Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Book Discussion

Friday, May 9, 7:10pm to 8:30pm
Dr. Kaung’s Book Shelf: Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiong'a

Free and open to the public.

From Powell's Books: In exile now for more than 20 years, the author has become one of the most widely read contemporary African writers. This volume is an ambitious attempt to sum up the Africa of the 20th century in the context of two thousand years of world history, exploring themes of globalization, greed, power, love, corruption, and resurrection.

"The fictional Republic of Aburiria chronicled in this sprawling, dazzling satirical fable is an exaggeration of sordid African despotism... Kamiti, an archetypal New Man with two university degrees and no job prospects, sets up shop as a wizard; with the help of Nyawira, member of both an underground dissident movement and a feminist dance troupe, he dispenses therapeutic sorcery to a citizenry that finds witchcraft less absurd than everyday life. Kenyan novelist Thiong'o (Petals of Blood) mounts a nuanced but caustic political and social satire of the corruption of African society, with a touch of magical realism — or, perhaps, realistic magic, as the wizard's tricks hinge on holding a not-so-enchanted mirror to his clients' hidden self-delusions. The result is a sometimes lurid, sometimes lyrical reflection on Africa's dysfunctions — and possibilities." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

The translation, by the author himself from his native Gikuyu, is fluid and manages to convey a vivid sense of African storytelling. Recommended for all collections of literary fiction." Library Journal

"[W]ith Wizard of the Crow, Ngugi has flown over the entire African continent and sniffed out all of the foul stenches rising high into the air: complacency toward despotism, repression of women and ethnic minorities, widespread corruption and...a neocolonial system in which today's lending banks and multinationals have supplanted yesterday's European overlords." New York Times

"[T]his unforgettable love story reveals the magic power of the ordinary in people and in politics." Booklist

Assemblage Frames with Photos


EXHIBIT. May 6 through May 30, 2008
Photos and alt.frames by Daniel Reyes

RECEPTION. Friday, May 16, 2008 6:30 to 8:30pm
Artist reception for
Daniel Reyes

In 1994 I went along with a colleague to an abandoned lot in a Santiago, Chile suburb. He was an art student and dabbled in the reconstruction of the lost. He used discarded garbage to piece together colorful and whimsical collages. I was but the most amateur of amateur photographers, but his interest in the lost (and now found) intrigued me. Re-using the discarded and the forgotten is not new, but the adventure of "the search" is what captured my interest. Several years later, I began actively framing my work, but was soon dismayed at the cost of the frames. This was the catalyst for me to delve into local junkyards, into inexpensive and off-the-beaten-path antique stores (especially those in Baltimore), into attics and flea markets. Almost anything can become an "alt.frame": an old suitcase, toys, tin cans. The media I use may include other elements, such as old pressed ceiling tiles made of tin, ribbets, and even music boxes.

It is my aim that my "alt.frames" ("alternative frames") do not trump the photograph being displayed. That is why I carefully choose which photo pairs well with the "alt.frame." My photography is hard to pin down: at once abstract, then reminiscent of street photography, on one hand I admire the mundane, then I scout out the surreal.

Each "alt.frame" is a little story: of what it is used to be (a utilitarian object), as a tool or as trash to discard, as a quaint antique to be salvaged and sold, and finally as an objet d'art to be molded by an amateur photographer too cheap to buy pricey frames at the local Michael's.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Pyramid Atlantic to Welcome and Inspire Art Collectors

Collectors For A Cause is a three-day arts sale benefiting Pyramid Atlantic's youth arts programs.

April 25th, 26th and 27th at Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center, featuring prints and artists books created by local and international artists at Pyramid Atlantic, as well as tours of Pyramid Atlantic artist studios, special talks led by local collectors, a wine tasting, prizes and more.

8230 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring (a short walk from Kefa Cafe, across Georgia Avenue). The event is free and open to the public, no rsvp needed. 301-608-9101 or slevine@pyramid-atlantic.org

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Ocio Jazz at La Ferme

Ocio Jazz trio returns to La Ferme Restaurant, 7101 Brookville Road, Chevy Chase, MD, on Monday April 14th. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Children's Book Author Robert Brooks

April 25, 2008, 7:10 to 8:30pm
BOOK SIGNING. Sonrieta by Robert Brooks with illustrations by Helle Urban
Anyone who appreciates the arts will be inspired by this charming book. Sonrieta demonstrates the power of positive attitude and friendship. The author's pacing and intriguing plot will keep readers spellbound until the end. Highly recommended (ages 6 & up)
Cathy Kiefer / Librarian, Washington, DC

The story is wonderful for teaching tolerance and many of the literary elements. It is filled with beautiful descriptions and rich vocabulary.
Malissia Turner / Children’s Librarian Virginia

I found this a very charming tale about the importance of being true to one’s feelings, discovering individual talents and that every now and then it is important to question why things are they way they are in a community. This story is told in a gentle manner and is recommended as a book for parents to read along with beginning readers or as light reading for the more advanced young reader.
Mark G. Ames / Librarian, Maryland

Monday, April 07, 2008

Photo Exhibit: Kefa Cafe's Space 7:10

Ellen X. Silverberg
"Silver Springing: Growth, Change & the Naturally Timeless"
April 8 through May 2, 2008
Artist Reception on Friday, April 18th, 6:30-8:30