Author: Lauren Gill

Esoteric Arts Chicago Joins O+ Clinic!

O+ Festival Clinic Welcomes

Dameon M. Keller

of Esoteric Arts Chicago

Damon M. Keller is a published author, certified sound and recording engineer, certified Tuning Fork Therapist, and energy healing practitioner of multiple systems, including Reiki. He teaches a certification course on Sound Therapy (and much more,) accredited by the World Metaphysical Association, and the American Council of Holistic Healers.

He provides Cosmic Keyboard, Solar Spectrum, and the Law of Octaves, sessions including Vibro-Acoustic Therapy with a low-frequency transducer system, brainwave entrainment with EEG readings, and Colorgone(TM) Chromatherapy that provide a therapeutic and relaxing sound massage for your mind, body, and spirit!

Experience Dameon within the Wellness ExpO+ on Saturday, Sept. 5th from 12-6pm

Utilizing the Esoteric Arts Chicago creates products and provides services for energy, healing, and meditation, with style! Beautiful and highly effective Orgone Transducers, Shungite products, CD’s for healing and meditation, and more!Continue reading

ChicagO+ Line-up Now on Soundcloud

LISTEN FOR WHAT’S TO COME!

The National Museum of Mexican Art proudly hosts O+ Clinic!

It’s O+fficial!

The National Museum of Mexican Art is proudly hosting the O+ Clinic!

Location 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, IL

Artist’s and Musicians can expect to be seen by a wide variety of health care professionals, be apart of group sessions, learn about various forms of health and wellness from a variety of speakers, receive resources to products and services, screenings and more!

Wellness Volunteers! You will be able to share your gifts, resources, and expertise with the creative community within the most prominent museums for Mexican art and culture in the United States.

The Clinic hours:

Saturday, September 5th from 10-6pm

Sunday, September 6th from 10-5pm

Wellness ExpO+

On September 6th, the O+ Festival will be concentrated within the Clinic in the museum for all participants (not open to the general public) with programming that includes: speakers, healthy exhibitors, gong meditation and music, workshops and healthy food!

Make those connections!

About the National Museum of Mexican Art

Today, the National Museum of Mexican Art stands out as one of the most prominent first-voice institutions for Mexican art and culture in the United States. We are home to one of the country’s largest Mexican art collections, including more than 7,000 seminal pieces from ancient Mexico to the present.

As the only Latino museum accredited by American Alliance of Museums, we recognize our unique responsibility to present exhibitions of artistic and cultural value and to deliver high-quality education that demonstrates the breadth and depth of Mexican art, culture and history.

Twenty of our exhibitions have traveled across the United States and six have traveled to Mexico. Landmark exhibitions that have traveled include The Art of the Other Mexico (1992),Maria Izquierdo (1996), The African Presence in Mexico (2006), and Frida’s Contemporaries:Women Artists of Modern Mexico (2007). (Learn more about past exhibitions.)

The National Museum of Mexican Art also hosts cultural programs — including symposia, theater, dance, music, authors and performance companies — that share the rich diversity of the Mexican culture. Our annual Sor Juana Festival honors the accomplishments of Mexican women with women’s performances.

As a nonprofit institution, the NMMA is funded by donations and grants. Learn how you can support the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Gaia to Curate Murals for O+ Festival in Kingston, N.Y.

International street artist Gaia, whose 2013 “Artemis Emerging from the Quarry” mural for O+ Festival in Kingston, N.Y., continues to inspire residents and visitors, has been named curator of murals for this year’s festival, which takes place Oct. 9-11.

The O+ Festival is very much in line with Gaia’s artistic practice, he says in a StudiO+ artist profile: “It is extending not only the broader scope of the healthcare system and who is included and excluded, but it is also about a more organic approach to how we react and interact and be with one another in a nonviolent capacity.”

Gaia’s studio work, installations and gallery projects have been exhibited throughout the world, including The Baltimore Museum of Art, Rice Gallery and Palazzo Collicola Arti Visive. His street work has been documented and featured in several books on urban art, including “Beyond the Street: The 100 Leading Figures in Urban Art” (Berlin, 2010). Gaia in 2014 was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Art and Style.

Gaia as curator will continue to build on the stunning work that has been gifted to Kingston by artists such as Lmnopi, Nils Westergard, Matt Pleva, and Jack Dishel in collaboration with Vor 138.

He will introduce residents of the small Hudson River city to highly-skilled artists whose work will spur dialogue and inspire a commitment to action in regard to issues of social justice, says Joe Concra, executive director of the O+ Festival.

“Gaia’s belief in the power of murals to affect change, coupled with his deep understanding of street art and its creators, will help the O+ Festival demonstrate to the community how the arts are connected to wellness,” Concra says.

This year’s theme is: “The Other”.

“The Other” is everything that is not “I” or “Self” or “Mine”. It is what “I” am not, what “I” don’t identify with, like, or want. It is the shadow, the undesired. It is a construct to keep us separated. It is what defines us. It is a lie. It is ever shifting. “The Other” tells us who to hate. “The Other” is our fear. We choose and decide what is ours, and discard “The Other”.

Selected 2015 O+ Festival artists will have access to complimentary health and wellness care from doctors, dentists, chiropractors, homeopaths, massage therapists, psychotherapists and many more outstanding providers during the October weekend.

About the O+ Festival: The non-profit O+ Festival connects musicians, artists, and health & wellness providers for weekend-long celebrations featuring concerts and performances, art making, and wellness offerings for the entire community.

Interested in volunteering, sponsoring this year’s festival, and/or hosting an artist or musician in your home? Please e-mail: kingston@opositivefestival.org

La Petite Mort: A Fundraiser for the O+ Festival Sunday, August 16 at 5:30pm

“La Petite Mort: Orgasmic French Cuisine and Art Pairing”

A fundraiser for the O+ (Art, Music and Wellness) Festival
August 16, 2015
5:30-7:30pm – Private, ticketed event
8:00-9:30pm – Public viewing and reception
1500 N. Throop St., Chicago

The Event:
“La Petite Mort” is French for “The Little Death,” an idiom for orgasm. Curator Kimberly A. Darovec and her partner, Chef Marco Bahena, explore death and sensuality through art, levity, passion and great food from some of Chicago’s most talented chefs. Since the O+ Festival’s mission involves embracing and sustaining life, why not delve deeply into the opposite realm? After all, death is the only certainty in life. Five themes are served up as catalyst for creative inspiration of a culinary and visual nature. 5 artists. 5 chefs. 5 ways to die. (Translated into French first…because even death sounds more delicious in French!)

Ways to Die:
1. (Unis Dans La Mort) United in Death
2. (Mort par Pendaison) Hanged to Death
3. (Mourir Carbonisé) Burn to Death
4. (Mourir de Froid) Freeze to Death
5. (Mourir de Noyade) Drown to Death

Indulge in the Chefs and Their Featured Deaths:
1. Marco Bahena of The Everest: United in Death
2. Lorraine Nguyen of Sepia: Hanged to Death
3. Jennifer Kim of C Chicago: Burn to Death
4. Kyleen Ramos of The Everest: Freeze to Death
5. Bob Broskey of L20/Intro: Drown to Death

Honor the Fallen Artists:
1. Mary Porterfield: Unis Dans La Mort; maryporterfield.com
2. Kimberly A. Darovec: Mort par Pendaison; media-musings.com
3. Cheryl Casden: Mourir Carbonisé; cherylcasden.com
4. Misha Esterkin: Mourir de Froid; find him on FB or Instagram: Mysticmishtek
5. Nando: Mourir de Noyade

The Cause:
“La Petite Mort” is a fundraising event. Proceeds from the evening support the O+ Festival’s expansion in Chicago and throughout the nation. O+ is committed to fostering complete physical, mental, and social well-being by connecting artists directly with a coalition of health care providers and resources, in a shared vision to nurture the individual and the community. We “barter the art of medicine for the medicine of art.” To learn more, click here: https://opositivefestival.org/chicago/ Join us on 18th Street in Pilsen for the O+ Festival’s inaugural run! 2.5 weeks after “La Petite Mort.” See you all there!

How to Gorge Yourself to Death:
Cost of the private event is $65 + $3 service charge. (Pay here: http://www.georgeberlin.com/product/la-petite-mort-orgasmic-french-cuisine-and-art-pairing. Never fear, George Berlin is a legitimate partner. O+’s $$ is safe with him!) Cost at the door is $75. ($3 service charge will apply if you use a credit card.) For your donation, you will be delighted by all 5 courses and beverage pairings created by local mixologists from Emporium Arcade Bar. Our menu is shifting and expanding daily. More concrete course and pairing details to follow. Stay tuned! The public viewing is a $5 suggested donation. Lagunitas and other local breweries will provide beer. All art is for sale and will be on display for both portions of the evening. (You REALLY want to attend the paid event though! We’re cookin’ up some brilliant ideas! We can’t wait to share our vision with you, and support the O+ Festival while mingling with the creative community of Chicago.)

O+pen Mic at La Catrina Cafe July 24th!

Thanks to all our all musicians who came out to join together for a night of music and friendship, getting to know each other and feeling all the vibes 🙂

All proceeds and donations from this night go toward O+ Festival’s mission to bring the creative community the health and care they deserve, so come on down and show your support!

Check out the photos and videos on the Facebook event page!

https://opositivefestival.org/chicago/
https://www.facebook.com/opositivechicagoil

A Taste of O+ Fundraiser

Help us celebrate the wildly anticipated, first-ever Midwestern O+ FESTIVAL, September 3, 4, 5, 2015! This Fundraiser, June 26th, will give you a delicious taste of what is to come: an art, music, and wellness festival of EPIC proportion! Are you ready Chicago?!

$20 donation at door, 21+
YES, BEER from our national sponsor, Lagunitas Brewing Company
Live Music / Live Painting / Free Chair Massage / Dinner (additional fee) – more details to come

RSVP on Facebook event!

Apply Now to the O+ Clinic!

ATTENTION! All art and music loving health and wellness providers!

The Chicago O+ Clinic is in need of your love and support!

Now a word from O+ Clinic Director, Jody Casden

“To give is to receive and to receive is to be giving to yourself and others. It is my hope that you will share in the health and wellness aspect of the O+ Festival. So far, we are a strong group of dedicated health care practitioners who understand how important it is to keep our creative community healthy.”

Want to help your community thrive? Want to have a blast while doing it?

The O+ Festival is about bringing our community together through wellness and the arts — It relies on the people in our community to move it forward.

We ask wellness provider volunteers and general volunteers who would like to help within the clinic to sign on for at least one 4 hour commitment in the clinic, which will be open September 4th and 5th from 10am-7pm.

Health Provider Volunteers: APPLY HERE:

https://opositivefestival.org/chicago/2015-clinic-submissions/

General Clinic Volunteer: APPLY HERE:

https://opositivefestival.org/chicago/volunteer/

As a token of our gratitude, volunteers receive a festival wristband granting entry to all regular festival programming AND all of the benefits that come with volunteering your time for O+.

Please fill out the form above and you should hear back from our O+ Director and/or Committee member shortly. With our response, we will specify all benefits and work with you to make sure all is O+!

Be part of something new and exceptional!

Immediate Positions Need Filling, Get O+ with us!

The O+ Festival has an immediate need for Chicago-area volunteers!! Please email the contact provided to request more information and to fill the position. XO+

Dental Care Coordinator will recruit and manage all dental providers for the Clinic. Duties also include scheduling care for qualified participants, as well as making sure dental providers feel welcomed and thanked and have fun at the event. If you’re interested in filling this position, contact jcasden@opositivefestival.org. Please put “Dental Care Coordinator” in the subject line.

Clinic Manager help to recruit medical volunteers for the Clinic. Clinic Manager will manage and oversee all health and wellness activities within the O+ pop up clinic over the two days. Duties include overseeing Clinic medical volunteers and coordinating the services being provided to the artists and musicians. The Clinic Manager also serves as the public face and voice of the O+ Health Team and will help identify public relations and fundraising opportunities. If you’re interested in filling this key festival position, contact jcasden@opositivefestival.org. Please put “Clinic Manager” in the subject line. (Experience needed)

Medical Care Coordinator will help to recruit medical volunteers for the Clinic. Duties also include scheduling care for qualified participants (artists and musicians), as well as making sure the medical providers feel welcomed and thanked and have fun at the event. You will be working as a team with the Clinic Manager, Clinic Director and two other Medical Care Coordinators. If you’re interested in filling this position, contact jcasden@opositivefestival.org. Please put “Medical Care Coordinator” in the subject line. (Experience needed)

Main Festival Coordinator will work with the core O+ Team to help direct and run a successful festival over the two days!

Green Room Manager will manage the green room that is apart of the O+ Clinic over the two days. You will be helping to create a friendly and healing Green Room environment for artists, musicians and health providers. Duties include food and beverage prep, maintenance, and clean up. Green Room Manager will work with the Hospitality Manager and volunteers to have it flow easily. If you’re interested in filling this position, contact ccasden@opositivefestival.org. Please put “Hospitality Manager” in the subject line.

Volunteer Coordinator with experience managing or coordinating large groups of people. The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting, scheduling, managing and motivating a large number of volunteers prior to the festival, and ensuring proper staffing during the event. This is a volunteer position. If you’re interested in filling this key festival position, contact amyjo@opositivefestival.org. Please put “Volunteer Coordinator” in the subject line. (Experience needed)

Director of Communications will be responsible for the development, integration and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities, such as newspaper, radio, television, social media, and building relationships with the general public. You will be one of the main faces and voice of the O+ Chicago Team. If you’re interested in filling this position, contact amyjo@opositivefestival.org. Please put “Director of Communications” in the subject line. (Marketing background?)

Communications Manager will help develop and implement a communications plan to broaden awareness of the O+ Festival in the Midwest. Duties include development of print, broadcast and electronic materials, as well as managing media and press relations. If you’re interested in filling this position, contact amyjo@opositivefestival.org. Please put “Communications Manager” in the subject line.

General Volunteer will be on staff during the two day festival, helping the festival run smoothly! Volunteer will understand the O+ mission and is open to working in a variety of tasks needed. Click here to apply as general volunteer.

Next O+ Chicago Meeting Takes Place 5-20-15!

The O+ Chicago family is growing, and meetings are an essential part of our success as a creative family unit! As we continue to expand, we always welcome new faces who are down with the O+ mission. Everyone comes excited to contribute their ideas and expertise.

So, what happens at an O+ meeting?! Well, we brainstorm ideas on how to make this a successful festival in Chicago. There are three legs of the festival and it wouldn’t function without all three, so we break into groups: art, music & clinic and start making things happen.

Everyone brings something unique to the table. We have people from all walks, including artists, designers, musicians, actors, healthcare providers, wellness providers and more, with a broad range of skills. Some bring multiple skills in more than one area of the festival! Experience ranges from directing other festivals & shows to relief missions abroad!

As we move forward, there are still some important roles that need to be filled. We are all volunteers and are looking for more passionate people to share their time for the cause. If you are interested in getting involved with the O+ Festival Chicago, please view the volunteer positions posted below. We hope to see you at our next meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at La Catrina Cafe in Pilsen. Please like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date.