CAP | American History | Meet the CAP Artists

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• Will the Real John Brown Please Stand Up!

• Bring a Painting to Life

• Meet the CAP American
History Artists

• CAP in the Classroom

• CAP on the Web

• Meet the CAP Artists

Barbara Barr (Square Dance), focuses on recreating, performing and teaching historical dance from the Renaissance through the present. She has worked extensively in schools around the country and has performed Renaissance, Baroque and 19th Century dance at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Symphony Space, Marymount Manhattan College Theatre, The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Bruno Walter Auditorium of the Library of Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, the Folger’s Library’s Elizabethan Theatre and the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in English and with honors in Creative Writing, her experience as a Teaching Artist include the Lincoln Center Institute, Broadway Theater Institute, Dobbs Ferry HS, Hunter College HS, Young Audiences and the Amherst early Music Festival. Barbara has a unique style of bringing out the most in a child’s physical abilities, in a healthy and organized fashion.

Barbara Barry a Certified Educator and Director in the field of Therapeutic Recreation, received her BS in Education and the Arts, graduating with honors from the University of Akron in Ohio. For over 30 years Barbara has dedicated her teaching based on “Art for Self-Discovery”. She has presented her Art Programs for Continuing Education, at the C.G. Jung Foundation of New York, William Patterson University, the Ridgewood Public Schools, Hackensack Middle School and was an Adjunct Professor of Art at Passaic County Community College in New Jersey. Presently Barbara is a Teaching Artist in the LEAP program at Kings County Hospital School and for Symphony Space CAP. She focuses on the personal experience of the creative process, its blocks and nurturing spontaneity. Barbara explores a fascination with the human face and the affects through mixed media which includes, but is not limited to, mask making. Her diversity and approach to communities has an elegant and gentle touch.

Kimberly Michelle Bylo moved to New York from Ohio in 1999 to study painting and printmaking at Hunter College, from where she received her Bachelors in Fine Arts. Ms. Bylo was treasurer of the Hunter College Art Club, created graphic’s for the club’s fliers, and assisted in organizing a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a Barnett Newman Retrospective. Throughout the summer, Ms. Bylo serves as Senior Counselor, and marketing and research assistant at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange. As a Symphony Space teaching artist, she has guided fourth and fifth grade students and their parents through the creation of an underwater mural scene as part of a Parents as Art Partners grant-funded project. Ms. Bylo currently produces her own work from her Long Island City studio. Her artistic focus has grown out of abstract landscapes to a deeper involvement with ideas about the environment, the structure of our surroundings, and the sublime. Ms. Bylo aims to reach the viewer on a subtle and visceral level centering around looking and feeling. She has shown her work at the Hunter’s Leubsdorf Gallery, and has also created artwork for the cover of saxophonist Eric Pailhe’s solo recording.


	Bill Cwikiwski has been an actor for 38 years and is the founding member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York serving as an actor, writer, producer, teacher, dramaturg, archivist, board member and Summer Theatre Conference Director. His work has resulted in the development of hundreds of new American plays. Bill has been and actor and instructor at institutions such as NYU, Sarah Lawrence, Playwrights Horizon, Manhattan Theatre Club, The 42nd Street Collective, the Academy Festival Theatre at Barat College, The Imagination Workshop at Mt. Sinai Hospital and Symphony Space’s CAP. Bill performs and directs around the nation. and can be seen on most episodic television shows; to name several, Law & Order’s, NYPD Blue, Miami Vice, Third Watch, All My Children and others filmed in New York, He has been cast in fifteen major films including Quiz Show directed by Robert Redford. Bill holds a BA in Speech and Drama from Monmouth College and an MFA in Acting from Smith College where he was recipient of a graduate assistant fellowship. He lives in Larchmont, NY with his wife playwright Kate Long and their children Carlotte and Caleb.
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Juanita Faulkner raised in East Elmhurst, New York, began her formal training in piano and shifted later on to vocal and operatic study with renowned vocalists from the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. As a busy concert artist, Juanita has toured the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and Canada giving recitals, church services and performing numerous operatic roles. A proud moment in her extensive career was performing for a Ceremony in the The Cathedral of St. John, Antigua, consecrating the Right Reverend Oland Lindsay as Anglican Archbishop of the entire West Indian provinces. A recipient of several awards to include the Frank Colasanto and Grace E. Long award, Juanita believes that children need to be exposed to the classics and history of music in order to contribute to the building of their character.

Kevin Free nurtures his artistic spirit by teaching young people while pursuing an acting career. In addition to being a creator and administrator of Drama Clubs in New York City Schools, Kevin is a teaching artist at Symphony Space, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Hamptons Shakespeare Festival and Queens Theatre in the Park. Kevin was also in the off-Broadway productions, From My Hometown and A Chance on Love at The York Theatre. His one man play, Face Value, received a grant from the Henry Street Settlement’s Playwrights Project. Kevin has also been featured on the TV shows, Law and Order, Law & Order SVU and PBS’s Cyberchase. He can be heard on several recordings, including the World Premiere recording of the musical, Avenue X and numerous recorded books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Known World. Kevin’s arts in education experiences inspired him to give children a creative outlet to produce their own plays. As a result he created his own business, Working Actor for Hire, which offers residencies in playwriting, acting, singing, audition technique and goal setting. Kevin received his BA at Duke University in Durham, NC with a major in Political Science and Women’s Studies Certificate. Dependable, concentrated and loyal to youth, Kevin is an asset to the Symphony Space CAP in American History Studies.

Nicole Haroutunian is an artist and fiction writer living in Woodside, Queens. She graduated from Vassar College with a BA in Studio Art and is a candidate for an MFA in Fiction Writing at Sarah Lawrence College. Nicole continues to pursue visual arts by sharing her passion for creating with NYC school children, and has been a teaching artist with the Guggenheim, the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, and the Henry Street Settlement. In addition to working For Symphony Space CAP, Ms. Haroutunian is also a museum educator at the Museum of the City of New York. She is currently working on a short story collection and teaching art in elementary schools all over the city.


	Ramona King, an actress and playwright, has had her plays produced throughout the United States and internationally. One of her plays “Steal Away”, published by Samuel French, remains in continuous demand. As an Artist in Residence at NYC Tribeca Performing Arts Center where she has directed her new play “Wildlife”. Ramona has received awards that include the NCAAP Image Play Nomination, and a Rockefeller Grant Award. A High School of Performing Arts graduate, she continued her education, receiving her BA in Theater at NYU and her BS in Theatre Literature at Hunter College. Ramona has performed Off-Broadway and at various theatres in New York City including the Public Theatre, New Federal Theatre and in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center. She teaches extensively and enjoys working with students. In addition to Symphony Space CAP, Ramona is also a Teaching Artist for the Lincoln Center Institute for the Performing Arts, The Museum of Modern Art, The Royal National Theatre in London, and Brazil/Harlem Arts Collaborative. She has a magic touch with youth that inspire classes to fully participate and draw on their respect and inspiration for creative thinking, in acting, directing and original scene studies. Ramona’s work is homage to all who bring beauty, laughter and courage into the world.
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Christopher Lea, a native of England, has extensive experience as a teaching artist with residencies at the Lincoln Center Institute, Symphony Space Curriculum Arts Project, and Studio in a School. Trained in London, Rome and New York City, Chris has exhibited his work in New York at the Petra Bungert , the Littlejohn Contemporary and the Julian Pretto Galleries, to name a few. When teaching youth, Chris provides a unique and experiential context for learning, by engaging students through inquiry, creating a comfortable environment for students to express themselves and develop problem-solving skills. Through creative activities Chris helps students to understand the complexity of artwork encouraging observation, reflection and speculation.

Khris Lewin , an Equity actor, holds a BA in Theatre from Duke University and an MFA in acting from the National Theatre Conservatory in Denver Colorado. He has performed in works including a new translation of Bertolt Brecht’s “Fear and Misery in the Third Reich”, as well as collaborations with Playwrights Charles Mee, Jules Feiffer and Richard Caliban. He has been a teaching artist for Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Hampton Shakespeare Festival, and, of course, Symphony Space CAP. Throughout his most recent endeavors, Khris has been cast in lead roles in “Hamlet” and “Antonio’s Revenge” at Theatre Works in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Picasso Adaptation by Lynice Maxwell, 16, Congreso Girls’ Center Summer 2003,

Misha McGlown is a multi-medium artist, specializing in wearable art that reflects her profound interest in African culture and other ancient civilizations. She attended Wayne State University and the Center for Creative Studies, in Detroit, Michigan and studied jewelry design and metalsmithing at Pratt Institute and F.I.T. in New York. Ms. McGlown has years of experience in sharing her art with children as a teaching artist for Manhattan Youth Recreation and Resources, The Children’s Art Carnival in New York, and the Congreso Girls’ Center in Philadelphia. A prolific and multi-faceted artis and visionary, Misha publishes an Internet ’zine that covers art, fashion, fun, social consciousness and more. Painting with oils and acrylics her newest work, “Travels Study” celebrates indigenous life the world throughout, something that has always been close to her heart and will be a continuing compilation throughout her career.


	Vernice Miller has written and directed extensively for children’s theatre. She freelances as a Teaching Artist with Symphony Space CAP, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Making Books Sing, Creative Educational Systems in NJ, National Shakespeare Company and A.LAT in NYC. She established the “Drama Club”, an elementary after school program at PS 282 in Park Slope, Brooklyn and is the Founding Director of the Hansberry project, devoted to new and neglected plays that pertain to people of color. Vernice graduated with a BA in Theatre and Education from CUNY Hunter College and received the Best Actress Award at the London New Play Festival for her role as Medea in Nine Night. Her teaching mission is to use the theatre as a tool to address the needs of teens, to have a powerful voice, in a safe place. Through rigorous theatre training she supports youth to confront issues of identity, inclusion and use appropriate assertions of personal power. Vernice feels that education is for improving the lives of others and, leaving your community and world, better than you found it.
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Abby Newton (fiddle, cello) has been teaching in the Symphony Space CAP program since it was created over two decades ago. She plays both the cello and fiddle and performs regularly with two active bands: “Celtic Crossing”, which performs traditional British and American music, and “Ferintosh”, a crossover ensemble that combines traditional and Baroque music. Abby has recorded two CDs which bring the cello into traditional music as a solo instrument. She has toured throughout the United States and Scotland and was recently featured on both “Prairie Home Companion” and “Thistle and Shamrock”, music programs on national Public Radio. A few of her other teaching artist experiences include the Suzuki String Workshop held in Chicago, Il. and Denver Co., The Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, Gaelic Roots Celtic Arts and the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle Week. Abby holds a BA Degree from the University of Wisconsin and the Dalcroze School of Music.
www.abbynewton.com

Lance Paladino received his BFA in Graphic Design, Illustration and Studio Art from Kent State, and received an MFA in Illustration and Visual Essay at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Lance studied in Old Master painting technique, “Fantastic Realism” in Reichenau, Austria, and has been teaching for over twelve years at institutions being the Henry Street Settlement, the Joan Mitchell Foundation, Symphony Space and the Children’s Art Carnival. Working in a variety of media, he has exhibited his work throughout New York City, Chicago and Austria, and his commercial work includes illustrations for print, tattoo design and museum diorama.

Petra Pankow a native of Germany, Petra has a background in cultural studies and museum education. Upon completing her MA in Freiburg, Germany, and studying abroad as a scholar through the Baden-Wurttenbererg Program at the University of Massachusetts, she embarked on teaching German, American Studies, Film and Literature at Michigan State University. Petra has developed curriculum and educational materials for the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and for the Symphony Space Curriculum Arts Project where she served as the Education Associate for three years. As an Educational Outreach Specialist she has enhanced information workshops for Safe Horizon in New York, ACCESS in MI and at MATRIX in PA. Presently she assists Madeline Cohen, Education Director at Symphony Space in the power point publication of Leadership in the Arts. Through her contributions to CAP, Petra’s multi-faceted skills in languages and visual arts enhance NYC Public School Children arts education.

Rose Pearlman is a skilled photographer, designer of hand made fashion accessories and a graphic artist. She holds a BFA degree in Photography from New York University, TISCH School of the Arts. With printed publications in the Smithsonian Magazine and F-Stop Magazine she has been an Art Teacher at Johnson Elementary School in Vermont where she also gave Yoga Workshops at the Lamoille Valley Family Services. A diverse Teaching Artist, Rose spans social and economic barriers with her experiences teaching at-risk teenagers, k-12 Public School students, and presents well-ness programs within her residing communities. Her life as a Guest lecturer at Johnson State College and the Clarina Howard Nichols Center in Vermont or as an Editor Assistant for Chanticleer Press in New York, Rose brings to the children of Symphony Space Curriculum Arts Project, clarity and calmness in understanding the Visual Arts.

Linda Russell (voice, guitar, hammered dulcimer) explores history through music and drama. Having served for many years as a balladeer for the National Park Service at Federal Hall on Wall Street (the site of Washington’s inauguration), Linda now takes her music to historic sites, schools and festivals throughout the country. In addition to Symphony Space, Linda is a Teaching Artist for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, Family Programs, Hospital audiences Inc., the Society for preservation of Long Island Antiquities Arts in Education Project “Colonial Craftsman” and Arts horizon. Her New York appearances have included Lincoln Center and the Carnegie Hall Folk Festival where she shared the stage with Tom Paxton and Mike Seeger. Linda has recorded eight albums of traditional and popular music of the 18th and 19th centuries. Years of historic stories live within Linda, revealing musician’s tales that interest children and adults alike. She has a BA in Speech from the University of Wisconsin and an Associate Degree in Theatre from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Marsha Perry Starkes (musician) is a vocalist and a former member of the Instrumental and vocal group “Women of the Calabash”. She combines traditional African instruments and musical forms with contemporary influences by singing and playing music of Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and North America. Marsha is a member of the Neo-Bass Jazz Ensemble as a featured soloist with bebop, swing and big band vocalize. She has several recordings with both music groups and is a teaching artist in both CAP in American History and the African Studies Program. Marsha holds a BS in Theatre Arts from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI. She is filled with a vibrant personality, a tender heart and continuously inspires youth to see the best in themselves.

Vickie Tanner (left) in STOMP

Vickie Tanner (singer, dancer, actress) has been in the touring company of “STOMP” for a number of years. A playwright in her own rights, Vickie wrote and performed in her one woman show titled, “Running Into Me”. She continues her educational workshops for Symphony Space as well as the Roundabout Theatre Company, American Place Theatre, Playwright’s Theatre, 1199 Childcare Fund, Early Stages and at ENACT of NYC. She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from California State University at Long Beach, Professional Theatre Training Program at the William Esper Studio and currently the Student’s Art League. The heartbeat behind Vickie’s artistry lies within her acute ability to listen to the students needs, and respond with positive reinforcement. She is inspired by students and believes that they refine her teaching with each experience.


	Laurine Towler made her Broadway debut in “Lettice and Loveage” starring Dame Maggie Smith and subsequently performed in the shows’ national tour. She also toured nationally with The Tap Dance Kid as the mother in the production. Laurine most recently performed in the Off-Broadway farce, White Chocolate at the Century Theatre. In addition to working in many regional theaters Ms. Towler has appeared on TV shows such as The Sopranos, St. Elsewhere, and All My Children. She can also be seen in the films Celebrity and Small Time Crooks, directed by Woody Allen, Brother to Brother, a film about the Harlem Renaissance, and People I Know starring Al Pacino. Laurine is a graduate from Stanford University and received her MFA in Theatre from the University of California, San Diego. In addition to a former career in academia as an Assistant Professor at Denison University, Laurine continues to educate as a teaching artist for Lincoln Center Institute, Theatre Development Fund, the American Globe Theatre and Symphony Space CAP.
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	Kristie Valentine is a visual artist who uses interior spaces of newly constructed suburban homes as the subject for her paintings and prints. She graduated from The Rhode Island School of Design and received her Masters Degree in Fine Art from Brooklyn College. Ms. Valentine is currently teaching art to children at the Cathedral School in Manhattan and studio art classes at Adelphi University on Long Island.
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	Kevin Craig West (Director, Producer, Actor) works in film, television, radio and stage. Kevin can be seen on Law and Order and Law and Order SVU, national commercials for Adidas and Pep Boys, Off Broadway shows include “Adam and Even” and “Fearless Joe”. Lead roles in feature films include, “The Masquerade” and “Life on the Run”. His own company, “MoBetta Films” was nominated as one of the top five submissions to the Independent San Francisco Black Independent Film Festival. Soon to be released are his latest film productions being, “The Assassin” and “Get a Grip”. Kevin has been a Teaching Artist exclusively for Symphony Space, for a number of years, and has enjoyed every moment.
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Curriculum Areas:	American History \| African Studies \| Asian Studies \| Native American Studies
About Cap:	CAP in the Classroom \| CAP on the Web \| Meet the CAP Artists \| Contact CAP