Dear Street Fighters, Pickle Eaters, Letter Writers and Friends,
Does anyone read newsletters anymore? As someone who feels beaten down by the overstimulating whirl, buzz, smash and twirl of social media, I find myself longing for more newsletters, real life letters and chances to talk to people face to face.
There are a couple opportunities coming up for us to gather together in person. I hope to see you out there somewhere.
XO.
Jacinta
Hudson Valley BRAWL
friday, april 28
7 pm
liberty view farm
340 crescent avenue
highland, ny
This is the first BRAWL in 3 years! All proceeds go to Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley Transgender Health Services. Tickets start at $15. Clown car ticket are $50 for up to 6 people. Get your tickets now!
This is a photo that sums up one of my favorite memories of all time: when I arm wrestled at BRAWL surrounded by the most powerful entourage of tiny dancers one could ask for. A month ago, one of these young friends died. Here she is with her arms crossed, standing right in front of me, mere days before she would get a diagnosis that would change her family's life forever. She was a sensitive, kind, artistic girl named Ana who was a student of mine for 3 years. She was a keen observer of everything around her and this showed in her artwork and her schoolwork. Sometimes we just sat quietly and drew together during rainy day recess. These are the moments you carry around in your head when you lose someone who touched your heart. Ana Dooley, you will always be in my entourage. You can read her mother's painful, beautiful blog here.
greetings from glenford
second annual postcard art show
saturday, may 6
6-8 pm
old glenford church studio
210 old route 28
glenford, ny
Original art postcards of every medium will be on sale for $30 apiece and sold directly off the wall. Last year this exhibit gathered over 40 artists showing 122 original postcard-sized artworks! Oh, and snacks!
art + activism for teens
When people of all incomes, sexual orientations, genders, and backgrounds have access to medical care and information that can directly alter the course of their lives, our communities thrive. Planned Parenthood has always been at the forefront of the movement for reproductive justice. For many people, Planned Parenthood is their first entryway to receiving any kind of health care at all. In some rural counties in the Hudson Valley, Planned Parenthood is literally the ONLY PLACE one can go for reproductive health services.
Jacinta Bunnell and Rafael Perez, former health educators for Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley, are organizing a grassroots media campaign called #iluvplannedparenthood where people create iconic and bold hand-painted signs celebrating the contributions Planned Parenthood has made to their lives and their communities. This fun, engaging workshop for teens age 14-18 will kick off this series, encouraging creative activism and grassroots education.
And finally, the promotional video for The Big Gay Alphabet Coloring Book featuring unicorns and lasers you've been waiting for!
My etsy store is always open and when you buy direct from me I get more than thirty cents, which is what happens when you buy a book from a giant online chain.