The Hiscock Legal Aid Society and the Everson Museum of Art hosted the inaugural VOICES event at the Everson on Thursday, October 6th which received rave reviews from the more than 150 guests!
The innovative and collaborative event offered those in attendance the opportunity to learn about and support two long-standing community organizations that encourage and promote expression, whether through art or legal advocacy.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of great food and spirits; premiere diverse entertainment by several local musicians; access to the treasures of the museum; and a live art demonstration.
As Steven Kern, Everson Museum of Art Executive Director predicted, VOICES was a chance for guests “to have a completely unique experience that stimulates all of the senses.” and to “share their voice by supporting two organizations with more than 175 years of service to the Syracuse community.”
Hon. Stewart F. Hancock, Jr. and his wife, Ruth Hancock, served as honorary chairs for the event as the missions of both organizations are very close to their hearts.
When asked to chair VOICES, they readily agreed. They summed up the collaboration’s mission saying, “While the voices of Hiscock Legal Aid and the Everson Museum of Art have long responded to different needs and desires of the people of Central New York, the overarching purpose for these two distinguished organizations is the same-providing a better and happier community for all. We are proud to add our voices in their support.”
All elements of the evening’s program were designed to increase awareness of the need to offer a platform for expression and to highlight the personality and diversity of the populations served by the organizations.
Attendees were able to view an exhibit featuring extensive works by photographer, Alec Soth, which explores places of escape in America and examples of individuals who are disenfranchised – a fitting description of many of Hiscock’s clients.
Guests were also treated to a unique exhibit by local ceramic artist, Margie Hughto, called, Fired Landscape. This “clay painting” spans 50 feet of gallery space and is designed to evoke a natural landscape during a sunset.
The event celebrated the act of sharing one’s voice through several performances from local musicians including: Puente Flamenco, Joanna Jewett, Grupo Pagan, Andrew Russo, Samba Laranja, and Karl Sterling.
The musical offerings represented a wide variety of genres including the unique and challenging flamenco style of song and dance; the sounds of Brazil; Jazz; Latin and R&B, with Andrew Russo’s internationally renowned piano skills opening and closing the evening.
These talented individuals performed for little or no compensation, excited about the prospect of sharing their music and message and helping to forward the VOICES mission. Edgar Pagan, leader of Grupo Pagan summed it up for all of the musicians saying, “I’m blessed with many things in my life, so when there’s an opportunity to give back and help others, we do it through our music.”
Local artist, Mike Barletta, created a ‘live painting’ throughout the evening, demonstrating his decision-making process and engaging the imagination and attention of several guests.
In keeping with the uniqueness and diversity of VOICES, Karen White of Karen’s Catering concocted a delicious and artistic signature drink and created a menu of fine and filling hors d’oeuvres that reflected the origin and flavor of the musical offerings.
We are truly grateful to all of our inaugural VOICES sponsors whose support demonstrates forward thinking and strong commitment to building a community where all are able to express their voice:
ADVANCER ($5000)
Hon. Stewart F. Hancock, Jr. and Mrs. Ruth Hancock
AMPLIFIER ($2500)
Dannible & McKee, LLP
Duke’s Root Service, Inc.
AGENT ($1000)
Anonymous
Bersani Gallery
John and Caroline Maestri Charitable Trust
POMCO Group
Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein, P.C.
The Marilyn Alberding Revocable Trust
In-Kind Services and Goods
Eric Mower & Associates
Integrated Marketing
PostNet
We would also like to thank our hard working committee members for their gift of time and talents:
VOICES Committee
Hon. Stewart F. Hancock, Jr. and Mrs. Ruth Hancock, Honorary Chairs
Thérèse Wiley Dancks Matt Parry
Terry Delavan Marina Rodriguez
Richard Driscoll Andrew Russo
Karin Franklin-King Karl Sterling
Elaina Leonardo Lucia Whisenand
Anthony Malavenda
It is our hope that VOICES will grow to become a much anticipated annual event – and a consistently great time had by all!
Hon. Stewart F. Hancock, Jr. and Mrs Ruth Hancock, VOICES Honorary Chairs
 SRH back to camera.JPG)
Steven Kern, Executive Director, Everson Museum of Art and Susan R. Horn welcome guest to VOICES
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VOICES Guests mixing and mingling
The inaugural VOICES event attracted quite an impressive crowd!
Unique and diverse musical groups like Puente Flamenco stimulated and entertained VOICES guests all evening
HLAS Staff Attorney, Leah Witmer and Law Associate, Christina El Bayadi enjoy the sights, sounds, and sensations of VOICES