DOMO ARIGATO: JAPAN APPRECIATION FESTIVAL 2011
BRONX “COLLEGE PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN” DESIGNATED SITE FOR INAUGURAL LAUNCH OF “DOMO ARIGATO: JAPAN APPRECIATION FESTIVAL 2011″
Bronx, N.Y. Monday (August 1st, 2011) For many, the borough of the Bronx is recognized as the birthplace of Hiphop as well as the home of the incomparable World Champion New York Yankees. After Saturday August 6th, 2011 you may add proactive supporter of Japan’s ongoing rebuilding effort to the list as College Park Community Garden presents, “Domo Arigato: Japan Appreciation Festival 2011”. A family friendly day featuring dynamic live performances, independent vendors, food and drink with all donations going to the Japan Society.
An eclectic ensemble of New York artists ventured to Tokyo, Japan on a mini tour in November of 2010. An almost surreal experience marked by unforgettable shows, remarkable studio sessions and late night communal dinners; the group was warmly embraced by its new international family, building bonds that will surely last forever. Four short months later, the strongest earthquake in Japanese history hits leaving a catastrophic toll of devastation in its wake. The forthcoming festival commemorates the aforementioned journey. It represents a consciously organized project to help a new family acquired, heal and reconstruct.
“Domo Arigato” will be hosted by the always jovial and witty, TastyKeish of Rise up Radio on WBAI 99.5 FM. A healthy list of both American and Japanese performers (GAIYA of Block 3 Addiction, MeccaGodZilla, MioSOUL, & Raye6 to name a few) headline the afternoon’s event, accompanied by live art from Ignite Designs & John Smalls. This festival affords the possibility of aid to a people in dire need while introducing an energy of positivity to a neighborhood that also requires a ray of light shone upon it. Sponsors like 808 Shirts based in Tampa, Florida by contributing limited edition garments, prove the ability to unify for a cause without major corporate sponsorship. When there is a need, the people will assemble and meet that need.
The inaugural festival takes off promptly at 2PM on Saturday, August 6th, (*rain date Sunday, August 7th,) with live performances beginning at 4PM. The festival concludes at 8PM. Admission is a $5.00 donation. Tickets can be ordered online prior to the day of the event. $10 sliver donation and $20 gold donation tickets can also be purchased. Sliver and gold ticket bearers receive special limited edition items on the day of the concert when they arrive. (*ONLY 25 Gold donation tickets AVAILABLE.)
College Park Community Garden is located at: 1420 College Ave btw 170st and 171st Bronx, N.Y. 10457
For a full list of activities: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1927837213/efblike
To donate directly to the Japan rebuilding effort visit http://www.japansociety.org/earthquake
A day painting in Brooklyn (Video)
I painted this wall piece at a friends brownstone in Brooklyn. It’s kind of a tradition now for me to paint on her walls every couple of years.
A day painting in Brooklyn part1
Over this past weekend I trooped out to Brooklyn to do another mural on my friend DJ SAKIR brownstone. Originally I was going to paint a monkey on a moped with a crate of records but once I arrived at her place I had another vision of what to create. With a little inspiration from my friend I went with a semi polynesian theme combined with the story telling of Octavia Butler. This piece is not finished but close to be completed. I need to go back and add some warm colors and also to take some better photos. There is also video of the process that will be up on youtube shortly. Enjoy
The VS Project LIVE > The Bracket!!
Hello All our Creatives, Friends & Fans!
Its that time again, The Ukre8 Community brings you the next installment of The VS Project LIVE!
Saturday May 8th
@ LOCAL 269, NYC
In January we had 2 artists compete in a Japanese Art style.
This time we are mixing it up! We will have four artists in this creative challenge & We are using a bracket system to determine this events’ champion! The audience will be more involved and help with deciding the direction of our theme.
Art, Friends, Fans & Creativity!
Even though we are featuring 4 artists, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your sketch book and show off you skills too!
Please pass this info around. This event is open to everyone. Can’t wait to see you there!
ukre8.theVSproject a division of The UKRE8 Community
Backdrops, markers, dragon and octopuss skull paintings.
Over the weekend I had the opportunity of collaborating with a friend and fellow artist CortesNYC. I won’t go into the details
because there will be video posted soon showing the entire process. For now enjoy these pics.
For more work by CortesNYC visit:
http://www.cortescreates.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/cortesnyc
VS. Project Art Battle recap: SlideShow from Event 1.2.2010
Here are some photos from the recent Art Battle in NY. videos will be up soon… enjoy 
Monthly Bondfire
Last night I had the pleasure of painting alongside some of New York Artist and Lyricist. The Monthly Bondfire is an event I’m proud to be apart of, something for the people by the people.
Here’s what was created in a span of 2 1/2 hours. The second piece( Deejay) is unfinished but I’m going to leave it as it is for now.
The Grin VS. The Gorilla
It is on! What started out as mere comments has blown up into a heated Battle. Watch the creative juices flow as Artists/ Illustrators/ Designers John Smalls & D. Douglass test there creative skills in this winner takes all Japanese art showdown. Who can create a perfect Oni/Samurai piece of art? You decide! Start the New Year on a creative note! Come check out the skills 1st hand. Final piece will be Showcased on the VS project site to be voted on for a week.
Venue:
Local 269
269 Houston (bet Ave & B)
Lower East Side
The Artist Process
This past Sunday I had the pleasure of participating in the second part of The Artist Process. A little ago I took part in the video documentary portion, which was amazing as well. So on Sunday the majority of Artist involved got together at 5 Pointz in Long Island City, Queens. The Person responsible for this entire project is M2 a.k.a. Marthalicia of M-Squared Art Productions. Anybody who knows this lady knows the talent she holds. Truly inspiring. It was a great day to be out painting amongst some of NY most talented individuals. Many thanks to Flor Mancha for grabbing the camera and documenting while I painted!
