Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Feb. 25, 1999, edition 1 / Page 47
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- RECOGNIZES THE Klurators of {African ?^American IArt &> Culture - " *? v '.?*: THE HEALING FORCE GROUP TAKES CULTURAL LEGACY TO THE PEOPLE The Healing Force presents African culture through storytelling, music, art and dance The group was founded in 1975 by the husband-and-wife team of Joseph and Gail Anderson, who acted with the Afro-American Folkloric Troupe and studied with the National Black Theater of New York. The Healing Force began full-time professional work in 1990. Anderson's daughter Sonji completes the trio, making their performances a family affair. The Healing Force's motto is "Serving the Community Through the Arts." They breathe life into those words through their high-energy performances and educational programs. The group performs at schools, colleges, museums, community centers, banquets, festivals, family reunions and churches. Whatever the venue, The Healing Force affirms values, celebrates culture, sparks creativity and enlightens young and old. The family especially enjoys working with youth and special needs populations. In travels throughout Africa, the Andersons amassed a lively repertoire of folk tales and an authentic ' collection of indigenous art and crafts. Their program, "People of the Drum," includes an exhibit of the collection. Their peformance, entitled "The Rhythm of the Drum," invites audiences to join in by singing, dancing and act ing out stories. The Healing Force has also conducted Kuumba, an afterschool program and summer camp. These programs give children hands-on arts experiences. Children make African instru ments, tie-dye cloth, play African board games and learn West African dances. The Healing Force has the presciption to educate and entertain. ciaire canton MERG|NG TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS ? ?" V-,v Claire Nanton has a vision for the arts. Nanton, an administrator for the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, wants to see more technology in the arts. Not on the screen, but behind the scenes. "A lot of art administrators don't recognize that having state-of-the-art equipment will save ' * them time and money in the long run," she said. Under Nanton's leadership, NCBRC is cur rently updating its computer equipment and in March, the company will launch a web site that will include information about upcoming events, ?* ?' including this summer's National Black Theatre Festival. ? "It's going to be good," Nanton said. "It will give people a chance to see what we're doing with the company." , Nanton's vision of the arts comes from her years as an office and systems administrator for a number of companies. When the New York native moved to Win ston-Salem in 1993, she immediately became involved in the United Way, working for the orga * a* n' nization's campaign three years. During a two year stint as loaned executive with the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, she met pianist Armenta Adams Humming and harpist Winifred Garrett. The tal ented duo were planning the critically acclaimed Gateways Music Festival and Nanton offered administrative support. She's been an integral part of the African American arts scene since. In addition te her work with NCBRC, she also wOiics with Otesha, a local group of African-inspired drummers and dancers. 1 Nanton says Winston-Salem's diverse African American arts community has provided her a window into a lost part of her heritage. "The great benefit of my work is learning about my heritage in terms of the arts," she said. "I am of a generation that wasn't taught about black artists. Learning about the great black play wrights and actors is quite an experience." Nanton and her husband, Jim, have two daughters, Jaleema and Robynne. \ ' Make plans NOW to attend the 10th Anniversary National Black Theatre Festival * August 2-7,1999 The community you serve salutes you
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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Feb. 25, 1999, edition 1
47
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