I'd like to start with saying that I'm really excited about working on this project with you all!  The ideas that have been floating around all seem to be bringing the course in a really fun direction- especially the interest in bringing the Artists and Models Ball back!  I think developing and planning a big event of that sort would be a really exciting "long-term" project for the semester.  Although it would obviously take a lot of work, I feel it could be a totally realistic goal for the class.  We all know the SSCAC really needs some serious funding and the ball just seems to be a perfect response to the centers' lively and social past while providing some hope for its future. 

With the ball as the long-term goal for the course, we would still be able to spend some time (individually or in groups) on other smaller projects.  I expressed an interest last week in SSCACs history of dinner parties and art classes.  I feel that basic culinary skills are immeasurably useful in learning to manage spending and to promote a healthy style of living. Cooking also has an uncanny ability to bring people together and create a warm sense of family and community. Learning easy and affordable modes of cooking is especially important in a neighborhood such as Bronzeville where healthy eating is not as readily accessible.  Ideally I would like to start this project with creating a warm environment to cook in.  Although the SSCAC  is not currently in a state where it can hold cooking classes, small weekly courses could be held in a  nearby church, school, or neighborhood house.  I would need to get funding the kitchen with the cooking essentials (i.e. flour, salt, sugar, yeast, oil, pots, pans, cups, plates, bowls, utensils...). To make the environment more home-like, I thought of looking to ikea for affordable white cookware that could easily be decorated by either local artists and students from SAIC with inexpensive dishwasher resistant markers.

However, although my interest is leaning towards the culinary arts, I am more than open to all of your ideas and am really looking forward to collaborating. 

I hope everyone has had a great week! See ya tomorrow!

-amanda