ArtsUnion 2010

UNION SQUARE: Where history, culture and diversity flourish

WINTER SERIES 2010
For the first time, we’re extending ArtsUnion events into the winter; put on a hat and scarf and join us! We’ve teamed up with ArtsUnion partners and a few talented independent producers to bring you a lineup that is as spicy and diverse as Union Square itself.

Spice Union Tour and Reception
Sunday, Jan. 24; tour: 4-6pm; reception: 6-8
La Taqueria Mexicana, 247 Washington Street

In times when cultures engage in war, this project and event celebrates multiculturalism. Union Square has myriad ethnic restaurants representing different parts of the world. Artist Francisco de la Barra has created a series of portraits of Union Square chefs, incorporating spices with his paints to reflect their cuisines. View work at an opening reception where food & drink will be served and Francisco will talk about his work and this project. A tasting tour of participating restaurants and markets where Francisco buys his spices precedes tour. Space for the tour is limited; to sign up, email: francisco_de@mac.co The more the merrier at the reception! Co-produced with Francisco de la Barra.

Ginger Explosion
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6:30-8:30, $5
Grand, 374 Somerville Ave.

Following this summer’s Ice Cream Showdown and this fall’s Going Nutty, Twitter’s @eatBoston is teaming up with the Somerville Arts Council/ArtsUnion to produce another fun food event. Area chefs—Ronnarong (pictured on right), Bambara, Picco and Petit Robert Bistro, Tupelo, among others—prepare a dessert or entree using ginger as the main ingredient. You be the judge of which ginger-infused dish is the best! There will also be a ginger trivia contest and fact sheet giveaways about how ginger is used around Union Square and throughout the world. Co-produced with Aaron Cohen/Twitter’s@ eatBoston.

Space is limited, if you plan to attend, please RSVP here:http://www.facebook.com/eatboston#/event.php?eid=248250239366&ref=mf

An Evening of Haitian Film & Video: A Fundraiser for Haiti Earthquake Relief
Thursday, Feb. 4, 7-9pm,
Somerville Community Access Television, 90 Union Square
6:30: doors; 7pm sharp: screening followed by panel discussion
***SEATING IS LIMITED; Overflow audience will be accommodated at the Independent where screening will also be shown***
9pm: Gathering at the Independent, 75 Union Sq.

About the Event
Exploring the role of media as it relates to Haiti and the local Haitian community, we will screen documentary excerpts from The Agronomist, Secondhand (Pepe) and Belo’s Song of Peace, samples of video work relating to philanthropic causes and excerpts from local Haitian TV shows. The following panel discussion will be led by Charlot Lucien, founder/co-director of the Haitian Artists Assembly of Massachusetts. Panelists are: Hanna Rose Shell, director of “Second Hand Pepe” and M.I.T. Assistant Professor; Patrick Sylvain, writer and educator; and Ronny Dorvil, SCAT producer. Topics inlcude: Radio is the dominant form of media in Haiti, yet film, video and TV are playing an increasingly important role in the local Haitian community; why is this? What Haitian films and documentaries are reaching and influencing the non-Haitian community? How can Haitian-related film and video support philanthropic causes?

Following the screening and discussion, there will be a gathering at the Independent,where Haitian-themed libations—the “Airmail” and the “Barbancourt Rum Sour”—will be on the menu. Profits from sales go to Haiti Earthquake relief.

Donations strongly encouraged; proceeds will go to Partners in Health Haiti Earthquake Response (http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti).
Screening & panel discussion will be broadcast live on SCAT (Channel 3 in Somerville) and Cambridge Community Television (Channel 10 in Cambridge) on Thursday, Feb. 4, 7-9pm. Host a viewing party!

ArtsUnion Winter Sculpture Series
Exhibit Opening:
Saturday, February 6th at 4:30 p.m.
90 Union Square, Somerville

Five artists, who work in the fields of architecture, ceramics and sculpture, have create installations addressing Union Square urban landscape. The emerging themes of all five pieces address recycling, urban re-use and local environments. The work will remain up for the winter and early spring. Click here to see more about the artists and their work.

Get Your Beard On Saturday
Saturday, Feb. 13, 3-6pm
Precinct, 70 Union Sq.

A contest & party sure to tickle your chin. Previous contests have been held in other parts of the world but nothing like this has happened in your own backyard. Jimmy DelPonte will emcee; a panel of bearded judges will issue the verdict; and DJ Pace will create the scratchy sonic backdrop. We will nibble, drink and hob-nob within a roomful of artistic facial hair. What better way to spend a winter afternoon? Contestantswill vie for prizes in 5 categories: natural full beard, free-style full beard, free-style moustache, free-style partial beard, (which includes goatees, sideburns and any other creative combination of the above), and for follicle challenged, best fake beard. To register/questions: GetYourBeardOn@gmail.com Co-produced with Todd Easton.

About ArtsUnion
The Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion Project is an initiative designed to boost the cultural economic development of Union Square, Somerville. Now in its sixth year, ArtsUnion has been instrumental in reinvigorating the artistic and business landscape of the area. ArtsUnion presents numerous events and markets, and leads cultural tours. In 2007, ArtsUnion commissioned local artisans to design streetscape furniture and, in 2008, began to implement the work surrounding a zoning/regulation review to further support the arts and the distinct character of the square. The Somerville Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development created ArtsUnion, in partnership with ArtSomerville, Brickbottom Artists Association, Washington Street Art Center, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, Somerville Open Studios and Union Square Main Streets. Generous funding for the initiative is provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s John and Abigail Adams Program and the City of Somerville.