Here are some of the ideas we came up with and scroll down more for some of the pictures! You can see more when you follow @valleywedesign on instagram!

PUBLIC ART

• Train Station Underpasses can feature seasonal public art from local artists, or competitions for all over
• Valley Maps or Directories can be designed by artists, and a great way to attract
• Garbage Cans can be a way to engage the high school artists communities

SAFETY

• Fences around the train station rails, this can also beautify the blocks, and Scotland Road
• The sidewalks are horrible, and uneven. We should definitely get them fixed
• More signs

DIRECTIONS TO THE VALLEY

• In addition to the maps, we can have just arrows pointing the district from Scotland Road.

There were so many more ideas shared, you can come to the follow up meeting, Tuesday, September 24th. More details to follow. Visit http://www.handsinc.org for more information.

#ValleyWeDesign Project: Walk Around & Picnic Works

Residents, business owners, community organization representatives, and elected officials are invited to tour the Valley, photograph and identify opportunities to enhance existing and design new public open spaces to enrich community life.

Small teams will begin walk around workshop at 9:30am. Suggested RSVP to Jessica at 973-678-3110 x8 or jessica@handsinc.org

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

It’s that time of year again, HANDS’ fourth annual Leadership Awards: Innovation Celebration. Please contact Jessica with nominations for this year’s community awards. Last year, Mike Mal was honored at the event. I can think of a number of artist’s here that volunteer at ORNG Ink that would be perfect for that.

http://www.handsinc.org

Here are some pictures from last year’s event at the Firehouse Gallery and an amazing Den Fenelon art show, November 2013. Molly wore a custom made Robyn Modest dress! 

Naeema, Cesar, Tyree, Ray and I piled up in Naeema’s car for a life-changing trip. I honestly do not even know where to begin. Thursday morning we got on the road, and arrived at the center after about 8 long hours on the road.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with warm welcomes and Molly’s energetic spirit. We were joining Molly and her family: her younger sisters Sadie and Gahlia were on staff there, her nephew Javey, Michael Kaufman her dad and his wife. Gamal, an ORNG inker was also on staff. The adorable Malbroughs, Mike Mal, his wife Paige, and two children Bella and Abe. It has truly been a family affair. We all looked forward to volunteering around the camp.

Later that night after dinner the emerging artists, Mike and Molly led the first half our or art program. We presented how ORNG Ink came to be, and how each of us were brought to the studio. This was definitely a highlight because I learned a lot from everyone, and gained a new sense of pride for each artist, and what we bring to the table. And I also realized that it was truly fate, and hope that has brought all of us together.

We then went to our cabin, number 8 in the middle of the woods. It was super dark, and a little scary at first. Then it became funny because on the way there we had running joke that Molly was luring us to our death and this was the start of a horror movie. Gamal was the killer, and was going to finish all of us. We woke up the next day to the fresh air of nature, and the sound of crickets. It was beautiful. Breakfast was at 8:00am and we had to go the main building to take a shower. My wardrobe of choice for the entire weekend was basketball shorts, and my old Jordan’s. Comfort, and self discovery was my overall mission.

After breakfast I sat in front of Mount Chicoro and did some writing exercises. Ray and Naeema helped Cara gardening to pick for the day’s meals. Molly, Bella, Naeema, Ray, Tyree, Cesar, Javey and I went to the pond and decided to take a row boat to Blueberry Island. An island across the pond that grows delicious blueberries. We all got turned around on the water, and needed a lot of help. The scenery however was absolutely beautiful. The view of the mountains, and green trees. The way the sunlight reflected off of the water, and the sound of the ores hitting the water. The air was so

fresh.

After our swim, we got ready for fun night! Fun night is the weekly talent show. Anyone can perform, anything. Ray and Cesar performed and hosted the event! It was awesome. People performed songs, shared short stories, stand-up comedy and more. It was so entertaining. After fun night we played a cool game, Pictophone with the cool World Fellowship Staff which are all young like us. It was fun. It is a mixture between pictionary and telephone.

The night ended with a going away party It was amazing. The sky was beautiful. It was life changing. We rode bikes fast down the road. Ray and I talked in front of the moon on top of the hill. It was amazing.

The next day, the crew hiked a trail and Tyree discovered a path to a fire tower. Later that night, we hiked there and climbed the tower. This was the facebook status I posted that night:

Pictures or words can’t describe my view right now. I’m in a tower in the middle of the woods, in a fire tower looking over the valley of New Hampshire, with my love Ray Sykes, bestie Tyree Huey, and friends, drinking beer looking at the stars. Moments like these are special and unforgettable. Life changing. Thank you Molly Rose Kaufman for inviting me on this amazing trip.  life is good.  p.r.’s facebook status on 8/24/13

That night, Ray and I decided to sleep in a near by cabin. That was fun. The following day we led another art program but this was more about our actual craft and the purpose of creating. Ray and Ceasar shared new songs, Naeema talked about her photography journey, and I led a mini zine making workshop.

It was great. The circle then shared and donated their zines to ORNG Ink. Now we have a piece of World Fellowship Center here at the studio. 

We filled days with basketball, naps, hikes, photography bike rides, volunteering at the dining hall, housekeeping with Sadie, musical jams, writing, talking and soul searching. We were all so sad when we had to leave Monday. I want to thank Molly for inviting us on this trip. Look out for more pictures from Naeema!

Photography: Briana Heart

Ladies and Gentleman,

In 6 days…Portrait of a Lady is making it’s debut! We are ready…are you guys ready? This is going to be an epic night, definitely aiming to be the highlight of summer 2013. Seats are pretty much filled but it’s not too late.

-Kat Dolly and I will be selling tickets tomorrow and maybe Wednesday at Hat City Kitchen, and you can still purchase online at eventbrite.

-The beautiful Marie David of LadiSav will be hosting the fashion show, styled by Pat n Kat of course.

-And because of her gig blogging for Hot 97′s DJ Enuff, Marie was able to get Angie Martinez’s DJ Drewski to provide entertainment all night.

-We have linked up with a couple more sponsors and have way more surprises in store for folks.

-STYLISH dress code please. I should not have to say what that means, there will be a red carpet and best dressed honors announced on LadiSav.com and Pat n Kat.

Again, this is going to be a night you do not want to miss. There is standing room during the show, and everyone should come out to the after party.

The other day, Kat, Marie and I went to boutiques to do some more picking for the show and we were talking about how much has happened in the year so far. In just 8 months, Kat and I started Pat n Kat Style, Marie successfully launched her site, LadiSav, I released 2 zines and working on the third, and now we are about to put on the biggest runway show to hit the Valley. Wow. So yeah, I think we are ready to take August by storm and the rest of 2013.

Witness our dream, next Saturday at ORNG Ink Studio. The Portrait of a Lady Runway Show will be one to remember!

Domineer Media is hosing an event to honor the tragic loss and injustice suffered by young Trayvon Martin Monday, July 21, 13 via USTREAM. This is a great way to voice your opinions and listen to the public express their views.

1)      Respect                                                                                   16)   Peace of Mind

2)      Manners                                                                                17)   Positive Attitude

3)      Patience                                                                                 18)   A Second Chance in Life

4)      Common  Sense                                                                  19)   Wisdom

5)      Time                                                                                        20)   Happiness

6)      A Clear Conscience                                                           21)   Humility

7)      Integrity                                                                                22)   Class

8)      Real Friends                                                                         23)   Youth

9)      A New Beginning                                                                24)   Lost Time

10)   Love                                                                                         25)   Success

11)   Passion                                                                                     26)   Selflessness

12)   Loyalty                                                                                     27)   Health

13)   Honesty                                                                                  28)   A Leap of Faith

14)   Trust                                                                                          29)   Compassion

15)   Companionship

30)   The smile that appears on your face when the person you love tells you they feel the same way.

Credit: http://www.ladiSav.com

1.5 oz. citrus flavored vodka (we used Absolut Citron)
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. cucumber juice (peel cucumber and muddle)
1/2 oz. lime juice

This was so good, then garnished with a cucumber, orange, and lime. Mmmmhhhh. Next time you are at a bar, with a good bartender and want to order something different, especially during the summer, try a cucumber martini. And remember to ask for citrus flavored vodka or gin. That’s the key! -P.R.

I am, in all reality, a struggling artist with a dead end day job. I am 23 years old, college graduate. I chose to build my own path to a career and achieve my definition of success. At this point I do not know if that is a good idea, or if it is going to bite me in the ass. I do not want to be 30 or so years old waiting tables to print copies of the zine. The thought alone, scares me. I am holding on to that faith that hard work will pay off and make it all totally worth it.

There are a lot of people out there, creative doers that are like me in a lot of ways. I have already sacrificed a lot for my work, and my art. It just has to work out, right? And when I say “work out”, I mean being able to eventually live comfortably as a wardrobe stylist and the editor-in-chief of masConsumption. Both of these things, opening up more opportunities for me. I want to ultimately work more in the fashion industry, film, television, the media, consulting, and at the same time writing my novel series loosely based on my life. I know want to travel a lot for work, while at the same time discovering the world. I am not sure exactly what all of this means, or where exactly I’ll end up. But that’s the fun of it honestly. Meeting new people along the way, getting to know more about my field, and getting exposed to everything.

So with all that being said, its also very scary sometimes to think about. The future can seem dark and unknown. There is a big chance that none of that can work out. I could become old and bitter and have to go back to school and hate life. Or worst, wait tables my whole life. But that is the worst case scenario. I still have faith. I guess I just want to remind all other young, struggling artists out there; who question whether or not this lifestyle will be worth it. It is. Don’t lose faith. I have this same conversation with my artist friends and collaborators. Talking with them and venting about the  need to remain a living artist, but always being broke, and is it all worth it? 

From those conversations I have learn ways to get through the struggle easier. There are things I have been doing lately that has helped me greatly:

TAKE A STEP BACK AND COUNT YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Right now, I am working on the summer 2o13 issue, making the blog pop, planning summer events, AND a fashion show this summer. All pretty much happening around the same time. It’s crazy. So that gives you an idea of how much stuff I usually have on my plate. I love it, it keeps me busy. And emerged in what I like to do. For the past 2 years, I have been going into over drive trying to establish myself. So for me, I have no time for rest or reflection. Its all about moving forward to the next thing. On to the next thing. Even after events or a zine release, I am always like, “how could this have been better?” “How can I push things to the next level?”  I am always thinking about the next big thing. Thats great. But it is also important to take a step back, and take note of what you have already accomplished. Think about how far you have come in the last year, or even six months? Like really think and compare where your art or career was before. That is when you start to realize that you are indeed growing. You are progressing. You are working hard, making new connections and moving forward towards success. If you stay focused, continue to work hard, and keep your mind open to new opportunities, you will grow. You are growing. There is trial and error but you gotta just do it.

masConsumption growth since June 2012:

• We bought the masConsumption.com domain, which eliminated the confusing, mas-consumption.com. Plus, we designed a much cleaner and more professional looking blog on wordpress, as opposed to tumblr.
• I am now a “working” stylist, I have more clients, have done more gigs, and have a wider range of experience
• Produced 2 fashion shows!
• Two succesful zine releases! 
• POC Zine Project official zine parter for their 2013 Race Riot Tour across the U.S.! 
• 180+ likes on our facebook page! 

EXPOSE YOURSELF: LISTEN TO OTHER ARTISTS’ JOURNEYS.

I do not think that anyone should compare themselves to anyone else. Especially those in the creative or entertainment industry. These industries are never black and white and there are no clear paths on how to make it big. Look to those people who have made their own path. Those who did things on their terms or created their own paths. Those are the people who have confronted their mistakes, and ultimately learned from them. Those are the people you want to emulate or at least talk to. I have learned that most times those people are not celebrities or the most well-known. They are more at a ground level. Those are the real people, who probably didn’t have a huge backing at first or probably did most of their stuff on their own. Those are also the artists that are probably the most happy, and content. Talk to those people who are willing to give back to the communities that helped them. Talk to people who do not just stay in one lane, those who do multiple things in different mediums. Also talk to people who felt like they did not achieve success, but listen to their journey and the steps that they took. Listen out for the mistakes they’ve made, you’l learn something.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

Your circle has a lot to do with your path to artistic/creative success. I am a person that is affected heavily by other people’s negative, and doubtful energies. I have to be around people who have a positive outlook and an open mind. I have also learned that you do not talk to everyone about your artistic endeavors, ideas or projects. Some people, just do not get it. They mean well, they support you, but you can not really talk to people about it. Most artists get that burst of creative energy and have tons of ideas, and just want to share it. You do, and that person just nods their head and says, “yeah, that’s cool”. Its nerve wracking. Sadly, I have met a lot of artists that feel alone. It is discouraging. And it makes you feel its not worth it. But it is. I am lucky enough to have an artist collective, that I collaborate with heavily and I can have those kinds of conversations with them and get genuine feedback. Go to more art events, blogs and forums! ORNG Ink is cool too!

Um, I think that is all. Just wanted to share this with those that go through that, “is being an artist worth it”? time. It can be stressful, and depression is constantly linked to living as an artist. I hope this touches someone, or motivates them. Or makes them feel a little better about their current state.

Here is what other artists had to say in the Winter 2013 issue..

Here are 5 WAYS AN ARTIST CAN PROMOTE THEMSELVES  also in the Winter 2013 issue.

Here’s to growth! Even if is gradual.

-P.R.