Flood Gallery and Fine Arts Center Re-opens in Swannanoa Vallery and Presents RED, by Connie Bostic.

 The Flood Gallery Fine Arts Center has moved from the River Arts District and re-opens September 17^th at 2160 Hwy 70 near Swannanoa with an opening reception of Connie Bostic’s Art from 3pm to 9pm, performances by Ash Devine and other local singer song writers, and readings by authors of the Black Mountain Press. RED will be on display until October 30^th.

Bostic’s exhibition at the Flood Gallery (opening September 17) is not necessarily new work, rather it is a forty-year exploration of female sexuality.

The need to appear desirable is so great that it often exceeds desire itself, which indicates that female sexuality is so powerful it is intimidating.  It encompasses issues of body image and self esteem that is affected by all kinds of social, cultural, political and religious opinion or input.

“Growing up, people of my generation didn’t talk about female sexuality,” says Bostic,  “and it was still awkward for people of the generation following mine.  It’s like you almost have to get to a certain age to be able to comfortably discuss it.” Historically there has been a sort of ‘purity standard’ recognized by American Culture that inevitably left many young women coming of age with feelings of shame.  In Bostic’s youth things like spaghetti strapped tank tops, and bikinis were frowned upon, and remaining sexually pure for marriage was encouraged, even expected. Today, while things have progressed, the rape culture and slut shaming that is still overwhelmingly evident indicates that much work remains to be done.

                                                              

“Red, the color of blood is a color frequently used to depict women.  It’s a color of exposure and as such it’s a very vulnerable color,” says Bostic, “think red lipstick, red lingerie, red shoes, do you see?  Red almost indicates sex, if nothing else it’s at least a connotation of the word,” she finished. 

So where does today’s generation fit into this conversation?  Is female sexuality culturally relative anymore?  Is the work that has been done to dispense with negative stigmatisms by Bostic’s generation been effective?  Does the conversation today, between genders and generations shed new light on this intriguing subject matter?  Is there an openness today that never existed in the past, in discussing other types of sexuality?

Linda Larsen, artist and friend of Connie Bostic says this:  “Throughout the years I have unsuccessfully tried to explain the power Connie Bostic’s painting holds. In her latest, and possibly oldest body of work, RED, it is finally becoming clear that she is, and always has been, a symbolist; an eloquent, fearless one, not the romantic or sentimental sort. Throwing formalism to the winds, Bostic reaches deep into her feminist roots and offers, for those of us who care to look, another complex human conundrum with which to grapple.” 

Due to the sale of the Phil Mechanics Building and the gentrification of Asheville, The Flood Gallery Fine Arts Center, The Courtyard Gallery and the Black Mountain Press have joined together in the their new Fine Arts Center in the Swannanoa Valley East Asheville.  On Saturday, September 17^th, beginning at 3:00pm, you are invited to join in this conversation.  Bostic’s work, RED, will be on display at the Flood Gallery and Fine Arts Center in it’s new location at 2160 Hwy 70, along with other activities throughout the day at this new media arts and fine arts center.

This exhibition is sponsored by Shoe Warehouse Hendersonville

FedEx car #11 to be at GB Shoes in Hendersonville from 3pm-7pm Aug 16, 2016

Just found out--the FedEx #11 car will be at GB Shoes in Hendersonville in a few hours at 5418 Asheville Hwy from 3pm to 7pm today!
Take a selfie with the FedEx Freight car and post to www.facebook.com/HouserShoes , to get a chance to win a free pair of shoes up to $75.00. Be sure to race in to GB Shoes in Hendersonville on Aug 16th between 3-7pm or on Aug 17th at HouserShoes in Kingsport TN to see the #11 FedEx Freight car! Stop by to meet racing experts, take pictures with the #11 car, and receive souvenirs and a coupon for 25% off your entire GB Shoe purchase.
Selfie pictures winners in Hendersonville and Kingsport will be selected by random drawings.

Finding the Perfect Flat Shoe for Style and Comfort

Here's a post from our friends at housershoes.com

Many women think in order to look stylish, dressy and sexy they need to wear high heel shoes and they would never consider a flat shoe when trying to achieve that certain sexy and chic look.  High-heeled shoes can definitely add a dressier touch to an outfit and they can certainly make a woman feel sexy, but they are not the only shoes capable of doing this.  Flat shoes, when worn correctly, can dress up an outfit to perfection and they can be just as stylish, sexy and fun as their high-heeled counterparts.  And flats have the advantage of comfort that high-heels will never beat!!  So give your feet a break from the painful heels this season and slip on a pair of  comfortable flat shoes–you won’t regret it.

Tips for finding the perfect women’s flat shoe for you:

Because flat shoes aren’t as dynamic as heels, look for a shoe in a bright color, such as red.  Pierre Dumas’s Gloria red ballet shoe is a great option for a colorful flat. Also try flats with fun prints like the leopard print flat from Lucky Brand.  You don’t have to stick to the basic neutral colors like black, brown, gray or muted metallics.  Vibrant colors and stylish prints add creativity to ballet shoes and make them much more fun to wear.  Pair these shoes with dressier styles of pants and skirts to look sexy and classy at the same time, or wear them with jeans and leggings for a comfortable and casual look.

Ballet shoes made with textured fabrics are another great option. Jellypop’s women’s Lovely Charcoal flat shoe is a neutral color, but it’s textured fabric gives it a unique look and feel.  This shoe looks great with skinny jeans, a blouse and a cable knit cardigan or throw them on with leggings, a tunic and a colorful scarf.

Many of this seasons flat shoes for women have decorative embroidery and are accented with buckles, gems, bows, straps and ornate flair. The different types of embroidery and embellishments transform the basic flat into a shoe with unique style and personality.  ThePierre Dumas Gloria ballet flat is a fun and creative shoe that has decorative detailed embroidery and comes in an array of different colors like navy with gold designs and a cool cork color with gold designs.  The Pierre Dumas Orly in black or whiskey (brown) are also a great style of flat shoes to consider. The black flat has ornate silver flair and thebrown (whiskey) flat comes with gold flair. The gold and silver accents on both the Gloria and the Orly ballet style shoes make them easy to dress up and also very easy to wear with a more relaxed casual look.  Wear gold and silver  jewelry with dress pants and skirts for a more professional style.  For a fun casual look, pair either style of these flats with boyfriend jeans, a fitted t-shirt and some chunky gold or silver jewelry.

Houser Shoes offers a variety of brands and different styles of women’s flat shoes.   Check out our website and get your perfect pair of flats today at  http://www.housershoes.com

Iranian Poster Exhibit in Asheville at four venues, UNCA, Flood and Courtyard Gallery and Firestorm Books and Cafe

Installations at the Flood Gallery, Courtyard Gallery, UNCA and Firestorm Books and Cafe include over 126 never exhibited before posters from the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Opens Thursday Oct 17th at UNCA Ramsey Library,  6pm-11pm
Oct 18th at the Flood and Courtyard Galleries at 109 Roberts St in the Phil Mechanics Building, in the RAD Asheville, 6pm to 11pm.
Oct 19th at Firestorm Downtown Asheville, 7pm-9pm
All openings include lectures by Dr. Hamid Dabashi from Columbia University about the exhibit,
and events at UNCA and the Courtyard Gallery include film discussions on "This is NOT a Film,
 and "Chicken and Plums" at 8:30 pm on Thursday and Friday nights.

Iranian Poster Art Exhibition from the 1979 Revolution, Book Signing and Film Screenings

For Immediate Release

Contacts: Carlos Steward, Flood Fine Arts Center: 828-273-3332  Email: carlos@floodgallery.org

Hamid Dabashi, PhD, Columbia University: 212-854-7524 Email: hd14@columbia.edu

Images: The complete poster exhibition can be seen online at: http://www.ashevillecourtyard.com/posters.pdf   Other high resolution images are available on request.

FLOOD FINE ART CENTER AND UNCA FEATURES IRANIAN POSTER ART, 
 PHOTOGRAPHS AND FILMS FROM THE 1960s AND 1970s

“In Search of Lost Causes: Images of the Iranian Revolution: Paradox, Propaganda, and Persuasion "on view at UNCA and the Flood Fine Arts Center–opening October 16th and 17th

Asheville, NC September 18th, 2013…A groundbreaking exhibition, In Search of Lost Causes examines three discrete but interrelated aspects of Iranian art of the 1960s through 1980.  Organized by the Flood Gallery, Courtyard Gallery and UNCA, In Search of Lost Causes presents over 125 never before exhibited works— revolutionary posters, film screenings and black-and-white photographs—and is on view at UNCA Library and the Courtyard and Flood Galleries at 109 Roberts St, RAD, Asheville from Oct 17th through November 29th, 2013.  After opening in Asheville, NC, the exhibit is scheduled to travel in various parts of the US and Europe.

In Search of Lost Causes: Images of the Iranian Revolution: Paradox, Propaganda, and Persuasion introduces American audiences to modern Iranian art while shedding light on the many ways visual culture both reflected and affected the 1960s and 1970s, two decades that saw dramatic changes, including the politicization of Islam and the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

The exhibition features a selection of revolutionary posters by professional and amateur artists who combined calligraphy, graphics, and rhetoric to convey abstract ideologies. Also exhibited are striking black-and-white photographs from the 1970s by anonymous Iranian photographers, and a series of modern Iranian films. These posters, photographs, and films encourage re-examining the notion of modernism in a non-Western culture.

After a North Carolina Humanities Grant brought him to Asheville to examine the posters, Dr. Hamid Dabashi of Columbia University noted,

“The significance of the Courtyard Gallery Collection of the Flood Fine Arts Center cannot be exaggerated––not just because of the actual collection but also because of the serendipitous manner in which history had decided to safeguard these magnificent traces of deeply traumatic episodes in a people’s struggle for freedom and justice.  For these reasons alone, it simply must open in Asheville.

“This collection contains a significant number of revolutionary posters (146 items) roughly from mid-1960’s to early 1980’s, namely just about a decade before and then well into a decade in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution of 1977–1979.  This collection has a number of crucial attributes that makes it a treasure trove of both the political and the aesthetic history of Iran in a global context and in multiple and varied dimensions.”

Dr. Dabashi has written a book about this collected titled “In Search of Lost Causes: Fragmented Allegories of an Iranian Revolution, and will be signing copies of the book during events at UNCA and the galleries.

“These posters from the Iranian Revolution were an act of resistance and creation,” says Carlos Steward of the Courtyard Gallery. “It sought out ways in which the arts could engage social and political concern. This period of Iranian visual culture is an archival record of the social and political problems that were emerging. It serves as the artistic pre-history to the Iranian Revolution of 1979. In Search of Lost Causes teaches us more about modern Persian art and helps us understand how a country that was heralded as a paragon of universal modernization underwent an Islamic Revolution with a message steeped in local imagery, demanding an idealized return to the past and to democracy.”

The Iranian revolutionary posters shown with In Search of Lost Causes offer a fascinating glimpse into Iran’s modern visual culture. Composed with bold forms, intense colors, and calligraphy, these posters pervaded Tehran during the uprising. Created between 1978 and 1980, they were used as props in mass choreographed street demonstrations, and covered buildings throughout Iran’s cities, often defacing public monuments built by Shah Pahlavi’s regime as symbols of its authority and grandeur. The posters were replaced almost as fast as the government tore them down.

Art, reportage, poetry, and politics all became entangled in a distinct form of visual culture. Many posters allude to battle scenes from the Koran or classical Persian poems; others proclaim solidarity with Palestine and the Kurds. Vivid red backgrounds refer to bloodshed and the red tulip, an icon of classical Persian literature. Anonymous artists combined various techniques and symbols, from newspaper collages to silkscreened portraits juxtaposed against bright, abstract backgrounds, reminiscent of Andy Warhol whose portraits of the Shah and the Queen hung in the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.

“Iranian modernism, like many of the culturally specific modernisms that emerged around the globe, was not synonymous with the one constructed in the West,” says Jolene Mechanic, director of the Flood Fine Arts Center. “Both nationalist and internationalist, it looked inward as well as outward. In art, its languages included realism and abstraction, but formal issues were not its primary problems: the fundamental questions addressed by Iranian modernism centered on the notion of identity.” In Search of Lost Causes: Images of the Iranian Revolution: Paradox, Propaganda, and Persuasion is co-curated by Jolene Mechanic and Carlos Steward in consultation with Dr. Hamid Dabashi.

The second section of the exhibition features photographs by Iranian photographers that provide critical information about Iran in 1970s. Taken between 1978 and 1980, these photos provide startling and vivid views of Tehran and its citizens caught up in the throes of a whirlwind. Some have become iconic images.

The third section, the films, provide a look at Iran’s modern Cinema that was blossoming during and after the revolution. 

This project is important to both our local community and the community at large, as our society becomes increasingly influenced by media and corporations with agendas of keeping us misinformed for their own profit motives. We cannot effectively participate in a democracy if we don’t know the truth and conditions of the other cultures that we have become accustomed to manipulating into what we believe is best for them.

Through exhibition it is anticipated that audiences will begin to question their assumptions about Iran­, the negative influences of propaganda, and the power of persuasion by special interest groups.

The Events:

October 17, Poster Exhibition and Film Screening at UNC Asheville Library–30 posters

6–7:30 p.m. Reception for Dr. Hamid Dabashi, Columbia University at the Ramsey Library Glasshouse.
7:30 p.m. Poster lecture and book signings by Dr. Dabashi
8:30 p.m. Screening of This is Not a Film in the Walt Whitman Room. This is not a Film documents a day in the life of  prisoner Jafar Panahi, banned for 20 years from filmmaking in Iran. The film was smuggled out of Iran in a USB stick hidden in a cake.

October 18, Poster Exhibition and Film Screening at the Flood Fine Arts Center–95 posters

6–8 p.m. Reception–poster art lecture and book signings by Dr. Dabashi.
8 p.m. Screening of Chicken with Plums at the Courtyard Gallery. Directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud, this film adaptation of the graphic novel tells the story of Nasser Ali, a renowned musician who losess all taste for life after his beloved violin is broken.

October 25, Film Screening at the Courtyard Gallery

8 p.m. Screening of Persepolis at the Courtyard Gallery. Directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud, Persepolis is a poignant coming-of-age story about a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl that begins during the Islamic Revolution.

Posters will be on exhibit at Ramsey Libraby at UNC Asheville from October 1 through October 30, 2013.

Posters will be on exhibit at the Flood Fine Arts Center from October 17 through November 29, 2013.

Sponsorship

In Search of Lost Causes:

This project is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Hitchin' Post Stables in Sedona have a great cowboy cookout!

I just got back from western trip and the best part of my vacation was horseback riding in Arizona with Hitchin' Post Stables in Sedona and their Cowboy Cookout!  After a spectacular ride there is nothing better than a cowboy meal of steak, cowboy beans, texas toast, cowboy potatoes and a cold drink.  And in the morning you can get a cowboy breakfast with the best coffee in the world!

Next time you are in Flagstaff or Sedona Arizona give Hitchin'Post Stables a call for a wonderful experience for your whole family.

Courtyard Gallery Announces its 8th Annual Mail Art Show

 Anything Goes
Everything Shows!
8th Annual Int’l Call for Entries
The show title says it all…ALL submissions
received through the mail WILL be exhibited.
POSTMARK DEADLINE: July 29, 2013
FORMAT: any size or shape; if you can stamp it and
get it through the postal system, it will show.
TECHNIQUE: All media & themes accepted including
mixed media, collage, montage, sculpture, digital art,
painting, printmaking, photography, YOU name it.
NON-RETURNABLE. NO ENTRY FEE. NOT FOR SALE.
MAIL ENTRY TO: Carlos Steward
Courtyard Gallery & Agency
P.O. Box 9907
Asheville, NC 28815 USA
OPENING RECEPTION: Aug 3rd, 6pm-9pm
Courtyard Gallery, Phil Mechanic Studios,
109 Roberts St, River Arts District, Asheville, NC.
ashevillecourtyard.com • purplecoca@aol.com

Twin Rivers Media Festival Opens May 17th at the Flood Fine Arts Center

Production Still From:  A Family Dinner- Short Drama by Peter Davenport, Williamstown, MA

Asheville, NC.   The 20th Twin Rivers Media Film Festival opens Friday May 17^th  through 19th,  and continues with a multi-media performance on May 23^rd by Daniel Ouellette & The Shobijinand then ends with the Feature Film Winner May 24^th  at the Phil Mechanics Building at 109 Roberts St at the Courtyard Gallery and Flood Fine Arts Center.  These screenings offer the community a chance to view outstanding films from around the world, enjoy good food and drink, and mingle with special guest filmmakers all in one weekend. All events are free and open to the public.

The 20th  annual festival has more than 50 selections that include world premier feature films, shorts drama, documentary and animated films that will screen in the  Flood Fine Arts Center Library and the Courtyard Gallery both at the Phil Mechanics Building in the River Arts District of Asheville.

The Courtyard Gallery and the Mechanical Eye of Hendersonville  organizes the festival, and has brought independent filmmaking to the area for the past 20 years.

Cynthia Potter coordinator of the TRMF, said “this festival is a great way to bring the community together.  While the majority of the submissions are from International filmmakers, there are more Western North Carolina entries this year than in any previous years. There's also opportunities to meet some local and national filmmakers," she said.

A local short film called “Over Home” featuring WNC musicians will be screened with a live performance from some of its talent and Asheville filmmaker LisAnna will be presenting her short film “Orphan.”

The wide range of short drama and feature films vary from some set on the streets of India, Moscow, Mexico City or Tokyo, to one smuggled out of Iran. The US entries provide dramatic looks at injustice against the Japanese Americans during World War II, and range from comic to tragic looks at society’s misfits and dysfunctional families. The award winning short film this year is Mousse, a comic look at robbery and justice.

Documentary films range from films examining a massacre in Afghanistan to dancing in the Appalachian Mountains. The Animation and Experimental film categories are

especially well represented with the inclusion of Mechanical Eye as sponsors for the event, bringing a wider selection of experimental filmmakers to Asheville this year.

"This year's festival is bigger and more prestigious with films coming from every corner of the world and the US, and although we all have different objectives, this is a good place for independents to get feedback and learn about filmmaking," Ms. Potter said.

  The Flood Fine Arts Center Library and the Courtyard Gallery are the venue for the festival, which include the screenings,  food and wine, and live music. The opening night films are the winner of short drama and La Jettee from France.

“The winning feature film will screen on May 24th,” states Ms. Potter, “this is a chance for Asheville audiences to view world premiers that will be distributed in theaters later this year.

All screenings are free and open to the public but a donation is suggested. The

Twin Rivers Film Festival Schedule is:

Friday, May 17th--7:30 p.m. -  Kick Off  with:

La Jettee, France and  Mousse, by John Hellberg, Stockholm, Sweden

Saturday: May 18^th—Courtyard Gallery and Flood Fine Arts Center Library

10am to 12n  Documentary Films,

1pm to 5pm Short Drama Winners

6pm to 8pm Animation and Experimental Winners, Courtyard Gallery

Sunday May 19th: Courtyard Gallery and Flood Fine Arts Center Library

1pm-4pm: Short Drama Winners

5pm to 7pm: Animation Winners

Thursday  May 23^rd, Multimedia Installation and Presentation—Courtyard Gallery

 8pm —Daniel Ouellette & The Shobijin

Friday May24th-Feature Film Winner—Courtyard Gallery, 8pm

All screenings are free an open to the public at the Phil Mechanics Building at 109 Roberts St. in the River Arts District of Asheville. Call 828-273-3332  or see www.twinriversmediafestival.com for more information.

For More info: Contact, Carlos Steward, 828-273-3332

carlos@ashevillecourtyard.com

War Tax Resistance Conference a Huge Success in Asheville, Cindy Sheehan and David Swanson were Keynote speakers

Here are some excerpts from the NWTRCC Gathering in Asheville, May 3-6, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-9CwRXcgtc

The Conscience and Military Tax Campaign (CMTC) will make Grants from  Redirected War Taxes.

Asheville, NC — 

On Saturday May 4th, Bill Ramsey of the  Conscience and Military Tax Campaign (CMTC) fund and other alternative funds from around the country,  will present checks from redirected war taxes to worthy organizations providing services to the underserved. This presentation begins at 10am at the Federal Building in Downtown Asheville and continues with a picket walk against the theft from the poor to the Phil Mechanics Building in the River Arts District at 109 Roberts St.

The CMTC Escrow Account, that provides funding for these grants, was initially  administered by a group on Long Island, NY. In the late 1980's it moved to Seattle  then finally in 2011 to St. Louis, where it is currently administered by members of the St. Louis Covenant Community of War Tax Resisters and their associates. 

These grants are part of the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) event, at the Flood Fine Arts Center in the Phil Mechanics Building at 109 Roberts Street May 3rd through the 5th featuring workshops about War Tax Resistance, panels and keynote addresses by Cindy Sheehan and author David Swanson. A complete schedule of events and registration form with dates and times can be viewed at:   http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php

NWTRCC grew out of a National Action Conference in September 1982 called by the War Resisters League and the Center on Law and Pacifism. Today NWTRCC is supported by more than 45 national and local affiliate organizations along with a nationwide network of individual counselors and activists. These gatherings are rotated to different parts of the country, thus making it possible for more local groups and individuals to be involved in the national war tax resistance network.  Asheville Area War Tax Resisters, a NWTRCC affiliate, the Courtyard Gallery and the New South Network are hosting the event. 

David Swanson will present the keynote address on Friday May 3rd, 8pm at the Flood Fine Arts Center, in the River Arts District, 109 Roberts St.  His presentation titled, "Lessons from an Overlooked Anti-War Movement" will center around thoughts from his various publications including War is a Lie.

Cindy Sheehan's keynote address on Saturday May 4th, 8pm at the Flood Fine Arts Center, will detail examples of why War Tax Resistance IS Courage using material from her popular podcast titled Cindy Sheehan's Soapbox. How to go about refusing to pay taxes for war will be part of the program allowing for the audience to begin to think about alternative methods for resisting taxes going to the military. 

Earlier on Saturday May 4th, Bill Ramsey of the  Conscience and Military Tax Campaign (CMTC) fund and other alternative funds from around the country,  will present checks from redirected war taxes to worthy organizations providing services to the underserved. This presentation begins at 10am at the Federal Building in Downtown Asheville and continues with a picket walk against the theft from the poor to the Phil Mechanics Building in the River Arts District at 109 Roberts St. 

Following lunch, the conference continues on Saturday at the Phil Mechanics Building with a series of concurrent workshops that begin at 1:30pm and repeat at 2:45pm. Audiences can chose between the following workshops:

"What you Don't Spend You don't Have to Earn--A Simple Life."

Presented by redmoonsong a war tax resister since 1968.

War on Earth! Environmental Impact: Atomic Appalachia & the Militarized Southeast

Presented by Clare Hanrahan and Coleman Smith of  New South Network of War Resisters

Social Media 101—Public Relations and Social Media Integration

Presented by Ty Hallock, Top Floor Studios

The War Crimes Times   “News A Press That's Free Would Print”.

Presented by Kim Carlyle - Editor of the War Crimes Times, a quarterly print

publication of Veterans for Peace.

"Reservations and Resistance: a conversation on what holds us back and what moves us forward as war opponents and war tax resisters."

Presented by David Swanson and Bill Ramsey 

and

War Tax Resistance 101

Presented by the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee.

The basics of how to refuse to pay for war.

A panel presentation follows the workshop from 4pm to 5pm in the Flood Gallery of the Phil Mechanics Building. 

Panel: How Militarism Impacts the Work We Do-4pm-5pm

Discussion with activist members of the Firestorm Workers Collective, Beloved Community Center, Earth First!,  Migrant and Immigrant Rights Organizations,  Blove from the Peace Garden, and others about how militarism impacts their goals and objectives.

Two final workshops follow from 5:15pm to 6:15pm:

Alliance Building

Q&A and How do we build Alliances Across Movements?

News from the International Conference of War Tax Resisters

Presented by David Gross, the NWTRCC representative at the International  Conference on War Tax Resistance and Peace Tax campaigns in Bogota, Columbian  

 At 8pm Cindy Sheehan gives her keynote address in the Flood Gallery at the Phil Mechanics Building. “War Tax Resistance IS Courage”

On Sunday, May 5th, the conference concludes with a NWTRCC business meeting from 9am-12N where the public is invited to attend. 

To register for the entire conference, go to http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php

The cost for all events is $15.00. The public is invited to attend any of the programs and workshops without registration by making a donation. 

The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) is a coalition of groups from across the U.S., that has been providing information and support to people involved in or considering some form of war tax resistance (WTR) for the past 31 years. Their website is http://www.nwtrcc.org  If you are tired of praying for peace but paying for war, plan to attend this informative and engaging conference May 3rd to 5th.

Contacts: 

Ruth Benn: (800)269-7464, Executive Director, NWTRCC, New York 

Media Contact: Carlos Steward, 828-273-3332, NWTRCC, Asheville

Keynote Speakers can be interviewed by contacting them at: 

David Swanson, Speaker/author:   HYPERLINK "mailto:david@davidswanson.org" david@davidswanson.org

Cindy Sheehan, Speaker/activist:    CindySheehansSoapbox@Gmail.com

Images of David Swanson and war crimes can be found at:   http://warisacrime.org/image/tid

Images of Cindy Sheehan can be found at:

   http://cindysheehanssoapbox.blogspot.com

# # # # # # # # # #

Cindy Sheehan and David Swanson to be Keynote Speakers at the NWTRCC Gathering—Asheville Conference: May 3rd—5th 2013

Asheville, NC — The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) will hold its National Gathering, at the Flood Fine Arts Center in the Phil Mechanics Building at 109 Roberts Street May 3rd through the 5th featuring workshops about War Tax Resistance, panels and keynote addresses by Cindy Sheehan and author David Swanson. A complete schedule of events and registration form with dates and times can be viewed at: HYPERLINK "http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php" http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php

 NWTRCC grew out of a National Action Conference in September 1982 called by the War Resisters League and the Center on Law and Pacifism. Today NWTRCC is supported by more than 45 national and local affiliate organizations along with a nationwide network of individual counselors and activists. NWTRCC has a small office in Brooklyn, NY and much of the work is done by volunteers. National Coordinating Committee meetings are held twice a year to discuss the needs of the movement, and to provide information about alternative war resistance methods to regional public audiences.The meetings are rotated to different parts of the country, thus making it possible for more local groups and individuals to be involved in the national war tax resistance network. Asheville Area War Tax Resisters, a NWTRCC affiliate, the Courtyard Gallery and the New South Network are hosting the event.

 David Swanson will present the keynote address on Friday May 3rd, 8pm at the Flood Fine Arts Center, in the River Arts District, 109 Roberts St. His presentation titled, "Lessons from an Overlooked Anti-War Movement" will center around thoughts from his various publications including War is a Lie.

Cindy Sheehan's keynote address on Saturday May 4th, 8pm at the Flood Fine Arts Center, will detail examples of why War Tax Resistance IS Courage using material from her popular podcast titled Cindy Sheehan's Soapbox. How to go about refusing to pay taxes for war will be part of the program allowing for the audience to begin to think about alternative methods for resisting taxes going to the military. 

Earlier on Saturday May 4th, Bill Ramsey of the Conscience and Military Tax Campaign (CMTC) fund and other alternative funds from around the country, will present checks from redirected war taxes to worthy organizations providing services to the underserved. This presentation begins at 10am at the Federal Building in Downtown Asheville and continues with a picket walk against the theft from the poor to the Phil Mechanics Building in the River Arts District at 109 Roberts St.

 Following lunch, the conference continues on Saturday at the Phil Mechanics Building with a series of concurrent workshops that begin at 1:30pm and repeat at 2:45pm. Audiences can chose between the following workshops:
"What you Don't Spend You don't Have to Earn--A Simple Life." Presented by redmoonsong a war tax resister since 1968.

War on Earth! Environmental Impact: Atomic Appalachia & the Militarized Southeast 
Presented by Clare Hanrahan and Coleman Smith of New South Network of War Resisters

 Social Media 101—Public Relations and Social Media Integration Presented by Ty Hallock, Top Floor Studios

 The War Crimes Times “News A Press That's Free Would Print”. Presented by Kim Carlyle - Editor of the War Crimes Times, a quarterly print publication of Veterans for Peace.

 "Reservations and Resistance: a conversation on what holds us back and what moves us forward as war opponents and war tax resisters." Presented by David Swanson and Bill Ramsey 

and War Tax Resistance 101 Presented by the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee. The basics of how to refuse to pay for war.

 A panel presentation follows the workshop from 4pm to 5pm in the Flood Gallery of the Phil Mechanics Building. Panel:
How Militarism Impacts the Work We Do-4pm-5pm
Discussion with activist members of the Firestorm Workers Collective, Beloved Community Center, Earth First!, Migrant and Immigrant Rights Organizations, Blove from the Peace Garden, and others about how militarism impacts their goals and objectives.

 Two final workshops follow from 5:15pm to 6:15pm: Alliance Building Q&A and How do we build Alliances Across Movements?

 News from the International Conference of War Tax Resisters Presented by David Gross, the NWTRCC representative at the International Conference on War Tax Resistance and Peace Tax campaigns in Bogota, Columbian

 At 8pm Cindy Sheehan gives her keynote address in the Flood Gallery at the Phil Mechanics Building. “War Tax Resistance IS Courage”

 On Sunday, May 5th, the conference concludes with a NWTRCC business meeting from 9am-12N where the public is invited to attend. To register for the entire conference, go to HYPERLINK "http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php" http://www.nwtrcc.org/gatheringMay2013.php The cost for all events is $15.00. The public is invited to attend any of the programs and workshops without registration by making a donation.

 The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) is a coalition of groups from across the U.S., that has been providing information and support to people involved in or considering some form of war tax resistance (WTR) for the past 31 years. Their website is http://www.nwtrcc.org If you are tired of praying for peace but paying for war, plan to attend this informative and engaging conference May 3rd to 5th.

 Contacts: Ruth Benn: (800)269-7464, Executive Director, NWTRCC, New York Media Contact: Carlos Steward, 828-273-3332, NWTRCC, Asheville Keynote Speakers can be interviewed by contacting them at: David Swanson, Speaker/author: HYPERLINK "mailto:david@davidswanson.org" david@davidswanson.org Cindy Sheehan, Speaker/activist: HYPERLINK "mailto:CindySheehansSoapbox@Gmail.com" CindySheehansSoapbox@Gmail.com Images of David Swanson and war crimes can be found at: HYPERLINK "http://warisacrime.org/image/tid" http://warisacrime.org/image/tid Images of Cindy Sheehan can be found at: HYPERLINK "http://cindysheehanssoapbox.blogspot.com" http://cindysheehanssoapbox.blogspot.com

War Tax Resistance Project--stop paying for war

National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee, has started a Tax Day (April 15th) project.
This will help get banners out to groups to protest war tax on Tax Day. If you are tired of praying for peace and paying for war, help them out!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/328203?fb_action_ids=10151419200406842&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

Destination Tee Shirts Helps let People Know Who You Are

Stores are full of casual outfits that people can now wear to work, play or to social events. Nowadays, it has become easy to buy the clothing you want from any part of the world, thanks to online shops and Internet. One such outfit which can become your identity is the T-shirt and T-shirts are easily available online. If you are going with a T-Shirt top they should look trendy and show the real you.
T-shirts that were used exclusively by teen agers or kids previously, are now being sported by adults, working women, young girls and even elderly people are using it as a top to complement their look. It is informal clothing which is simple, easy, comfortable and looks stunning if it is body fitted. Selecting a cool T-shirt means a lot to young girls and boys but there are some things that everyone should consider before buying a new one:
It should Compliment your style: Here you need to examine your inner self and your mood. Young people mostly like to wear T-shirts based on a hit movie graphic or rap or sport artist, having colorful images of art, horizontal or vertical lines or colorful patches. Take a cue from the younger generation and buy T-shirts having some meaningful phrases printed over it, the one that suits you and the kind of person you are. Destination T-shirts are always a good choice. They announce to the world where you have been and what you enjoy doing. These T-shirts can become instant conversation starters, and could lead to new relationships with people with similar interests.
Select something original: Don’t just buy a logo T-shirts or stuff which is easily available at any discount shop. You need to search for original t-shirts. Search online stores where you can find a wide variety as well as a uniquely designed Tee Shirt .
Fits to size: T-shirts are considered as most comfortable outfit but if you wear them loosely (oversized or loose fitted) you will look bad and hug unless you are just purchasing as a night shirt. It will not create a good impression on others if worn to a party. Take your measurements and then order one that will fit you well.
Suits your event: you must consider the event and gathering before you select a T-shirt. If you are buying a destination T-shirt then save it for your social gatherings and informal events. It might be offensive to people at your church gathering. Your outfit should compliment the event as well as the audiences you are likely to face.
Speaks of yourself: Instead of following trends blindly, you need to wear your inner self. Do not go for lame T-shirts or ones which are quite common. Select the one which reflects your mood and your personality.
Don’t always avoid promotional material, especially if you are proud to have attended an event or destination. It may look odd to some people, but others will know what the slogans mean. Dressing should demonstrate what you are and what your personal style is. You can find a great many destination T-shirts online which not only suits you, but will make you look cool and classy.

Pinterest good for non-profits and activists --Pinit to Winit

Pinterest provides organizations and nonprofits with creative fundraising methods–pinterest is not just for sharing recipes and product likes anymore. More and more organizations are finding out the Pinterest and Pinit to Winit contests provide the needed audiences to enhance their fundraising campaigns to new levels of success. Pinterest is now the third largest social media network, behind Facebook and Twitter and provides solutions to creative fundraisers that the bigger social media can’t compete with.

For one, Pinterest relies on outstanding images to promote peoples boards. Organizations dealing with the environment, or other visual subjects and concepts have a leg up to begin with. Video have also become a large part of the Pinterest experience and social activist sites as well as online stores can take advantage of video marketing.

By far the best advantage of Pinterest is their Pinit to Winit contest format. Online stores like beentheretees.com not only can showcase their products but can receive valuable marketing data as well. In BeenThereTees.com campaign, for example, they ask the pinners to pin three of their favorite shirts. They additionally ask them to create a board titled “Destination Tee Shirts” under the Travel category, giving them SEO juice for every entry.

Activist and non-profits can benefit from Pinterest contests as well. The National War Tax Coordinating Committee has started to work on social media including Pinterest to increase their program awareness and donation base. Their Pinterest Boards focus primarily on activism and war tax resistance video awareness. Visits to their website are steadily climbing upwards and donations and dvd sales are sure to follow.

This is a great time to experiment with social media especially Pinterest before it becomes so massively popular that it becomes impossible to be found on their site. Check out this great social media opportunity now!