Events at The Nia Center
2016 EVENTS
One Day in Chester Arts Festival Schedule of Events
(as of 8/24 - please note listings subject to further changes. Check back for update on 8/27)
Saturday, August 27, 2016
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
500 Block of Avenue of the States, Chester, PA
Join us at One Day in Chester for a celebration of the arts! Chester's One Day arts festival features a variety of delicious treats, live music, art exhibits, dancers, crafts, spoken word, workshops, face painting and kids' activities, and more!
Food and Craft Vendors, 500-Block Parking Lot & Surrounding Sidewalks
M.J. Freed Theater (dance & theater, small exhibit space)
515 Avenue of the States
All-Day Exhibits
11:00–11:30 Hedgerow Theatre (theater) *
11:30–12:00 The Embodiment Project & Jessica Warchal-King (dance)
12:00–12:30 UTTA Community Arts Program (dance) *
Description: Heart-touching and fun dance pieces performed by UTTA dancers.
12:30–1:00 Hedgerow Theatre (theater) *
1:00–1:30 "Taking Leave" by Patricia Brooks Eldridge (starring Maurice Eldridge) (theater)
Description: "Taking Leave" is a one-act play in which a slave bids his ailing 'master' goodbye before taking off along with all the other slaves on the plantation. They have empowered themselves!
1:45–2:15 Committed Vessel United Dance Ministries (gospel dance) *
2:15–2:30 Tiana Reese & Jasmine Norman (praise dance)
2:30–2:45 Abundance Center for the Performing Arts (theater & dance)
Description: Abundance Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to bringing quality and affordable performing arts instruction. The center offers classes in dance, music, vocals, and drama. It is our plan to spread the words that the Performing Arts in Chester is a fun, educational, and exciting way to spend time. Please contact abundanceperformingarts@gmail.com for more information.
2:45–3:15 Be an Animal! with Jeannine McKnight (interactive theater & dance workshop) *
Description: Kids, and adults, too, will learn to call on animal energy and spirit to shape performance. Will you be a tail-wagging dog, a purring cat, a slithering snake, a soaring bird, or something else? You can apply animal energy to acting, dance, and life!
3:15–3:30 Rickia Dallam (ballet)
Abstract Space (displays, workshops)
513 Avenue of the States
All-Day Exhibits
11:00–12:00 SurfaceSavvy Painting Workshop/Demo
1:30–2:45 Community Arts Center's "Play with Clay!" Sculpture Workshop *
Description: Play with Clay! Facilitated by artists from the Community Arts Center
3:30–4:30 CREATE Entrepreneurial Artist Workshop
Description: The CREATE program is for artists and creative economy entrepreneurs in the city of Chester, Delaware County, and West Philadelphia. We offer small loans/lines of credit (up to $5,000), along with training and one-on-one business counseling. The CREATE (Championing Revival, Empowering Artists, Transforming Economies) pilot program uses the arts to promote economic revitalization in these communities. There is a grant component tied to the loan program.
Chester Arts Alive @ André Café Acoustique (music & spoken word)
5th Street & Edgemont Avenue
11:30–12:00 Logan Jones (singing & piano) *
12:00–12:30 Allison DeSalvo's World of Song *
Description: "Circle-Song Sing-A-Long" of music games, rhythms, and stories through play (Bobby McFerrin style) for the whole family.
12:30–1:30 Stephanie Walker-Pe'rez (poetry & piano)
Description: Stephanie Walker-Pe'rez is an inspirational author, children's book author, inspirational speaker in churches, songwriter, and teacher (classical)
1:30–2:00 Author Tara Jones (spoken word)
2:00–2:30 Que Dorsey (spoken word)
2:30–3:00 Jase Elam (spoken word)
3:00–3:30 Logan Jones (singing & piano; second performance) *
3:30–4:30 Paul Trefz & Misty Sol (interactive workshop with singing & storytelling) *
4:30–5:00 Lakesha Logan (singer)
5:00–6:30 Reneth Marie Servrien (jazz singer)
*—Kids !!!
Art at Avenue of the States
504 Avenue of the States
Gallery: “Your Summer Fantasy” art show and sale, all day
Special Note: Art at Avenue of the States is open Wed–Fri, 11-3, & most Saturdays and is an artist-owned gallery that is open to all artists to participate. The gallery holds about 6 shows and opening receptions per year, including its annual Student Art Show, and hosts open and private "Painting Parties." In addition, Art at Avenue of the States has a gallery at Harrah’s Casino in Chester and teaches art classes at Crozer Library.
2:00–5:00 Chester Magazine Reception—refreshments & free magazines
Future Avenue Brew
524 Avenue of the States
1:00–5:00 Chester Made invites the audience to an interactive workshop:
Chester Made Makerspace "Open For Construction"
We will build a bench and a planter under the guidance of professional artists.
Build times: 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Discussion times: 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
(as of 8/24 - please note listings subject to further changes. Check back for update on 8/27)
Saturday, August 27, 2016
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
500 Block of Avenue of the States, Chester, PA
Join us at One Day in Chester for a celebration of the arts! Chester's One Day arts festival features a variety of delicious treats, live music, art exhibits, dancers, crafts, spoken word, workshops, face painting and kids' activities, and more!
Food and Craft Vendors, 500-Block Parking Lot & Surrounding Sidewalks
- Chef Lamont's American Specialties (American cuisine)
- Irie Jamaican Restaurant (Caribbean & Jamaican cuisine)
- Gumbo Yaya (Cajun & Southern cuisine)
- Ruth Bennett Community Farm's Urban Garden
- Big Var Water Ice
- Aunt Val's Lemonade
- ButcherShop Rehab (furniture)
- Search + Rescue (vintage design shop)
- C-Me Image (branding & apparel)
- Taryn's Tye Dye (tye-dye apparel)
- Be Shaded Co. (sunglasses & eyewear)
- Beauty Beast Shea Butter (all natural soap & body products)
- Body Beads by Chardae Davis (body beads, perfect for dance)
- Kids' Arts & Crafts Tables (weather permitting) *
- Facepainting & Collage (weather permitting) *
- Jean Therapy Music (music & entertainment)
- DJ Mr.X (music)
M.J. Freed Theater (dance & theater, small exhibit space)
515 Avenue of the States
All-Day Exhibits
- The Nia Center
- The Yes Center's Heritage Place Museum, Library, & Repository
- The Chester Historical Preservation Committee
- Maxie's Vintage — Vintage Clothing, Costumes, & Collectables
- Precious Seeds Youth Journal by Samuel Geathers
11:00–11:30 Hedgerow Theatre (theater) *
11:30–12:00 The Embodiment Project & Jessica Warchal-King (dance)
12:00–12:30 UTTA Community Arts Program (dance) *
Description: Heart-touching and fun dance pieces performed by UTTA dancers.
12:30–1:00 Hedgerow Theatre (theater) *
1:00–1:30 "Taking Leave" by Patricia Brooks Eldridge (starring Maurice Eldridge) (theater)
Description: "Taking Leave" is a one-act play in which a slave bids his ailing 'master' goodbye before taking off along with all the other slaves on the plantation. They have empowered themselves!
1:45–2:15 Committed Vessel United Dance Ministries (gospel dance) *
2:15–2:30 Tiana Reese & Jasmine Norman (praise dance)
2:30–2:45 Abundance Center for the Performing Arts (theater & dance)
Description: Abundance Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to bringing quality and affordable performing arts instruction. The center offers classes in dance, music, vocals, and drama. It is our plan to spread the words that the Performing Arts in Chester is a fun, educational, and exciting way to spend time. Please contact abundanceperformingarts@gmail.com for more information.
2:45–3:15 Be an Animal! with Jeannine McKnight (interactive theater & dance workshop) *
Description: Kids, and adults, too, will learn to call on animal energy and spirit to shape performance. Will you be a tail-wagging dog, a purring cat, a slithering snake, a soaring bird, or something else? You can apply animal energy to acting, dance, and life!
3:15–3:30 Rickia Dallam (ballet)
Abstract Space (displays, workshops)
513 Avenue of the States
All-Day Exhibits
- Photographs by Jano Cohen: Deshong Mansion, Wharf, Must Fight Gym
- Paintings by SurfaceSavvy
- Paintings by Andrea P. Simmons
- Flowers of the Ancestors Paintings (Ayah) & Sculptures (Mo) by Misty Sol
- Figments at the End of the World by Misty Sol
- East Gateway Triangle Initiative & Artist Warehouse present
The Art Spot: Summer Camp Art Exhibit (Teacher Marcey Morris)
11:00–12:00 SurfaceSavvy Painting Workshop/Demo
1:30–2:45 Community Arts Center's "Play with Clay!" Sculpture Workshop *
Description: Play with Clay! Facilitated by artists from the Community Arts Center
3:30–4:30 CREATE Entrepreneurial Artist Workshop
Description: The CREATE program is for artists and creative economy entrepreneurs in the city of Chester, Delaware County, and West Philadelphia. We offer small loans/lines of credit (up to $5,000), along with training and one-on-one business counseling. The CREATE (Championing Revival, Empowering Artists, Transforming Economies) pilot program uses the arts to promote economic revitalization in these communities. There is a grant component tied to the loan program.
Chester Arts Alive @ André Café Acoustique (music & spoken word)
5th Street & Edgemont Avenue
11:30–12:00 Logan Jones (singing & piano) *
12:00–12:30 Allison DeSalvo's World of Song *
Description: "Circle-Song Sing-A-Long" of music games, rhythms, and stories through play (Bobby McFerrin style) for the whole family.
12:30–1:30 Stephanie Walker-Pe'rez (poetry & piano)
Description: Stephanie Walker-Pe'rez is an inspirational author, children's book author, inspirational speaker in churches, songwriter, and teacher (classical)
1:30–2:00 Author Tara Jones (spoken word)
2:00–2:30 Que Dorsey (spoken word)
2:30–3:00 Jase Elam (spoken word)
3:00–3:30 Logan Jones (singing & piano; second performance) *
3:30–4:30 Paul Trefz & Misty Sol (interactive workshop with singing & storytelling) *
4:30–5:00 Lakesha Logan (singer)
5:00–6:30 Reneth Marie Servrien (jazz singer)
*—Kids !!!
Art at Avenue of the States
504 Avenue of the States
Gallery: “Your Summer Fantasy” art show and sale, all day
Special Note: Art at Avenue of the States is open Wed–Fri, 11-3, & most Saturdays and is an artist-owned gallery that is open to all artists to participate. The gallery holds about 6 shows and opening receptions per year, including its annual Student Art Show, and hosts open and private "Painting Parties." In addition, Art at Avenue of the States has a gallery at Harrah’s Casino in Chester and teaches art classes at Crozer Library.
2:00–5:00 Chester Magazine Reception—refreshments & free magazines
Future Avenue Brew
524 Avenue of the States
1:00–5:00 Chester Made invites the audience to an interactive workshop:
Chester Made Makerspace "Open For Construction"
We will build a bench and a planter under the guidance of professional artists.
Build times: 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Discussion times: 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
APPLICATIONS For One Day in Chester Event:
One Day in Chester ARTIST/Participant Application
One Day in Chester VENDOR Application
All Artists and Vendors MUST fill out and submit a completed Application Form for consideration of participation.
Please note that although the deadline for vendors and artists has now passed, we will CONTINUE to accept applications and accept them on a space available basis. We are particularly looking for church group and social service organization participation, more spoken word artists, and more arts workshops/interactive activities to fill-out the arts program and we also seek crafts and food vendors. Click on links above to fill out an application!
Thank You!
ODICAF Committee Organizers
One Day in Chester ARTIST/Participant Application
One Day in Chester VENDOR Application
All Artists and Vendors MUST fill out and submit a completed Application Form for consideration of participation.
Please note that although the deadline for vendors and artists has now passed, we will CONTINUE to accept applications and accept them on a space available basis. We are particularly looking for church group and social service organization participation, more spoken word artists, and more arts workshops/interactive activities to fill-out the arts program and we also seek crafts and food vendors. Click on links above to fill out an application!
Thank You!
ODICAF Committee Organizers
One Day In Chester Arts Festival
August 27th, 2016 from 11am - 6pm
Location: 500 block of Avenue of the States Overtown, Chester
"One Day In Chester ARTS FESTIVAL" honors Chester's rich cultural heritage, highlighting exciting arts activities currently taking place in Chester, and most especially building a vision for the future in which 'One Day in Chester' will be every day in Chester. The day long event will feature a revitalized downtown, food, art exhibits, workshops, films, performances, live music, artist interactions, children's entertainment and crafts.
NEEDED - ARTIST & VENDOR PARTICIPANTS
"ODICAF" event planners are recruiting local artists, performers, poets, presenters of all kinds to showcase and promote their work!
E-mail OneDayChester@gmail.com or call the
Nia Center at: 610-485-2236 or 610-876-222
Location: 500 block of Avenue of the States Overtown, Chester
"One Day In Chester ARTS FESTIVAL" honors Chester's rich cultural heritage, highlighting exciting arts activities currently taking place in Chester, and most especially building a vision for the future in which 'One Day in Chester' will be every day in Chester. The day long event will feature a revitalized downtown, food, art exhibits, workshops, films, performances, live music, artist interactions, children's entertainment and crafts.
NEEDED - ARTIST & VENDOR PARTICIPANTS
"ODICAF" event planners are recruiting local artists, performers, poets, presenters of all kinds to showcase and promote their work!
E-mail OneDayChester@gmail.com or call the
Nia Center at: 610-485-2236 or 610-876-222
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Ruth L. Bennett POP UP Museum
Tuesday - Thursday, July 26 - 28, 2016
11 - 3pm
Admission Children (12 & under) - $3, Adults - $5,
Seniors $4, Group Rates for 10 or more
For More Information: E-mail info@theniacenterorchester.org or
Call The Nia Center at: 610-485-2236 or 610-876-222
Tuesday - Thursday, July 26 - 28, 2016
11 - 3pm
Admission Children (12 & under) - $3, Adults - $5,
Seniors $4, Group Rates for 10 or more
For More Information: E-mail info@theniacenterorchester.org or
Call The Nia Center at: 610-485-2236 or 610-876-222
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It's a pop up thang...at the Nia Center
A Black History Traveling POP UP Museum Extended through May 28, 2016 Admission Children (12 & under) - $3, Adults - $5, Seniors $4, Group Rates for 10 or more E-mail info@theniacenterorchester.org or call the Nia Center at: 610-485-2236 or 610-876-222 |
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Inventions by Famous African Americans!
Open through May 2016 Come out to discover, touch, taste and experience inventions we use every day to make our lives easier, safe and fun! Door Prizes & Snacks Will Be Available! Hosted by the Delaware County Family Center! Registration required. CALL 610-532-2811 Location: Nia Cultural Arts Center, INC. (Recently Renovated and Available for Tours) 214 Reaney St @ Route 291 Chester, PA 19013 |
West End "Kids" Art Fair & Reception
Tuesday, May 31, 2016, 3 - 6PM
Free and Open to the Public
Join The Nia Center in celebrating the creativity of local children at the Annual WEST END ART FAIR. Hosted by J. Lewis Crozer Library, artwork from Chester's children and youth will be featured in the exhibition in cooperation with the Community Arts Center of Wallingford. Children receive certificates for their participation and their framed art to take home! Light refreshments will be served.
For more information 610-485-2236. This project is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of PA and the National Endowments for the Arts, a federal agency.Families and friends are invited to attend.
Location: J. Lewis Crozier Library, 620 Engle and 7th St., Chester, PA 19013 (610) 494-3454
Tuesday, May 31, 2016, 3 - 6PM
Free and Open to the Public
Join The Nia Center in celebrating the creativity of local children at the Annual WEST END ART FAIR. Hosted by J. Lewis Crozer Library, artwork from Chester's children and youth will be featured in the exhibition in cooperation with the Community Arts Center of Wallingford. Children receive certificates for their participation and their framed art to take home! Light refreshments will be served.
For more information 610-485-2236. This project is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of PA and the National Endowments for the Arts, a federal agency.Families and friends are invited to attend.
Location: J. Lewis Crozier Library, 620 Engle and 7th St., Chester, PA 19013 (610) 494-3454
2013 - 2015 Events
(not all events are represented)
(not all events are represented)
This Event is one of two important yearly fundraisers! Please join us for a wonderful evening honoring members of our community while giving and supporting the ongoing programs and mission of The Nia Center in providing outstanding opportunities to our children and youth to further their development artistically, intellectually and culturally.
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11th Annual Gala and Hononrees BanquetThursday, December 10, 2015
5:00 - 6:30 PM VIP ~ $100 Reception for all Honorees and Special Guests 6:30- 9:00 PM ~ $55 Awards Dinner & Program VIP Reception, Entertainment, Silent Auction, Food, Fun & More Community Room, Chester’s City Hall This Year's Honorees and Long Time Nia Supporters: Delores Freeman-Clybourn Lakesha Logan Elizabeth Williams DeAira Womack William Henderson Curtis Johnson Devon Walls Brad & Crystal El Anniversary Celebration Chairpersons 215-342-4212 Tickets Available. To receive an invitation and for more Information please email: crystl_el@yahoo.com |
West End "Kids" Art Fair & Reception
Saturday, May 30, 2015 10 – 1 PM
“Art” created by children and youth of Chester, PA from Nia’s free classes, as well as from our partnership programs throughout the city, will be on exhibit at the Library. Join us for the Reception on May 30th from 10 - 1pm.
Families and friends are invited to attend.
Open to the public and refreshments will be served.
Location: J. Lewis Crozier Library, 620 Engle and 7th St., Chester, PA 19013 (610) 494-3454
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Placemats
for “Gift of
Life”
April 17, 2015
The Nia Center proudly donated 100 placemats to a Philadelphia organ donor program that were lovingly created by the children and youth in Nia programs throughout the Chester community. Pauline McCall lead participants in designing the placemats for the program during two sessions held March. The children designed the art tools, painted, plated and created the various design patterns displayed on the mats. The students took pride in the project and many signed the mats. The mats were then laminated them for protection and presented in hopes that they might be useful and bring pleasure to all who received them.
Nia is a local nonprofit organization that promotes arts and educational activities and thanks their partners who assisted with this after school community program making this "gift" possible.
April 17, 2015
The Nia Center proudly donated 100 placemats to a Philadelphia organ donor program that were lovingly created by the children and youth in Nia programs throughout the Chester community. Pauline McCall lead participants in designing the placemats for the program during two sessions held March. The children designed the art tools, painted, plated and created the various design patterns displayed on the mats. The students took pride in the project and many signed the mats. The mats were then laminated them for protection and presented in hopes that they might be useful and bring pleasure to all who received them.
Nia is a local nonprofit organization that promotes arts and educational activities and thanks their partners who assisted with this after school community program making this "gift" possible.
Black History Month Presentation at Episcopal Place at Park Row
February 2015
A " Black History" presentation was recently held with the Heritage Theatre & Friends Choir, along with Praise Dance by Monika Rhodes and Poetry by Stephanie Perez. Musician - Lawrence Wayne Bidgell led the experience in cooperation with Park Row Administrator Theresa Bey. Participants: Donna Childs, Josephine Davis, Shirley Richardson, Denise Royster, Gerry Saunders, Donald Saunders, Peggy Showell and Delores Freeman-Clybourn, Nia Exec. Director. Narrator was Joan Pearson.
Thanks to all!!!
February 2015
A " Black History" presentation was recently held with the Heritage Theatre & Friends Choir, along with Praise Dance by Monika Rhodes and Poetry by Stephanie Perez. Musician - Lawrence Wayne Bidgell led the experience in cooperation with Park Row Administrator Theresa Bey. Participants: Donna Childs, Josephine Davis, Shirley Richardson, Denise Royster, Gerry Saunders, Donald Saunders, Peggy Showell and Delores Freeman-Clybourn, Nia Exec. Director. Narrator was Joan Pearson.
Thanks to all!!!
Grand Opening CELEBRATION
Open House Celebration
Friday, October 10, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
We thank our community, and all of our supporters who attended this special event celebrating the newly restored Ruth L. Bennett historic properties and now permanent home for The Nia Center. For historical background on Ruth L. Bennett)
The Open House included: Tours, Music, Light Refreshments, Meet & Greet, Learn about Nia
3 - 5 pm ~ Live Music with "Health Spring Band"
3:30pm ~ Welcome Speeches and Acknowledgements
5 pm ~ Ribbon Cutting with Chester Mayor John Linden
"Take A Walk Through" ~ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th from 12-noon to 3pm
Friday, October 10, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
We thank our community, and all of our supporters who attended this special event celebrating the newly restored Ruth L. Bennett historic properties and now permanent home for The Nia Center. For historical background on Ruth L. Bennett)
The Open House included: Tours, Music, Light Refreshments, Meet & Greet, Learn about Nia
3 - 5 pm ~ Live Music with "Health Spring Band"
3:30pm ~ Welcome Speeches and Acknowledgements
5 pm ~ Ribbon Cutting with Chester Mayor John Linden
"Take A Walk Through" ~ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th from 12-noon to 3pm
10th Anniversary Gala Celebration 2014
THEME: “OUR TIME IS NOW” ~ Thursday, December 11, 2014
Chester City Hall – Community Room, 1 East Fourth Street, Chester, PA 19013
VIP & Honorees Reception 5:00 PM - $100
Nia Center Awards Program & Dinner 6:30 PM - $55
Saluting Long Term and Community Supporters of the NIA Center:
DISTINGUISHED SUPPORT AWARDS
Allison DeSalvo – World of Song
Frances Whittington – Nia Board President
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Paul Downie & Community Arts Center
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AWARDS
Reha London
Ella McFarland
Chester Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Steve Fischer & Chester Housing Authority
GOLDEN GIVER AWARD
Frances Taylor – Andre Henderson Foundation
FOUNDER’S AWARD
James Harper Jr. & Laborers Local Union #413
Theresa Bey ~ Anniversary Celebration Chairperson
9th Annual Gala Celebration 2013
2013 GALA AWARDS ~ Thursday, December 5, 2013
DISTINGUISHED SUPPORT AWARD
Jeanette & James Robinson
Debra Kardon-Brown
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Widener University
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AWARDS
Sondra Greenberg, Shipley School
Evoni Story, Chester Apartments
Karla Gray, Kollective Talent
Twyla Simpkins, YES Achievement Center
Penelope Reed, Hedgerow Theatre
GOLDEN GIVER AWARDS
Ruth Dandridge & Josephine Davis
FOUNDER’S AWARD
Charon Battles, Deputy Director
PA Council on the Arts
Chester City Hall – Community Room, 1 East Fourth Street, Chester, PA 19013
VIP & Honorees Reception 5:00 PM - $100
Nia Center Awards Program & Dinner 6:30 PM - $55
Saluting Long Term and Community Supporters of the NIA Center:
DISTINGUISHED SUPPORT AWARDS
Allison DeSalvo – World of Song
Frances Whittington – Nia Board President
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Paul Downie & Community Arts Center
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AWARDS
Reha London
Ella McFarland
Chester Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Steve Fischer & Chester Housing Authority
GOLDEN GIVER AWARD
Frances Taylor – Andre Henderson Foundation
FOUNDER’S AWARD
James Harper Jr. & Laborers Local Union #413
Theresa Bey ~ Anniversary Celebration Chairperson
9th Annual Gala Celebration 2013
2013 GALA AWARDS ~ Thursday, December 5, 2013
DISTINGUISHED SUPPORT AWARD
Jeanette & James Robinson
Debra Kardon-Brown
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Widener University
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AWARDS
Sondra Greenberg, Shipley School
Evoni Story, Chester Apartments
Karla Gray, Kollective Talent
Twyla Simpkins, YES Achievement Center
Penelope Reed, Hedgerow Theatre
GOLDEN GIVER AWARDS
Ruth Dandridge & Josephine Davis
FOUNDER’S AWARD
Charon Battles, Deputy Director
PA Council on the Arts
