The Fine Art Fund provides crucial financial support for many small Cincinnati arts organizations like MUSE. They are now in the final days of a difficult fundraising campaign and are asking for our support. Please go to their website www.findartsfund.org to contribute individually or check with your employer to see if you can do a matching contribution through your workplace.

Angie and Diana had a chance to speak with Ingrid Luciano, the coordinator of the the conference and Dr. Angel Pechardo, the director of Justicia global. In our hour-long conversation we shared MUSE's feedback on their experience at the conference and in the Dominican Republic.

On October 8, 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard were awakened in the middle of the night by a telephone call no parent should ever have to receive. Their son, Matthew, was in a coma after having been brutally attacked because he was gay. On October 12, Matthew passed away. In the Aftermath of his death, Judy and Dennis Shepard started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to help carry on Matthew’s legacy by embracing the just causes their son had championed.

This Saturday evening we have the special opportunity to hear Bob Yoder, campus pastor of Goshen College, give a presentation on climate change and the faith community. He has been trained by Al Gore and will be at Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship (4229 Brownway, in Oakley) this Saturday at 7:00 giving his presentation.

Plan to come and bring someone else who may have an interest in the topic.

Light refreshments will be provided.

http://cincinnati.oh.us.mennonite.net/

Join MUSE on Friday, February 13th, for a "Night in Santo Domingo". As MUSE prepares for a tour to the Dominican Republic we welcome you to join in the fun, the games, and the food!

Friday, Feb. 13
7-10 pm
$10 includes food, dancing and 1 drink!
St. John's Unitarian Church
320 Resor Ave.
For information or tickets call Diana @542-0007

Ruth Rowan was certainly surprised when, in the middle of her interpretation of MUSE's 25th Anniversary Concert, she was honored with an Enduring Spirit Award. Her friends and family nominated her for her tireless contribution and service making music meaningful to ALL people.

Friends of Therese Edell nominated her for MUSE's Enduring Spirit Award for our 25th Anniversary Season. Therese was able to attend the 8:00 pm concert to receive her award. Mary Lynn Barber (AII) delivered a heart-felt and moving tribute to this remarkable woman who has given our community so much.

The New American Art Gallery, in Tower Place Mall

MUSE has a new ticket outlet. Be sure to visit the New American Art Gallery II. It is tucked away on the top floor of Tower Place, right next to the Everything Cincinnati Shop.

MUSE: What is your name?
RK: Rachel Kramer

MUSE: What do you do with your time outside of MUSE?
RK: Teach, work at MTNA, St. John's and play with Mary Lynn and our dog Theo

MUSE: How long have you been in MUSE?
RK: 12.5 years

MUSE: What prompted you to audition?
RK: It was part of the St. John's "gig" - two-for-one package

About 12 years ago I was watching MUSE perform Patchwork Quilt. I not only listened but watched as the sound moved around the choir. That performance looked much like the composition of a painting, with notes as color, form, shadow and light, carefully positioned to reflect and support the underlying meaning of the work. I was so touched by the way all the many symbolic interpretations of a patchwork quilt came through in the song all at once.