The Working Group for Support Staff Issues announces the Millennial Artist Behind the Desk (ABD) Series, planned for February through April 2000.
The popular series -- which originated in fall 1989 and expanded in 1994 and 1997 to include concerts, readings and performances -- celebrates the artists on MIT's staff by giving them opportunities to present their sometimes hidden creative talents and abilities.
The spring series invites artists of all kinds -- visual artists, crafters, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, jugglers, mimes, comics, poets, writers, designers -- to share their true passions and talents and receive some recognition. It will be open to both support and administrative staff members at MIT.
"What do you create when you're not crunching numbers, shuffling paper, lifting bales, moving mountains and supporting the efforts of MIT?" organizers ask.
All interested participants are asked to attend an informal introductory meeting on Monday, Dec. 13 at 1pm in the Bush Room (10-105). After a general introduction, artists will have a chance to share their ideas and to network with other artists.
Co-chairs Judith Leonard (x8-5559, jahawk@mit.edu) and Angelo Monaco (x3-0426, monaco@ilp.mit.edu) are also looking for advisors/consultants and volunteers to help out with the series and usher at performances.
To subscribe to the mailing list at MIT for support staff members interested in artistic endeavors, send a request to abdesk-request@mit.edu.
Events tentatively planned include: Artists at the Easel, Spring Strings Concerts, Poetry Wall, a visual art exhibition, arts and crafts, readings, dance performances, open mike, and lecture series and workshops.
Artists Behind the Desk is sponsored by the MIT Working Group for Support Staff Issues, which celebrates its 25th year next month.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on December 8, 1999.
