THRIVE - Planting Peace at LL Hotckiss

Children from war torn countries who come to Dallas with their families start at LL Hotchkiss Elementary. Today Marks the Beginning collaborates with the art teachers at the school as part of the program - MasterPEACE: Young Artists Making a Kinder World. Watch the video and read Advocate Magizine online! Exerpt - "Today Marks the Beginning, which East Dallas-based artist Karen Blessen founded, planted a peace garden with the refugee students at Hotchkiss. And they designed a peace pole together. The students created mosaics, which artists Diane Van Buren and Linda McLemore compiled onto the pole, made from PVC pipe. At the top, the artists added “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in six languages."

http://lakewood.advocatemag.com/2011/05/advocate-video-east-dallas-nonprofit-plants-peace-in-a-disd-elementary-school/

2011 National Volunteer Week

This week is "National Volunteer Week," and we want to give a special shout out to all citizens who make a difference in the lives of others in need, and we want to give a special thanks to our volunteers! Without you, are work in the community may not come to fruition. Thanks so much for all your hard work!

If you're interested in volunteering for us, please contact Karen Blessen at kblessen@sbcglobal.net.

"LOVE" Lesson Artwork on Display at the Dallas Public Library

The "LOVE" lesson artwork created by students from Irma Rangel, Parish Episcopal and L.L. Hotchkiss is officially on display at the Dallas Public Library. Please make sure to go and visit the wonderful exhibit that showcases beautiful peace-oriented art pieces about "love." Thanks to all the MasterPEACE team for working with the students to create such inspirational artwork!

LOVE lesson exhibit and reception

Art Exhibit and reception of LOVE lesson art from Today Marks the Beginning's MasterPEACE program. Dallas school children created art based on words of Love from the world's Great Peacemakers. Aloft Hotel (1033 Young Street) exhibit presented by Today Marks the Beginning and Ro2Art. Reception 5-7 pm, February 14, 2011

GMT & TMtB!

Rob McCollum, Karen Blessen and kids from MasterPEACE LOVE lesson brave the ice and snow on Wednesday to show their art on Good Morning Texas!

LOVE on WFAA!

Only 4 days away from the Rob McCollum interview with Karen Blessen on GMT. Karen will demonstrate how to make LOVE Lesson Valentines with some kids from the MasterPEACE program. February 9, 8:30 - 10:00 am, Channel 8, WFAA. Set your TIVO and DVRs. You won't want to miss this! Please share this with friends and family. The more people know about Today Marks the Beginning and the MasterPEACE program the more we can spread the LOVE!

Black History Month is Here!

Black History Month is finally upon us! Let's make sure we take time this month to honor those brave individuals who taught us to fight for civil and social rights through peace and perseverance. What are your plans for Black History Month?

Who Are You? A Masquerade Ball benefiting our very own Karen Blessen's 29 pieces

“Who Are You?” is an event benefiting 29 Pieces by Pulitzer Prize winner Karen Blessen that combines entertainment, music, art, and personal reflection into one amazing and unforgettable night. Enjoy great music by Ishi, The Gritz (Erykah Badu’s band), Hello Lover, Able Youth, and DJ B3. Come and be dazzled by feats of strength, magic, dexterity, and fire at our variety stage. Indulge in complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by Dripping Springs Vodka, Bacardi, Dewars and Celebrity Chef Richard Pratt as you ask everyone you meet, "Who are you?”. For one night only, get a real answer. Your finest masquerade ball attire is requested.

About 29 Pieces

29 Pieces is an exhibit of large scale art that uses sculpture and the written word to internalize and illuminate the transforming power of sacred words.

29 Pieces also aims to raise awareness of the timeless relevance and artistry of the inspired messages left to us by mystics from many traditions and cultures.

Love Conquers All!

Dallas school children are putting the final touches on the LOVE lesson art to be displayed in the windows of Neiman Marcus at NorthPark for Valentines Day.
Today Marks the Beginning and Ro2 Art are presenting more of the children's LOVE lesson art at the aLoft Hotel. Stay tuned for more info!

PND - News - Comcast Takeover of NBC Could Stimulate Growth of Nonprofit News

PND - News - Comcast Takeover of NBC Could Stimulate Growth of Nonprofit News

Whole Lotta' LOVE!

The new LOVE project is a special MasterPEACE series of lessons with 350 Dallas school children creating art based on the words of philosophers like Virgil and Great Peacemakers like Mother Theresa, Ghandi and others. Neiman Marcus NorthPark will display select artwork in the mall windows and throughout the store in celebration of Valentine's Day. Aloft Hotel will also be displaying some of the art in a limited engagement exhibit. More details to come. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

'Tis the Season, Help Us Improve Our 2011 Programs by Donating to TMtB!

Hello all,

The holidays are upon us, and the spirit of joy is near. Please spread a little holiday cheer by donating to Today Marks the Beginning; all donations make the world of difference! As we enter 2011, we have big plans for our MasterPEACE program and need a little help from the community to help spread our mission of impacting the public through art about several social issues that affect many across the Dallas community and the world. Thanks for all you have done for us; we look forward to your continued support!

Congratulations Karen Blessen!

MasterMinds: Matthew Posey, Joel Hester and Karen Blessen Are Winners in Our Inaugural Creativity Award! http://www.dallasobserver.com/

Artists will make art even if they don't make money. With a few dollars, however, they can make more art, bigger art and even take some time to teach others how to make art.

Party with TMtB, La Mode & Eventbrite!

Today Marks the Beginning is excited to partner with Eventbrite DFW (http://facebook.com/BriteDFW) and LaMode Dallas (http://www.lamodedallas.com) for Art Party 2010, an amazing night showcasing the most creative local designers and stylists as they take fashion, hair, and makeup to their creative limits. Join us for one of Dallas' most creative nights as local models light up the runway with these innovative styles. Enjoy music by DJ Jason Esquire, a live performance by Kirk Thurmond, and a live art show with ArtLoveMagic and Veritas.

Tickets are $15 and include an open beer, wine, and champagne bar featuring Texas' finest, lite bites and sweet treats by Nib Chocolates and lots more. Proceeds from the show benefit Today Marks the Beginning and this is going to be a night Dallas won't soon forget. Come join us and support the arts in DFW!

http://artparty2010-TodayMarks.eventbrite.com
Art Party: Life as Canvas
When: 11.11.2010
Where: Life in Deep Ellum, 2803 Taylor St., Dallas, TX, 75226
Time: 8 pm - 12 am
Cost: $15 at the door

Karen Blessen Mastermind Award!

Karen Blessen, artist and co-founder of Today Marks the Beginning, is a finalist in the Observer Masterminds Awards. You can read about her accomplishments and the learn about the other finalists by going to:

Dallas Observer Names Nine Dallas Artists as Finalists in Its First Annual Masterminds Award
www.dallasobserver.com

WE ARE SO PROUD AND HAPPY FOR KAREN!

Art Con Awards Today Marks the Beginning

The art, the music, the party, the people of Art Conspiracy; ALL were stellar on October 23 and Today Marks the Beginning was the beneficiary. This was the biggest Art Con ever. Drum roll......are you ready?! The Art Conspiracy event raised $30,000 for the TMtB program, MasterPEACE! There are more details to come. Right now, we are just blown away by such a generous gift. THANK YOU!

Learn more about Art Conspiracy's street level philanthropy: www.artconspiracy.org

WHoooHOOOOO!

Jerome Weeks Interviews Karen Blessen

http://artandseek.net/2010/10/15/artseek-on-think-tv-karen-blessen-from-today-marks-the-beginning/

Karen talks about Today Marks the Beginning, MasterPEACE and more.

Nominate Us For the 2010 Mashable Awards

Help us become the "Must-follow" Non-profit of 2010!

Art Conspiracy Fundraiser for TMtB!

The best party in town just got better! Today Marks the Beginning is this year's Art Conspiracy beneficiary. Art Conspiracy 6, will be held on October 23rd at 511 West Commerce in Dallas. This year’s Art Conspiracy will be hosted by KXT-FM’s Paul Slavens, will feature live music from Ishi, Seryn and Dem Southernfolkz, dynamic stage design from Edward Ruiz and Courtney Miles and art from 150 area artists. "People from all parts of the community pool their talents to transform a warehouse into a temporary art gallery/concert venue,” said Erik Glissmann, Executive Director, Art Conspiracy.
Money raised at Art Conspiracy event will be donated to Today Marks the Beginning. Students participating in TMtB’s MasterPEACE: Young Artists Making a Kinder World classes will be contributing some artwork for auction during the Art Conspiracy event.
More details to come. TMtB is honored and thrilled to be the 2010 beneficary. Thank you! Labels: 2010, art conspiracy, fundraiser

TMtB Participates in Macy's Shop for a Cause Program!

Today Marks the Beginning (TMtB) is participating in this year's Macy's Shop for a Cause program! Tickets are being sold by TMtB and Macy stores across the country for $5. For every ticket you purchase you can save 10-20 percent on selected items on the October 16! You can contact Today Marks the Beginning (info@todaymarksthebeginning.org ) directly to purchase your Shop For A Cause ticket. Thanks for all of your help and support for us!


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