The Veteran Artist Program has been asked to display artwork created by veterans. VAP representatives will be attending the conference and will have a booth set up. The conference draws over 1,000 people from across the U.S. and will be a great opportunity to show the great art that is being created by our veterans.
CCME Annual Education Symposium Week of February 12 - 16 Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, FL
About CCME 2012
The Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) 2012 Symposium is expected to attract approximately 1000 attendees. Its membership is principally composed of military educators, civilian educators, post-secondary educational institutions, and suppliers of quality education products and services. The symposium is held every year.
CCME 2012 Theme
Salute to Possibilities: Paving the Way for Our Military Community
Ticket Link: http://tickets.marylandhall.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=894&c=52&pg The cast of Telling: Baltimore will be culminating their tour of Maryland and New Jersey with their 6th performance at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Come see why this cast is one of the most acclaimed of any Telling Project cast in the country.
We have had so many requests to continue this show but will have to say goodbye after an amazing run and tour. Each cast member is a leader in their own right and taking their skills and experience in Telling: Baltimore forward as we continue to propel veterans into the creative arts community.
The cast of Telling traveled to Atlantic City for the first remount of "Telling: Baltimore, MD". Under the supervision of Stage Manager Margaret McDonald, this performance is continuing to impact communities around Maryland. The Dean of Students was in attendance as well as supporters who came from across the region to hear the true and compelling stories of veterans and their families.
On Veterans Day November 11, 2011 the Veteran Artist Program produced yet another successful show at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, MD. Along with a band comprised of some of the best musicians in Baltimore, Michael Beresh created original songs based VAP artists and Telling Project Cast member's actual military stories. Some of the cast appeared on stage to share with the audience their story before hearing the original songs written about them for the first time. Michael Beresh and the band also performed a set of song's from his "Letters to Baltimore."
New layer...
VAP is one of the lead organizers for "Operation: Oliver" in our parthership with The 6th Branch. Operation Oliver is a long term community service initiative in East Baltimore's Oliver neighborhood, an area known for vacant homes, poverty, and crime. Through strategic partnerships, VAP is helping create the model of a "Veteran Sponsored Community," using the veteran skillset to revitialize communities here at home. Nearly 1,000 volunteers have particpated in Operation Oliver from partnerning organizations and universities, and the initiative has been featured on the BBC, Amplify Baltimore, WYPR, the London Times and more. VAP is leading the way adding the creative component to community service. Two large murals, the colorful renovation of a park, and the implementation of garden design and green spaces have been completed, and more is on the way. More information about Operation Oliver and specific event dates is available at
Early in 2011, The Pat Tillman Foundation asked The 6th Branch cofounders, who are recipients of Tillman Military Scholarships, and BR McDonald, Director of VAP, to use The 6th Branch and VAP as a vehicle to organize and execute the day of service for the annual Pat Tillman Legacy Summit. Putting us in contact with Baltimore BORN (Boys Opportunity and Resource Network), a nonprofit started by Baltimore Raven's cornerback Dominique Foxworth, the day of service quickly became an enormous collaboration with One Green Home, The Mission Continues,The Baltimore Love Project, and even the Baltimore Ravens' Cheerleaders.
Baltimore Born and One Green Home are based in the Oliver neighborhood in Baltimore, an area known for vacant, homes, poverty, and crime. Months of planning culminated on July 11th when more than 200 volunteers arrived at the corner of Bond and Hoffman for a day of service. For four hours, garbage was collected and removed by the truckload, weedeaters were on full throttle, machetes cut through high weeds, and fresh mulch was laid down. Meanwhile, VAP, the Baltimore Love Project, and the boys from BORN were hard at work finishing an amazing mural at 1516 E. Oliver Street that the boys helped design.
Afterwards, volunteers were transported to the 6th Branch/VAP headquarters for a reception which coincided with VAP's opening night of "Remembering," a visual arts exhibit. During the reception, The 6th Branch announced a long-term partnership with One Green Home at a Time, making a commitment to focus 100% of our efforts in the Oliver neighborhood for the foreseeable future.
Photos by Gregory Lamberson & Jeremy Johnson
On August 12th, 2010, VAP & The 6th Branch hosted their first major fundraising event. It was a night of support for The Center for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (CAASD) at Towson University (TU). The event took place at Skylofts Gallery, the home of The 6th Branch and VAP. Brian McDonald Sr., a fabulous jazz trombonist, kept the crowd entertained with a slew of cover songs and original jazz music. Matt Kaiser, a comedian with Asperger's Syndrome, performed a hysterical stand-up routine. Alex from Alex's Art Loft, a young man with autism that uses art to communicate generously donated several pieces to the auction and was there in attendance with his beautiful handmade jewelery, cards, and paintings.
An animated exhibition created by the adults at CAASD was featured and presented by TU instructor Sujan Shrestha and student Melissa Miller. Many pieces of art were donated to the auction by artists and donors including Helene Haviland, Al Zaruba, Liz Swanson, J. Kelly Lane, Tracy Miller, and VAP artist and 6th Branch founder Greg Lamberson. Lisa Crabtree of CAASD described the services provided at the CAASD and the future of the facility, as well as the new partnership with The 6th Branch. At the night's conclusion, The 6th Branch & VAP announced that nearly $5,000 was raised! A diverse crowd of students, veterans, artists, mental health workers, local businesses, as well as family and friends collaborated to make it a truly special night that we hope will make a real difference in the lives of adults with autism.
