artist; Sculptor

Artist

Edward Biegaj

Music: Instrumentalist, Vocalist

Eddie is a trained opera tenor by University of Toledo Professor Tom East. He is also a trained drummer and self-taught accordionist and concertina player. He has been in several short operas. He has also played the role of Moonface Martin in the musical Anything Goes and the Zigfield Tenor in Funny Girl. He currently lives in Belvidere, NJ with his son “Edziu”. His daughter Krystal Rose Biegaj-Romanowski is married to Danny and they have a baby girl Sadie, while 2nd daughter Keszia Lorraine Biegaj-Perez lives with her husband JJ, daughter Jaiden, with one on the way, in Hawaii. Eddie has spent almost 40 years performing polka and a large variety of music styles. His voice led two Toledo based groups, Crusade and Toledo’s Polka Motion, to the pinnacle of polka music. A trained opera tenor, Eddie has been called upon to utilize his powerful voice in musicals, jazz combos, operas, rock, pop, church cantor and, of course, polka. Starting on drums, Eddie won his school’s talent contest in the 4th grade. His professional career began the following year in his home town of Toledo, Ohio. As his love for polka grew, so too did his musical tastes. In the 8th grade, he asked his father for an accordion (the Giulietti he still plays on stage) for Christmas. Concertina followed. Performing with several bands he eventually landed his first recording gig at the age of 18 with the Troubadours. Next it was move to accordion and two years with The Holy Toledo Polka Stars. Eddie was a founding member of TPM. His voice and arrangement on “Red Berries” helped TPM receive a Grammy nomination. In 1996, Eddie joined forces with his long time friend, Randy Krajewski, and Crusade was born. Eddie turned down an opportunity to sing opera in Germany to stay with his first love…..polka. He has won Male Vocalist of the Year from both the USPA and IPA and has received numerous other band award. In 2007, Eddie left Toledo and moved to Belvidere, New Jersey for steady employment. He folded Crusade that same year. Currently, Eddie is a cantor at two churches in Northwest New Jersey and is an active member at the Bayway Polish Club in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He has two daughters, Krystal and Keszia and one son, Edziu

Noreen Braman

Author; Designer; Lecturer; Literature: Childrens, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry; photographer, digital photography artist

I am the author of “Treading Water,” a collection of my humor columns and essays, and “A Bouquet of Roses” a collection of shorts stories previously published in other places.. My poetry, fiction and non-fiction have appeared in print and online and also produced as stage readings and a radio play. I admires Shirley Jackson, sharing her penchant for both humor and horror. Links to some of my online writing, online portfolio and books can be found at www.noreenbraman.com As a photographer and a poet, capturing the essence a moment is paramount, whether by painting a picture with words, or creating digital art from a photograph. Photography and poetry have much in common and form, the line is often blurred; poetry conjuring an image, and photography inspiring lyrical words. In my digital art as well as my writing, I look to capture and preserve both real and imagined moments in time. My photography has been featured in several online magazines, and the NJ Law Center Art Show. As a lifelong storyteller I use that concept in artistic pursuits, professional work as a graphic designer and in keynote presentations and workshops centered on the importance of enhancing well being, whether that is through writing, artistic expression, or laughter. My graphic design work reflects an interest in posters as both art and cultural statement.

Lauren Curtis

Visual Artist

Lauren Curtis graduated with her BFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, in 1988. She’s been creating ever since and now, as a full time artist, enjoys working in a variety of media, including oils, collage, pen & ink, watercolor and photography. Curtis is happiest when creating pieces that represent her love of nature, wildlife, travel and spiritual subject matter. The symbolism and mythology of ancient cultures are fused with the symbols from modern day , natural spiritual practices, to form a unique and eclectic style. These images are often portrayed through the woman’s perspective, showing the importance of “The Feminine”, which is sometimes over-looked. Travel is another major influence in Lauren’s work, usually photographs, created from these journeys helps the artist to convey the beauty found in diversity, as well as in the similarities, that run through various cultural belief-systems. Lauren has had artwork and poetry published by greeting card and crafter companies, magazines, children’s books and historical organizations, including the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission. One of her pieces was selected for the permanent collection of the Joyce Kilmer Library in central NJ. Curtis’ work has been displayed in private collections, healthcare centers and galleries and was selected for a solo exhibit at Johnson &Johnson World Headquarters, July-August, 2009. She was a featured artist on the Science Channel‘s TV show Oddities (2011-2012), was also featured on Germany’s TAFF TV (2015), several NJ/NYC cable /YouTube TV shows and has done radio interviews as well. Lauren has participated in over 100 solo, group & juried exhibitions, won multiple awards and is a member of NJ Arts organizations. Her artwork has been sold throughout the US and abroad and she exhibits her work monthly in gallery shows, art festivals and cultural events. To keep updated on Lauren’s art schedule, please visit http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com where you can also sign her email list.

Audrey Davis-Dunning

Dancer

Audrey Davis- Dunning is the CEO and Founder of Get Your Goddess. Get Your Goddess is an organization dedicated to celebrating what is RIGHT and BEAUTIFUL about YOU! By combining her two loves, African Dance and Personal Development, Audrey creates and holds powerful workshops designed to inspire and motivate women to embrace their natural beauty and ignite their inner Goddess through movement, music and self reflection. An educator by profession. Audrey-Davis Dunning is known for her energetic and positive outlook. She became an avid student of personal development and empowerment while attending graduate school. Having received her Masters from Cornell University, she has gone on to mentor and advise hundreds of women on their personal journey to success and fulfillment as a College Professor and Academic Advisor. Audrey is the Artistic Director of the Iwa Lewa Heritage Dance Ensemble and has performed at various venues including the George Street Playhouse, PNC Arts Center, and has performed on Channel 9 News. As a NJPAC Teaching Artist, she has also done dance residences at various school districts. As a wife and mother she enjoys spending time with her family, eating great food and dancing to the latest hits!

Barbara Eggermann

Visual Artist; Photographer

The 1st step in my design career was to earn a degree in Apparel Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. After 10 years as a fashion designer, I returned to school to earn a degree in Graphic Design which led to employment as a graphic designer. Much of my work involved producing technical drawings and recognizing the power of the computer to do this, I turned to AutoCAD software in its earliest days. In 1984 I became both an authorized Autodesk reseller and Training Center with a focus on design visualization. My company, Configured Systems won the “Autodesk Superior Customer Service Award” based the high level of service and support that we provided to our clients in the New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania areas. Tempting offers to buy my business led to its sale in 1999 allowing me to return to my true loves, graphic design and photography. My work has been used in advertising, books, magazines, corporate brochures and recognized with numerous awards. It has given me the satisfaction of doing the work that I most love to do.

Cristina Hoyos

Educator; Visual Artist

Cristina Hoyos, an artist from Colombia, is a postmodern Surrealist who explores the theme of the “Witness” through the ubiquitous image of a mysterious eye in the sky that appears in many of her paintings, collages and drawings. Hoyos’ compositions are visionary journeys depicting fragmented figures in metaphysical spaces in luminous colors that enhance their dreamlike imagery. The addition of organic material such as leaves, in some of her smaller mixed media works adds to the poetry that makes Cristina Hoyos an appealing and compelling painter of “dreamscapes”.

Damaris Isales

Folklorist; Theatre: Acting

Damaris Isales is a working actor, choreographer, costume designer as well as a freelance educator based out of New Jersey. Isales has studied musical theater, script analysis, monologue, scene study and improvisation at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ. She has also studied Meisner technique and Stanislavski method at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick NJ, while also taking classes at Alan Gordon Studios and Castillo Theater in New York. In addition to entertainment, Damaris has work experience in counselling, education, youth advocacy, criminal justice and law. Damaris Isales uses her diverse experience to generate a unique and innovative perspective to her performative practice and every day work ethic.

Shanti Jain

Visual Artist

Originally from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Shanti Jain is a New Jersey resident who specializes in Sanganeri hand-block printing. This decorative textile practice originated in the Rajasthan village of Sanganer where skilled hand block artisans apply floral motifs on to white fabric and the most notable of these textile designs are Calico prints. She currently works to pass on this folk art form to younger generations of Asian Indian children as well as others in the community.

Gaston "Bonga" Jean Baptiste

Folklorist; Music: Instrumentalist

Gaston Jean-Baptiste, known as “Bonga”, is a musical virtuoso who has been performing and studying traditional Haitian drum, dance and song since the age of seven. He began playing drums in his family’s peristil in his hometown of Croix-des-Mission in La Plaine, an area of Haiti known for culture and history. Bonga is regarded as a master of the Afro Haitian drum, sought-after for his extensive repertoire of pan-African rhythms. A dynamic performer, accompanist, session player and educator, Bonga works on stage, in the recording studio, and in educational settings. He is one of the few drum experts and craftsmen outside of Haiti who continues to build traditional drums using techniques that are centuries old. As a core member of the seminal Haitian roots bands, Boukman Eksperyans and Foulà, Bonga was invited to the U.S. in the ’90s when musicians were becoming a strong voice for the Haitian people. Since then, Bonga has continued to play solo and in ensemble and at numerous worldwide venues. He is a featured performer with Peter Yarrow, Grace Jones, Dan Zanes and Urban Tap, to mention a few. His drums opened the NY premiere of the Rolling Stones “Voodoo Lounge” tour and he is prominently featured on recordings by Wyclef Jean and Salif Keita.

Olga Kobryn

Designer; Folklorist

Awarded the title of Master Artist of Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) in 2003 by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA), Olga Kobryn has been practicing this intricate art form since she was a young child. Pysanky, which trace their pagan origins back to 3000 B.C., are an ancient tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and is kept alive today by artists like Ms. Kobryn. Ms. Kobryn has has held annual pysanky workshops since 1999, sponsored by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission at East Jersey Olde Towne Village. She participates in ethnic festivals, presents and conducts pysanky workshops in various venues, and mentored the Ukrainian Easter Egg Club at Woodbridge Middle School, where she taught language arts for almost 25 years. Currently, Ms. Kobryn is studying the history and learning the skill of traditional Ukrainian Poltava Region embroidery under the tutelage of Master Artist and recognized tradition bearer Helen Dobusz. The New Jersey State Council of the Arts awarded the duo a 2016 Folk Arts Apprenticeship Grant. Ms. Kobryn currently resides in Iselin, NJ, with her beautiful collection of pysanky, embroidery, and her adorable doggie, Rascal.

Jeff Lopez

Lecturer; Music: Composition, Instrumentalist, Music Educator

“Lopez writes melodic songs that stay with you long after the recording has finished. That doesn’t happen every day. It’s one of those criticisms that pops up every time we compare Pop Music to Jazz. Surprisingly, for a debut album, Lopez’ debut belongs on this year’s top ten list.” – Cadence Magazine Jeff was born and raised in New York City, He has been playing bass for 40 years. Jeff is a bandleader, composer, and arranger. This is evident on his first two CD releases, Sun And The Rain 1998 and Jeff Lopez-Jazz Composer, as well as numerous US Army Jazz Ambassador recordings. Jeff’s compositions have appeared in various film and network TV productions. Jeff’s professional career has included performing and touring that have taken him around the globe, including a 20-year tenure as the bass player of the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, He has toured in 35 countries and all of 50 states in the USA. Some performance highlights were his two orchestral appearances at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall. Jeff has performed with Toots Thielemans, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano, Jon Hendricks, Phil Woods as well as many other jazz luminaries. He has recorded with John Scofield, and Joe Lovano. Jeff Lopez’ debut solo recording,The Sun and the Rain, featured Joel Frahm, Craig Handy, Tom Guarna, Rodney Holmes and Uri Caine. Jeff Lopez-Jazz Composer is comprised of musicians from the Jazz Ambassadors. Jeff teaches jazz combos for aspiring adult musicians. More info at www.jerseyshorejazzworkshop.com

Victor Marshall

Music: Instrumentalist

Victor Marshall is the founder and director of Marshall Hand & Drum Ensemble, a multi-percussion instrumental group that brings the musical African Diaspora drumming aspects to life. Victor Marshall’s life long dedication to the study and education of West African percussion began at the age of sixteen. Marshall continues to study new forms of music such as the balafon, a Malinke (a West African ethnic group) instrument that is the original xylophone through a New Jersey State Council of the Arts Folk Arts grant. Marshall has taught West African drumming through a variety of different educational programs; including the continuing education programs at Middlesex College and Rutgers University. He has also taught workshops at the American Repertory Ballet Company as well as numerous middle schools and colleges in New York and New Jersey. Victor has also held teaching residencies at NJPAC, and continues to hold weekly classes at the Neighborhood Playhouse in Plainfield, NJ. One of his projects also includes the interactive/musical play “Sunjata Kamalenya” in partnership with the City of Princeton and New Jersey’s McCarter Theater, which toured throughout the tri-state area in 2011. In addition to his solo career as a percussionist, Victor Marshall is the musical director of Iwa L’ewa Heritage Dance Ensemble. Iwa L’ewa is a New Jersey based group that explores dance, music and the story of Africa and the Caribbean.

Cliff Matias

Dancer; Entertainer; Literature: Photojournalism; Storyteller; Photographer

Native American Taino/Kichwa Performing Artist, Educator and World-Renowned Photographer. Cliff is also a former Golden Glove champion, a nationally ranked professional triathlete and bicycle racer. He has served as a Cultural Director of the title 9 Native American Education program of NYC and was a cultural interpreter for the National Museum of the American Indian. Cliff was also a former co-host of WBAI Circle of Red Nations radio program. He currently serves as Director of Redhawk Native American Arts Council. As a photojournalist his works have appeared in publications such as the NY Times magazine, Time Out NY, USA Today, Native Peoples and Indian Country Today. As a performing artist he has appeared live on Regis and Kelly, Good Day New York, Good Morning America and has toured throughout the world as a featured Hoop dancer and educator. As a photographer, his works have been on exhibition in top galleries and museums. His current project, Native in New York, has been receiving rave reviews all around and can be found at www.cliffmatiasphotography.com

Syeda Leeah Mitchell

Artisan; Designer; Paper Florisry

My name is Leeah Mitchell, and I am a passionate about creating floral arrangements for special occasions and events.I have long been an avid crafter, appreciating the beauty of creating handmade items, which allow me the opportunity to utilize my creative skills. I am the shop owner of Foreverflowers4you. Our goal at Foreverflowers4you is to create unique, personalized paper flowers. It is my hope that upon visiting my shop you will find a piece that speaks to your unique inner sense of beauty. Some of my projects include creating party decor, crocheting blankets and scarf sets, and paper floral arrangements. I enjoy creating my projects by hand, as opposed to using ready made items. I have so much fun creating floral arrangements built on my positive relationships with my clients and colleagues. Please make sure to check out my Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/shop/foreverflowers4you

Albert Gabriel Nigrin

Film: Crew, Equipment, General Services, Multimedia, Production; Lecturer

Albert Gabriel Nigrin is an award-winning experimental media artist whose work has been screened on all five continents. He is also a Cinema Studies Lecturer at Rutgers University, and the Executive Director/Curator of the Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, Inc. — a non-profit organization which screens and promotes independent, experimental and artistic cinema in New Jersey via the New Jersey Film Festivals, and the United States Super 8mm Film + Digital Video Festival. Mr. Nigrin has an M.F.A. (in Visual Arts/Film and Video) and an M.A. (in French Literature) from Rutgers University and a B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Mr. Nigrin has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts/ American Film Institute Mid-Atlantic Media Arts Fellowship Program and the Ford Foundation for his film/video work. In addition, Mr. Nigrin was awarded a 2002 New Jersey State Council on the Arts Media Arts Fellowship.

Krishma Patel

Artisan; Visual Artist

Krishma explores the visual impact of Quilted Texture in her work. She is inspired by the bold use of colors found in Folk Arts from around the world as well as the simple geometric shapes found in Mid Century Modern Art. Krishma Patel was born in South India, a region famous for it’s exquisite textiles. Her mother, an avid dress maker, would hand Krishma scraps of fabrics and silk yarns to play with. By the age of 9 she was able to run a treadle sewing machine on her own. Throughout, her school and college years, she worked on and gathered knowledge of the various local textiles. She excelled in Free Motion Embroidery on the treadle sewing machine. She had not encountered Quilting until much later in life. By formal education, Krishma has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting & Finance. While she progressed in the careers of Accounting & Finance, she continued to nurture her love for textiles and yarns. A job move for Krishma’s husband brought them both to USA. Shopping for house wares in the spring of 2001 she was asked to peek into a room that had a traveling exhibit of award winning quilts on display. She was transfixed by the beauty of these quilted works of Art and there was no looking back. Today, as a self taught Professional Quilt Artist, Krishma Patel quilts on State of the Art Quilting Machines as well as on the Treadle Sewing Machines. She offers Quilting for Hire services and is also Commissioned by people to make quilts from design to completion to commemorate events, milestones & to enhance interior spaces. She has won many awards for her quilts as well as for her client’s quilts. She actively seeks, takes a lead & participates in Community Quilt projects.

Ramya Ramnarayan

Choreographer; Dancer; Educator

Counted among the leading exponents of Bharatanatyam today, Ramya Ramnarayan combines legacy, expertise and experience. A protégé of two exponents of the dance form, Kalaimamani, SK Rajarathnam Pillai and Padma Bhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan, Ramya is recognized as a capable performer, choreographer, educator and a torch bearer of this art, who blends tradition with innovation.

Teju Reval

Designer; Visual Artist

Teju is a charcoal artist, Illustrator and Surface pattern designer. Her style is elegant and trendy, and mostly romanticizes contrasts- Black & white with color, simple with complex, mundane with extraordinary. She grew up in India and has lived in the UK, Hong Kong and US. Though she trained as a Computer Engineer and earned her Masters in Business Administration, her heart was always set on creative pursuit. She quit her job and became a full-time artist in 2013. Teju loves working with Charcoal. She is amazed at how that medium can be both loose and rigid at the same time, the possibilities are endless. She also enjoys working with different media like pen and ink, watercolor and gouache. She takes inspiration from her travels. She lives, dreams and breathes art everyday.

Areej Sabzwari

Educator; Visual Artist

Areej Sabzwari designs through a modern lens with simplicity at the heart of it. A design enthusiast, her approach is rooted in concept that places emphasis on creating an emotional connection with the user and the environment. Her work reflects a message of mahabbah (love), ikhlaas (sincerity), faaliyah (performance), and shukr (gratitude). Areej is currently a designer at NBBJ’s New York office. She also runs her art studio with a focus on Islamic art and calligraphy. Areej holds a Bachelor of Architecture from New Jersey Institute of Technology, a Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University, and is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction with the United States Green Building Council. She resides in Manhattan with her husband and is currently working towards her Architecture license under the State of New York.

Pepe Santana

Music: Instrument Artisan, Instrumentalist, Music Educator; Storyteller

Pepe Santana – Music of the Andes A WINDOW TO ANDEAN TRADITIONS Music and Instruments from the Andes Mountains Presenter:PEPE SANTANA Pepe is an Ecuadorian-born musician who incessantly continues to spread his life long passion, which not only resides in the realm of architecture, but also in the sacred world of the musical traditions of the Andes Mountains. Pepe plays over two dozen of native wind instruments (flutes, pan-pipes and whistles) and a variety of string instruments (charangos, mandolins, bandurria, tiple, guitars). His emphasis in ancient sounds and rhythms has defined him as a true spokesperson of traditional Andean Music. He has participated in major folk festivals in the United States and Canada. Frequently lectures at Music Schools and Folk Societies in this country and abroad. In the New York Metropolitan Area, he is very active in the school system with his lecture-demonstrations. For twelve years, he participated as an artist in residence at the National Museum of the American Indian – Smithsonian Institution in New York, and has delivered numerous workshops on wind instrument making. These workshops have been well received at the New York Museum of Natural History and Hostos Community College. In addition, he has produced and directed several Andean Festivals at New York’s Lincoln Center, Town Hall and Symphony Space. In New Jersey, he performs regularly at correctional facilities and rehabilitation centers. These performances are organized by the organization “Music for All Seasons”. Pepe has also established and directed the Festival of the Andes at Waterloo Village in New Jersey. In 1995, he participated in the Apprenticeship Program of the NJSCA as a master folk musician. Pepe is the founder and director of Group INKHAY (Quechua verb meaning, “to tend the fire”). Its members are the interpreters of the traditional music from the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. In the year 2000, Pepe Santana was the recipient of the National Merit and Title of Great Gentleman by the Ecuadorian Government. This recognition was for the outstanding and silent task of promulgating Andean Culture in the United States. In fact, he was also the first recipient out of his native country to have received the “Benjamin Carrión” medal. Pepe has also appeared in several Television shows such as the Shining Time Station (Ch. 13), Where in the World is Carmen San Diego (Ch. 13), Visiones (NBC TV), New York Ahora (Ch. 41), and many others. Radio shows such as New York Kids (WNYC-FM), Around New York (WNYC-FM), and several talk shows for radio and television. As a lover of his Culture and Folklore, investigator, architect, technical illustrator, and musical instrument-maker, Pepe works out of his home-studio in Stanhope, New Jersey.

Brian Szura

Music: Instrumentalist

Brian has been playing Uilleann (Irish) Pipes since 1999. He first “caught the bug” and fell in love with the sound of the pipes as a child in Rutherford, having found an old album of the great piper Finbar Furey in the stacks of the public library. Brian first learned to play uilleann pipes from fiddler Willie Kelly in Boonton, NJ and is now furthering his skills under the guidance of internationally renowned piper Ivan Goff who resides in Brooklyn, NY. Brian is a regular Irish session leader and attendee and has performed with various musical groups including his current traditional Irish group, Daoine. He was also Musical Director for a piece performed by the Lustig Dance Theatre entitled “Invisible Fields” and played to audiences in Princeton, Philadelphia and other venues throughout New Jersey.

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