Monique Craig

* The St. Mark's Dance Studio's Open House

held December 3 in Washington DC was an inspiring event. The theme of this year's recital was called "Memories" and entailed various ballet, jazz and modern dance performances by the St. Mark's Dance Company. The performances were based on the memories of influential people who have passed on. Among those persons were friends and relatives of the dance studio itself (including my grandparents). A giant screen showing slides of these loved ones was incorporated into the performance. There was also worked displayed by various other visual artists, and an electrifying display of West African dance by Thomas House and Company with Drummers. This was an event that I participated in last year, and I was honored to be invited again to this year's open house. Once again, Director Rosie Brooks did a fabulous job

* My show held at the New York Society for Ethical Culture

in New York City was fabulous! This was my first "real" solo show, and I was delighted that such an event took place in the Big Apple itself. The show took place on October 10, and was organized by Dr. Glory Van Scott, Professor of "Theatre As Social Change" at Fordham University. Dr. Van Scott is also a renowned singer, dancer and actress, and was a former member of the Katherine Dunham Dance Company.

Ten pieces of my artwork were displayed throughout the room, as well as a table set up for the booksigning. Three wonderful entertainers also performed during the opening: Folk singer Kathleen Mock, whose soulful voice can be heard throughout the NYC subways; Singer Fred "Diamond Red" Geiger, a former student of Dr. Van Scott, and an awesome performer of Cab Calloway tunes (he looks a lot like Calloway too); and jazz pianist/vocalist/didjeridoo player and percussionist Michael "Mustafa Ulmer, who gave a wonderful performance using the didjeridoo, a long wooden tube used by the Australian Aborigines to communicate over long distances.

Dr. Van Scott gave a powerful reading of samples from my novel, The Arachne Experiment, and my book of poetry, The Eye That Is Me. Dr. Van Scott's reading was filled with emotion and passion; I couldn't have done a better job myself!

Following the reading, I signed lots of books, and socialized with the crowd, which consisted mostly of entertainers, dancers, actors and musicians. The show was a great success for me, and I consider it to be a highlight of my career as a writer and artist. I hope to do more shows in NYC in the future!

* The Horrorfind Weekend IV Convention