CIRCLE 4 MOSAIC PROJECT ARTIST: Sandra Charlap Four Tuesdays 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM June 6 – June 27

DESCRIPTION: Our circle will translate our vision of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) into a fantastic array of color and sparkle using glass tile to create a mosaic that will be displayed in our community permanently. You will learn how to use a wide range of materials, adhesives, and grouts for installation.

The WGEL program is a Special Purpose loan provided by the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race as one way to narrow the racial home ownership gap. The program provides Black and non-White Hispanic families supplemental cash to compete in the home-buying process in the South Orange and Maplewood communities. Brokers and realtors are invited to learn more during this session.

Celebrate Juneteenth with historical reenactors, musical performances, and children’s activities on Sunday, June 18 from 1 to 5 pm. The Durand-Hedden House & Garden Association and The South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invite all community members to celebrate this important holiday on the beautiful grounds surrounding Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood. Activities will include enjoying historical reenactors, learning about the history of enslaved people in New Jersey, and watching musical performances. Children can enjoy face painting, crafts and storytelling. Delicious food will be available for sale. The event is free and open to all. Pre-registration is appreciated at DurandHedden.org.

CIRCLE 5 LEARN TO JUGGLE ARTIST: Sandra Leith Four Thursdays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM July 6 – July 27

Here’s your chance to release that inner child and learn the most basic circus trick of all-- juggling. We will focus on juggling patterns, and also touch on the history of juggling and how it happens in different countries. Our class will end with a group showcase, demonstrating team and individual juggling skills.

CIRCLE 6 PUBLIC MURAL ARTIST: Roberta Melzl Four Mondays 6:00 PM – 8:00PM Sept. 16 – Sept. 27

Build connections as the group formulates a shared vision and decides which materials work best for the mural that will be create, and then publicly displayed in the SOMA/MapSo community. No experience is necessary –only enthusiasm, collaboration, and a willingness to learn.

CIRCLE 7 JOURNEY TO PERCUSSION/SHEKERE ARTIST: Ahmondylla Best Four Saturdays 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Oct. 7 – Oct. 28

Learning to play the this beaded gourd instrument known as a shekere can take you on a journey of percussion ranging from exhilaration to meditation. Participants will explore traditional rhythms, tone, tempo, improvisation and composition as a group and in solo performance.

Two Fridays 6:00 PM—8:00 PM Nov. 3 – Nov. 10

“Outside The Lines” is an interdisciplinary art experience showcasing movement and abstract art. Jasmine Carter, dancer artists and educator facilitates a guided paint session motivated by questions that challenge racial, cultural and social integration. Through creative communication we explore vulnerable and honest conversations about diversity and social inequalities while building community.