Simulation of Film Gallery Cafe for Your Group

Artwork used in the "Diggers" film was matted for display and used on flash cards to aid conversation.

     The first demonstration of the Film Gallery Café took place at St. Paul's Cathedral, Sunday, July 31st .
     The invitation to demonstrate the concept was a confirmation to us that this idea is indeed unique and timely.
     Approximately 35 people who attended the demonstration were very positive that the concept should be developed. About half of the participants wrote their comments on response forms and requested to be on our communications list.

One of the conversation cards

     Completing the film "To the Diggers" the week before was the first requirement for the demonstration. Next we needed to prepare display samples of the physical art which appeared in the film. Conversation cards were created bearing an image from the film and a thought provoking statement, or question.
     Participants sat around cafe style tables and talked about the films and art with the help of the cards and sketching materials.
     Fellow artists assisted in executing the event and expressed the desire to be involved as the concept develops into a full fledged ministry. Video excerpts of the event will soon appear on the St. Paul's Cathedral web page, click this link: http://stpaulcathedral.org/9am-forum .
     We are looking for more opportunities to demonstrate the beginnings of this community building outreach. The films and conversation will provide your group an intriguing event and they will be helping to develop this excellent concept. So, contact us if you have a group which may be interested.

"To the Diggers" Premieres with Calls for More

     "To the Diggers" had its first public showing July 23rd at the annual Art-Jazz-Poetry event of St. Paul's Cathedral sponsored by their Center for the Performing and Visual Arts.
     The audience of approximately 90 applauded enthusiastically and called for a second showing. Comments afterward urged us to enter the film into festivals.
     At two minutes and 40 seconds, the film belies the two years it took to produce. It is a multidisciplinary work of art incorporating poetry, the spoken word, music, sound production, visual arts and filmmaking all created by Mark Turner.
     It is one of a prototype collection being built for use in our Film Gallery Café and to act as a catalyst for more productions in the genre. The film was part of a program of five poets, nine visual artists and a koto/violin duet.

"Move It Baby!" Campaign In Final Month

Heart felt thanks to 34 individuals and one church who participated in moving us to the city: 15 by the sweat of their brows and loaning vehicles, 16 and one church by financial contribution and three in both ways! There is still time to contribute and get a reward. Click this cartoon.

Heart felt thanks to 34 individuals and one church who participated in moving us to the city: 15 by the sweat of their brows and loaning vehicles, 16 and one church by financial contribution and three in both ways! There is still time to contribute and get a reward. Click this cartoon.

     Many times in the last few months we had to reject thoughts about the "impossibility" of paying for the major move from the mountains to the city, let alone physically accomplishing it!
     By the grace of God and the faith of God's people we just put one foot in front of the other and soon our new office was busy completing a film and making an elaborate presentation of the mission. Many thanks to all who prayed, contributed and labored with us to get this far.
The Robbery
     Even getting robbed during the move fit into the plan! Our main audio and video equipment were part of the loot that was amassed by someone who hit many nearby places the first weekend of our move. Amazingly, our insurance policy is replacing all that equipment with more current models! We had not even tackled the thought of upgrading our equipment in addition to the move! We have to accept this as God turning a disaster into a house-warming gift to get a fresh start for greater things coming.
What's Spent - What's Still Needed
     The expenses of the move did hit us but we have been able to ride the wave instead of wiping out (a little surfing lingo in honor of coming back to the ocean breezes). The goal of $7,000 which we set in June turns out to be accurate in the moving needs for which we are campaigning. The $3,371 which has come in so far has kept us moving ahead with the extra gas, extra food, truck rentals, dump fees, moving supplies and rent deposit.
     The storage units and some outstanding balances on old utilities still need help. You can help get us back to normal cash flow by clicking the DONATE button on our homepage, or sending a check to our new address: 4060 Louisiana St., CA 92104.