Chill Sessions
“Chill Sessions” is a relaxed gathering designed for artists and arts professionals to connect and inspire one another. This unique event fosters a friendly environment where creativity flourishes, allowing participants to engage with like-minded individuals while exploring compelling topics that resonate with their passions
Did we mention that this is an ice cream social? Enjoy insightful presentations followed by an ice cream social, creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and collaboration. Whether you’re an established artist or just starting your journey, Chill Sessions offers a refreshing space to unwind, share ideas, and cultivate community.
Participation is free, but registration is required. Act fast – space is limited.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Aaron Bartley
Community Advocate, Changemaker, Business Owner
Art & Activism with Aaron Bartley
We are thrilled to welcome Aaron Bartley to this month’s Chill Sessions at FITZ Books and Waffles. Aaron, a passionate advocate for art and activism, brings a wealth of experience from his work in community development and sustainable housing. In his presentation, he will delve into the intersection of art and social justice, sharing insights on how creative expression can drive positive change in our communities. Join us for this enlightening session as we explore the powerful role that art plays in activism and the ways we can all contribute to a brighter future. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Aaron and connect with fellow creatives over delicious waffles and ice cream!
TOPIC: Art and Activism
DATE: Friday, October 25, 2024
TIME: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
LOCATION: FITZ Books and Waffles, 431 Ellicott St, Buffalo NY 14203
COST: Free, but registration is required!
THIS EVENT IS AT CAPACITY! To join our waitlist, please contact Holly Grant, our Grants and Programming Director, at [email protected].
Meet the Presenter:
Aaron Bartley is the proprietor of FITZ Books and Waffles, a bookstore and art space in downtown Buffalo. Previously he co-founded and directed People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo), which mobilizes residents to create sustainable neighborhoods with quality affordable housing, green jobs and next generation infrastructure. PUSH’s Green Development Zone, which combines green housing, job training, stormwater management and urban agriculture in a district on Buffalo’s West Side, was named the winner of the global Sustainable Housing competition sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Brazilian Ministry of Cities and HUD.
Aaron grew up in Buffalo and attended Buffalo Public Schools. He is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School, where he co-founded the Harvard Living Wage Campaign, which resulted in $10 million in annual wage and benefit increases for the low-income campus workers it represented.
PAST EVENTS
Wednesday, May 29th 2024
Join us for the first ever “ASI Chill Session,” themed “The Art of Theatre” featuring Curtis Lovell, who will discuss their evolution as a musician/performer and their dedication to perpetuating their family’s legacy through her talents at Ujima.
PRESENTER: Curtis Lovell is an artist born and raised in Buffalo New York, who writes and records music as if each musical piece is its own journal entry, and each performance is an opportunity to sing about what she knows. Influenced by the likes of Jill Scott, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole, and Patsy Cline, Curtis manages to form a new sound that signifies bravery, growth, and authenticity. Curtis Lovell began singing at the ripe age of 4 years old when her mother realized that her child had the gift of perfect pitch. Once she was entering high school, she began to take her hobby seriously as she pulled from her life experiences, wins, and losses, to find her signature sound and style.
TOPIC: The Art of Theatre
TIME: 2:00-4:00 pm
LOCATION: Ujima Theatre, 429 Plymouth Ave. Suite #2, Buffalo NY 14213
Wednesday, June 26th 2024
In this Chill Session, digital artist XIII will unveil her unique digitization techniques and share the reasons behind her preference for digital artistry.
PRESENTER: XIII is a dedicated artist and growing system working in Buffalo, NY, whose organic and otherworldly paintings and illustrations aim to blur the lines between our waking, subconscious and manufactured realities.
Being born in the spring, XIII embodies the concept of death and rebirth. Finding inspiration in the flowers that bloom from April showers, XIII conveys messages of hope after loss, through vivid, feminine, and often tearful imagery. This imagery is most often created through the use of acrylic paints, foils and glitters, or by utilizing digital programs, such as Procreate or Photoshop.
TOPIC: Digital Art
TIME: 2:00-4:00 pm
LOCATION: El Museo, 91 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Join Beatriz Flores at El Batey Puerto Rican Cultural Center for an inspiring event that celebrates the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican culture through the transformative power of Bomba music and dance.
PRESENTER: Beatriz Flores, founder and Executive Director of El Batey Puerto Rican Cultural Center, champions the empowerment of Puerto Rican communities through the vibrant avenues of culture, music, and history. At the heart of her work lies a profound belief in Bomba — not just as a musical genre, but as the quintessential expression of Puerto Rican history and spirit. For Beatriz, Bomba is more than rhythm; it’s a catalyst for social transformation and a testament to the resilience and richness of Puerto Rican heritage.
TOPIC: Community Engagement
TIME: 2:00-4:00 pm
LOCATION: El Batey Puerto Rican Center, 175 Rano St, Buffalo, NY 14207