Riverview Artist Salon 17
Wednesday, August 28th, 2019
Des Moines Social Club, The Basement
Photographs by Dan Troxell
POETRY INTERMEZZO
Champagne Harrington is a Des Moines native, a mentor, and a spoken word artist. Known for spoken word performances that are raw, passionate and anthems of self-love. Champagne recently graced the stage of Teresa Zilk’s, “Stories to Tell My Daughter“, a storytelling event at Grandview College where wit, grit, and wisdom ruled the evening.
ART ACTION
In the spring of 1989 Sarah Spain had almost completed a year scholarship at one of Japan’s universities. While there, studying the Japanese language, geography, history, and Butoh Dance, she obtained through limited English news sources what was happening with students demonstrating in China on Tiananmen square. Sarah shared with the audience her Art Action performed two weeks before the 1st year anniversary of Tiananmen Square.
CREATIVE SHOWCASE
A native of Des Moines, Don Brown performed on television for a well-known Iowa State Fair Talent Search, won a national writing award at 17 and attended Drake University majoring in Journalism. After Drake he moved to New York City and within a few years began a career on Wall Street that lasted over a decade.
Don’s love of writing was never forgotten, and he continued to write poetry, publishing as a feature writer for his local paper. In addition, he resumed an interest in acting, performing with community theater and landing some small television roles as an extra. Music and writing were always connected.
As a solo artist, Don performed in several groups throughout his 30 years on the East Coast. After a market meltdown, he left Wall Street and began working in the publishing industry. He returned to school, this time at St. John’s University, and began assisting individuals seeking to change their lives and gain relief from addiction and HIV/AIDS.
In 2001 Don’s life and many others changed on September 11. That afternoon, Don and his wife of over 40 years, decided to move back to Iowa with their two children. Don continues to perform throughout central Iowa, pursuing his interests in both music and acting.
GALLERY SHOW
Founded in 2007, the After-School Arts Program (ASAP) connects underserved 1st–8th graders in the heart of the city, with challenging, enriching arts experiences and provides quality instruction from professional teaching artists who lead studios ranging from ceramics and painting to drumming and dance.
GUEST EMCEE
Robert Moore, Visual Artist and CEO of Morezarte was Riverview Artist Salon 17’s Guest Emcee. Robert brought his enthusiasm and passion for the arts to the Riverview Artist Salon stage for an evening enjoyed by all.
