JAY Theatre Finalists Talk About Their Fave Roles & the Roles They've Yet to Play -

Kevin Bush, Len Mann Marini, & Brittany Hammock

From new-ish theatre artists to relative veterans, this year’s class of Theatre Arts JAYS finalists bring not just accolades and accomplishments with them to the stage, but also fond and favorite dreams of memories they’ve yet to make.

We asked Kevin Bush, Len Mann Marini, and Brittany Hammock what their favorite roles are and what roles they hope to one day play, and this is what they told us.

BRITTANY HAMMOCK

According to Britanny Hammock, her favorite role thus far “has to be Constance Owens in Trustus Theatre's original musical The Restoration's Constance.  Constance was particularly special to me for a number of reasons.  The entire process was uniquely different because we were creating a new work.  We took this seed, that was The Restoration's concept album, and successfully fleshed it out into an epic musical theater experience.  It was a huge honor to help originate such a headstrong and compassionate female character for the stage.  I also shared some of my fondest stage memories with my co-star Mario McClean.  Together, we told a challenging and emotional story of two young people falling in love when the world was against them.  I'll never forget our last scene together.  My character was already in a state of grief and I was always in tears by the end of that scene, but when we came offstage after our final performance, I could not stop crying.  I just couldn't turn it off!  Everyone backstage thought something genuinely tragic had happened because I was sobbing for like fifteen minutes.  I think back and laugh about it now, but I know the tears just meant that I didn't want to say goodbye to Constance.” (Full disclosure - - Constance was the brainchild of new Jasper board member Daniel Machado.)

What prize role hasn’t Brittany played yet? “Jenna in Waitress the musical.  I feel like that's such a popular response from young women in musical theatre today, but it's for good reason.  Jenna is one of the most interesting and complex leading ladies to come out of contemporary musical theater.  The original music, written by one of my favorite pop artists, Sara Bareilles, is also a mezzo-soprano's dream to sing.  I would love for the chance to tell Jenna's powerful story one day.”

KEVIN BUSH

According to Kevin Bush, “I’ve been lucky to be cast in many roles that I have truly loved, but as of today, giving this response, the most personally life-affecting have been “Jon” in “tick...tick...BOOM!” and “Larry” in “Montgomery.”  The former gave me the opportunity to explore the possibility that an artist and musician might truly exist in me, and inspired me to breathe life into that dormant part of my being.  The latter was a beautiful drawing of how, in daily life, trying and failing often happens in the same moment, and it was a delicious chance to bring forgiveness to many of my own insecurities (and, hopefully, the audiences’).”

Favorite role he’s yet to play? It’s a tie between “Georges in “Sunday in the Park with George” and Me in “Me, the Awesome Cabaret Musical”

LEN MANN MARINI

For Len Mann Marini her favorite role thus far was “The Holiness Snake Handler in Talking With … at Trustus. We did full runs of the show twice...in ten year intervals. I loved the character and I especially loved her faith, her sincerity, and her simplicity. I also loved the audience shock when I pulled out my snake. Plus, the cast was a group of badass, fabulous women, and Jim Thigpen directed it both times!!!”

The role she covets? “I usually go for small to medium sized character roles,” the actor says, “but I always wanted to play Blanche DuBois. The role was offered to me years ago to take on tour, but my job made it too difficult to get away. I can’t wait to see it at Trustus!”

Come out on Friday night to see which of these theatre artists takes home the award for Jasper Artist of the Year. You’ll also enjoy performances by many of these folks and more, snacks catered by Scott Hall Catering, a cash bar, and a really a good time!

Tickets are still available at https://jasperjays.bpt.me/ but will likely sell out soon.

Special thanks to JAYs Sponsor

Mark Ziegler and Five Points Salon.

JAY Visual Arts Finalists Share Their Influences - Michael Krajewski, Chris Lane, and Olga Yukhno

by Christina Xan

All three of our nominees for Jasper Artist of the Year in Visual Arts have had incredible years, together participating in a plethora of solo shows in and out of the state, juried art competitions, and artist-in-residence positions – many of which resulted in awards.

Keep reading to get to know our nominees and to find out which artists have inspired them throughout their artistic endeavors.

MICHAEL KRAJEWSKI

Michael Krajewski is a self-taught artist from Columbia, South Carolina. His style has been described as Neo expressionist, but he is less concerned with labeling than with creating from an authentic, mindful space and expressing what he's feeling and experiencing in the moment. He works in mixed media and has experimented with everything from video / multimedia integrations to painting live on models.

Krajewski is humbled and excited to be nominated and is thankful to everyone who has supported his work in this year and the past (so much so he woke up early and answered questions for this article in a record 2 minutes).

CHRISTOPHER LANE

Born in Minnesota in 1968, Lane has been creating stories in his art for decades. His works often offer historical, political or spiritual narratives, and each painting can usually be broken down into several separate paintings or scenes yet are cohesive in theme.  He uses symbolism, colors, and double imagery, along with many other techniques, to create an elaborate narrative on canvas.  His goal: to draw the viewer into the work, seeing something for the first time, each time. 

Lane is thankful for the opportunity of this nomination, especially this year in which he put thousands of hours towards his solo exhibition Resist Division, which speaks directly to our current political crisis. As he says, “To receive recognition for this body of work gives me hope that society can put aside their differences and work together to advocate for a resistance of the divisive leadership our present government offers.”

OLGA YUKHNO

Originally from Russia, Yukhno is now the Gallery Director for the School of Visual Art and Design at UofSC. After dabbling in multiple art forms, Yukhno found a home in ceramic sculpting, where she feels that she has no limits. She can create anything that she can – and can’t – imagine. No two of her completely handmade pieces are ever identical. She is influenced by the way the human mind works, and her work ranges from jewelry to sculptures.

Yukhno is happy to be nominated, especially in 2019. This year is special for her; she says, “I was able to create and exhibit several bodies of work that represent very important topics for me, such as social justice, division in our society and, of course, the theme that I feel particularly passionate about - dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.”

Inspiration

I asked all three of our JAY nominees what artist, big or small, has been the biggest influence in their artistic careers. From three people, I discovered an array of unique inspirations.

Looking back on his career, Lane recognizes inspiration from a plethora of artists and time periods. However, he states his biggest artistic influence is Salvador Dalí. Lane comments that “Dalí’s work is deeply complex and forces one to truly contemplate it.” Beyond just the canvas, Dalí shared a unique love with his muse, his wife Gala. Lane shares this connection with his own partner, Lisa.

While their names might not be as vastly known as Dalí, Yukhno remembers two just as important artists, her Russian mentor, Nikolaj Mickhailovich Vdovkin; and North Carolina Sculptor, Lisa Clague. These figures are hallmarks in Yukhno’s work, as she states, “not only did they allow me the privilege to learn from them, but they also helped me find my voice and my own path in art, supporting me creatively and personally.”

Muses don’t have to come from names you can find on gallery walls, though. For nominee Krajewski, his biggest inspiration is his older brother, Joe, who created art when he was younger and inspired Krajewski to begin drawing as well. Family is a corner stone for Krajewski, as he elaborates, his parents, George & Eveline, “always encouraged me to explore my imagination.”

Whether family, mentors, local artists, or the prominent names we’ve come to know and love, one of the biggest lessons to learn from our Jasper nominees is that inspiration for art can come from anyone. It can be from the Van Gogh print you keep on your wall or from the way you remember your mother’s smile. Whatever it is, always be willing to take that chance and create something all your own, just like these artists do every day.

To get tickets for the JAYS ceremony and see which visual artist takes the prize, join us this Friday evening at the White Mule.

We’ll have tasty treats from SCOTT HALL CATERING and more:

https://jasperjays.bpt.me/?fbclid=IwAR33tRaJsPg_nE5AT9C9zTtD0SrmbnPqILqtrL-cwtcHvD1U82jQN00S29Q

Advice for Writers from our JAY Literary Arts Finalists Jon Tuttle, C. Hope Clark, and Ray McManus

by Adam Trawick

Each year The Jasper Project asks its readers and patrons to nominate candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. The names are then handed over to a panel of experts who discuss each candidate and select three exceptional individuals out of the lot as finalists for Jasper Artist of the Year. This year The Jasper Project is pleased to announce its three finalists in the Literary Arts: Dr. Ray McManus, Dr. Hope Clark, and Dr. Jon Tuttle. The Jasper Project contacted each of these distinguished figures for a brief conversation on the profession and the craft.

Our question: Just how do the up-n-coming literary artists break out of anonymity and break into recognition?

Dr. Ray McManus is a poet among whose publications include “Angels Already Know” from Binder Summer, “Undertow” in Open-Eyed and Full Throated: Irish American Poetry, and “Finding Teeth in the Yard” out of Talking River, and much more. McManus’ advice is “be vulnerable.” This is a complex suggestion. Vulnerability is often interpreted as sentimentality. This is not Dr. McManus’ meaning. “Be honest with yourself,” McManus says. “Walk unafraid. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.” As a beginning literary artist, you will have to “go to readings, establish relationships—create your opportunity. [You will have to do all] the unsexy difficulty of asking for money, someone to help cover costs to get you started.” This is not a task for the sentimental. The vulnerability McManus speaks of is one that bears no shame in breaking out of the little ego that hinders most from breaking into social circles where networking and fundraising can be accomplished. But this vulnerability is also to be applied to the writing itself. He suggests reading the likes of Terrance Hayes, Sean Thomas Doughtery (who McManus calls a “gypsy punk poet”), Nickole Brown and Jessica Jacobs to “raise [your] emotional IQ” in order to render explicit that which you merely sense or intuit. Confront it. Put it down on paper. And let the world filter through you.

C. Hope Clark is a novelist having published a number of books including the two mysteries: Dying on Edisto and Edisto Tidings. Ms. Clark recommends one “be specific.” Clark recommends “[going] to the experts in your field. Not just any good writer…connect with the professional organizations of your genre.” Clark says, “Lisa Gardener, John Sanford, Raymond Chandler – I love his use of words – are among my go-to.” An emphasis on diligence and trajectory is Clark’s philosophy: “Read a lot. Take notes while reading. If [you] have not truly defined [your] genre, then read quality work that is entertaining. Don’t force-feed what you read, trying to become something you’re not.” Clark continues, “…write daily…allow criticism. Not all criticism is good and not all is bad. Accept it as [an] opportunity to glean nuggets of direction and improvement.” Break out of inconsistency and indecisiveness. Specificity begets direction. It facilitates refinement. It makes clear to the mind what it’s after and where to get it.

Dr. Jon Tuttle is a playwright. Among his publications are The Trustus Collection (which is an anthology of six plays that have premiered since 1994 at the Trustus Theater) and Boy About Ten, which was a finalist in the Screencraft Stage Play International Competition, and more. Dr. Tuttle’s suggestion is “be discerning.” Because of email “the competition is overwhelming.” This day and age “[it’s] difficult to even get rejected.” That’s because there is so much content being submitted that a large portion doesn’t even make it to a real set of eyes. “People spend the day unselectively sending out a submission and this clogs the system” and most of the time what’s being submitted are unpolished drafts. Tuttle fears this has enabled a lack of discipline in the scriptwriting process (and writing in general) for beginning writers, as well as blocked out a great deal of valuable scripts. Among Tuttle’s current go-to are Samuel French, Qui Nguyen (particularly her play She Kills Monsters), and Adam Rapp (notably, his play The Sound Inside). Get particular in what you are writing, what you’re sending out, and where you’re sending it. Discernment raises one’s standards. It aids in the production of quality work and gets it in front of the right eyes.

  ________ 

If you’re looking for a start, are a fan of these lexical wizards and wish to celebrate, or would simply like to hear more about the arts in Columbia from those immersed in it, come to The White Mule on Friday, January 31 at 7:30pm for the Jasper Artist of the Year Awards Celebration and Mardi Gras Ball. Tickets available here.

For more info on these artists and those nominated in other disciplines check out http://jasperproject.org/what-jasper-said/pne6ka386aep4xhlf9sf8ysne2arh6

Nominations Open for Jasper Artists of the Year (JAYs) 2019

Jasper is excited to add a new art discipline to the Jasper Artists of the Year Awards this year -- Film!

Filmmakers should have had work screened in a theater, film festival, broadcast, or through a streaming service between November 2018 and November 2019.

Please follow the attached guidelines for submitting your nominations. Deadline is December 1st!

Nominations for

Jasper Artists of the Year 2019

in

Dance, Music, Theatre, Literature, & Visual Arts

Will be accepted from Sunday November 3rd through Sunday December 1st

Individual Artists, 18 and older, working in the greater Columbia arts community are eligible for the title based upon their artistic accomplishments during the period from November 1, 2018 through November 3, 2019.

Nominations MUST be sent to editor@Jaspercolumbia.com with the subject heading “Artist of the Year” and MUST be accompanied by a numbered list of works or accomplishments produced or performed during the designated time period.

Artists MUST be made aware of their nomination before their official nomination and agree to participate in the competition.

Upon closing of the nomination call, a panel of judges will select the top three candidates in each field, and the public will be invited to vote online for their top choices.

Finalist results will be announced in early December.

The JAY 2019 Awards celebration will take place in January 2020 and the winners will be featured in the spring issue of Jasper Magazine.

The category Dance includes:  performance, choreography, or direction of any form of dance including, but not limited to ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, ballroom, folk, or dance-based performance art.

The category Theatre includes: directing or acting in one or more local performances.

The category Music includes: conducting, directing, writing, or performing any style of music in one or more local concerts or recordings; both individuals and groups are eligible.

The category Visual Arts includes: the completion & presentation of a form of non-performing or non-literary arts, such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, print-making, mixed-media, etc.

The category Literary Arts includes: the completion, publication, and/or presentation of any form of prose, poetry, or non-fiction writing, as well as playwriting and the writing of executed screenplays.

NEW for 2019! The category Film Arts — Filmmakers should have had work screened in a theater, film festival, broadcast, or through a streaming service between November 2018 and November 2019. Please follow the attached guidelines for submitting your nominations. Deadline is December 1st!

Only individual artists may be considered for nomination. While arts groups, such as musical groups or arts troupes, are not eligible for consideration, individuals within those groups may be nominated. The purpose of the awards is to recognize artistic achievements accomplished within a calendar year. There is no fee to enter. Artists may nominate themselves.

Past Jasper Artists of the Year

2018

Darion McCloud, Trahern Cook, Monifa Lemons, Marcum Core

2017

Al Black, Fat Rat da Czar, Bakari Lebby, Cedric Umoja

2016

Michaela Pilar Brown, Baxter Engle, Mark Rapp, Len Lawsom

2015

Julia Elliott, Kimi Maeda, Dewey Scott-Wiley, Martha Brim, Craig Butterfield

2014

Catherine Hunsinger, Katie Smoak, Darian Cavanaugh, Kathleen Robbins, Greg Stuart

2013

Vicky Saye-Henderson, Terrance Henderson, The Restoration, Janna McMahan, Philip Mullen

2012

Regina Willoughby, Kwame Dawes, Morihiko Nakahara, Chad Henderson, Susan Lenz

Announcing the 2015 Jasper Artists of the Year

It was a beautiful night of revisiting the best of the Italian Renaissance at the Big Apple last night when we announced and celebrated the 2015 Jasper Artists of the Year. Without further ado, the winners are:

MARTHA BRIM ~ 2015 JAY IN DANCE

JULIA ELLIOTT ~ 2015 JAY IN LITERARY ARTS

CRAIG BUTTERFIELD ~ 2015 JAY IN MUSIC

DEWEY SCOTT-WILEY ~ 2015 JAY IN THEATRE

KIMI MAEDA ~ 2015 JAY IN VISUAL ARTS

Congratulations to all the JAY Winners and Finalists!

Thanks to Kristine Hartvigsen for photography, Mouse House for framing, Singing Fox for event planning, and Coal Powered Filmworks for Sponsorship. Special thanks to the shared talents of Duo Cortado, Cathering Hunsinger, the Trustus Apprentices, Chris Carney, and Jasper's Wet Ink spoken word poetry collective.

Announcing the 2015 JAY Gala Line-up

It's no coincidence that we patterned this week's 2015 JAY Awards Gala after the Italian Renaissance--a fertile time of humanism, art, architecture, science, and literature. In so many ways, we've been living through our own renaissance over the past several years in Columbia and we want to celebrate this fact at the same time we celebrate the 15 artists honored as Jasper's Artists of the Year Finalists and Winners.

Join us for an evening of Renaissance inspired food, drink (open bar), and entertainment, and the announcement of the Jasper Artists of the Year in Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre, and  Visual Arts.

• Musical performance by the classical guitar duo Duo Cortado who will be playing Renaissance tunes and more
• Renaissance inspired spoken word performances by members of Jasper's Wet Ink Spoken Word Collective, featuring Kendal Turner, Debra McQueen, & Kenneth Denk
• Mini cello concert by Catherine Hunsinger
• Impromptu performances by Al Black and Catherine Hunsinger
• Leonardo daVinci (Michael Krajewski) will be creating his own version of the Mona Lisa from a live model
• Michelangelo (Alex Smith) will be our guest throughout the evening embodying the Enlightenment, inciting evocative conversations, inspiring us with his multiple talents, (and maybe even creating art!)
• Roving Renaissance entertainment from the Trustus Apprentices will keep the spirit of the Enlightenment alive and a smile on your faces
• Il Magnifico's own Court Jester (Chris Carney) will meet you on the walk with fire eating demonstrations
• USC Theatre Students are cooking up a surprise performance for us all
• Bier Doc (Bob Jolley) has a rich selection of special biers and wines
• Be sure to arrive in time to sample the Editor's Punch, created specially for this gala
• Enjoy a sample feast of Renaissance-inspired dishes created by Chef Joe Turkaly
• And, of course,the announcement of the Jasper Artists of the Year!

Tickets are $25 in ADVANCE and $35 at the door. Or join us at 6 for a special champagne reception in which you can sip bubbles, nosh on special treats, and hob nob with some of the greatest of the city's artists.

Come out and support your local arts magazine, celebrate its release, and congratulate the Jasper Artists of the Year Finalists and Winners: Martha Brim, William Starrett, Dale Lam, Eileen Blyth, Kimi Maeda, Russell Jeffcoat, Jullia Elliott, Ray McManus, Al Black, Jordan Young, Craig Butterfield, Heyward Sims, Dewey Scott-Wiley, Jennifer Moody Sanchez, and Kendrick Marion.

Special Thanks to Coal Powered Filmworks, Mouse House, Bert Easter of Easter Antiques, Richard Durlach and Breedlove of The Big Apple,  and Singing Fox Event Planning.

2014 JAY Awards - Big Apple Swing on Nov 21st - Limited tickets on sale NOW

Please join Jasper on November 21st at 7 pm as we announce and honor the recipients of the 2014 JAY (Jasper Artist of the Year) Awards in Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts at Columbia’s historic Big Apple.

Step back in time to 1937 when the Big Apple dance – which originated right here at the Big Apple in Columbia, SC – was hopping and the juke box was bopping. Grab a fistful of silver to toss from the balcony to the dance floor below when the music stops. Be sure to get your dance card signed so you’ll be ready to hit the floor when Vicky Saye Henderson sings those special tunes. Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres provided by Scott Hall Catering, dance demonstrations by Big Apple experts Durlach & Breedlove, chances to win great prizes & tickets to the most exciting arts events in town, and be the first to see an original 1930’s Dance Hall show starring Vicky Saye Henderson & the Apple Jacks.

Your Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Terrance Henderson.

Due to the intimacy of the venue, only 100 tickets will be sold to this event and they are going fast! So don’t wait too late to get yours. Click HERE to grab your ticket before they're all gone!

Tickets are $25 in advance, $50 for a preceding VIP champagne reception with Big Apple dance lessons demonstrated and taught to you and the 2014 JAY finalists by Richard Durlach and Breedlove.