As the nation grapples with political division, federal office closures, thousands of employees furloughed, and the eradication of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programming, Washington Performing Arts (WPA) highlighted the arts as a unifying force for positive change. During the organization’s annual gala on March 22 at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest D.C., WPA not only showcased local artists but emphasized the arts as a means of combating challenges. “Now, more than ever, it is so important that we support the things that bring meaning and beauty to our lives. So tonight is a bold and bright celebration of community, arts education, partnership, and performance,” said Karin “Kari” Paludan, a local soprano and teaching artist who served as the evening’s emcee.
With the theme “Make it Happen Together,” guests, donning bright, bold and joyful attire, were reminded of the beauty of local arts and breadth of WPA’s work and programming.Washington Performing Arts (WPA) Children of the Gospel Choir and Artistic Director Michele Fowlin bow after a performance during the annual WPA gala on March 22 at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest D.C. (Micha Green/The Washington Informer)“Together we have weathered the recession, the pandemic and political ups and downs,” she said, before adding the work WPA has done celebrates diversity, emphasizes equity, and is incredibly inclusive. Throughout the evening, artists, students, and guest speakers offered testimonies about WPA’s hands-on arts education initiatives, including masterclasses and the Let’s Go-Go Initiative, and 50 years of the Embassy Adoption Program.Further, the evening touted Washington Performing Arts’ barrier-breaking efforts. “Our story is one of firsts and only: the first and most endearing partner with D.C. Public Schools’ Embassy Adoption Program, the only organization nationwide with resident gospel choirs,” Paludan continued, “and here’s a personal favorite as an opera singer, the premier presenter of classical music in our region.”
Jenny Bilfield, Washington Performing Arts president and CEO, underscored WPA’s hopes and ultimate mission.“We want our performances and programs to be unforgettable and impactful,” she declared. “We provide a platform for artists to do their best and bravest work, and we want our audience and participants to feel uplifted and inspired.” A Night of Celebration in a Historic Location: Celebrating Making a Difference The event kicked off on the fifth floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with a cocktail reception that included entertaining live music from Imani-Grace, a Mars Arts D.C. artist, and several silent auction items perfect for local arts appreciators.After the cocktail reception, guests worked their way back down to the main floor of the library for the dinner and program. With the library’s iconic King mural in the background, the dinner started with an engaging trumpet performance by Kristopher Wesrich and Forrest Sonntag, before Paludan welcomed the crowd and shared the importance of this year’s venue.
“It’s the intersection of learning, community and the arts all under Dr. King’s legacy,” she said.For guest and WPA Women’s Committee member Patricia Bonds, being in the library for the event was a full circle moment, as she had previously worked there for years as a librarian.Washington Performing Arts (WPA) President and CEO Jenny Bilfield speaking at the WPA annual gala on March 22. (Micha Green/The Washington Informer)Taking in how WPA transformed the library into a glamorous gala space, she told The Informer the event “needs to be here every year in the future.”Her husband, Samuel Bonds, a longtime and celebrated arts educator who serves as a voice coach for Children of the Gospel Choir, agreed.“I think this is a great venue,” he said. “It’s a nice space and the atmosphere is really wonderful. I think it’s a great choice.”
Throughout the evening, audiences were given a glimpse into the talent fostered through WPA programming.Miyabi Henriksen, the 2013 Felder Competition Winner, spoke about her cherished time participating in WPA programming and workshops. Further, Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir had audiences on their feet, clapping and singing along with their uplifting performance.Building young artists is at the core of WPA’s work, as seen through Henriksen, a talented violin student in her junior year at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, and Children of the Gospel Choir showing off their strong singing voices and impressive dance moves. “It is definitely needed now more than ever,” Mrs. Bonds told The Informer, noting WPA’s programming is particularly integral in today’s political and social climate. “Our children need support, financial, emotional, psychological and all around, and whatever we can do to help our children, that will make our world a better place in the future.”
Having coordinated artists for years himself, as longtime director of Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ award-winning show choir, Mr. Bonds said supporting WPA through events like the gala is what allows the organization to sponsor performances and programming year round.“The programming that they bring to the communities, at really a small cost, is really necessary,” he said. “Artists need to be paid, there needs to be all kinds of things that will help the artists perform well, and this is one of the main fundraisers that do that.”Donning a stunning custom blazer made by her late sister, with gorgeous artsy accessories adorning the jacket, Bilfield emphasized the tremendous value of the village it takes to keep WPA and D.C. arts thriving. “This is what it means to be a community in a shared endeavor. At Washington Performing Arts our shared endeavor is to bring a very powerful mission to life, vividly and vibrantly,” said Bilfield. “The mission is to champion the unifying power of the arts, and here’s how we do it: we work to create the conditions where excellence and creativity can thrive… on stage and off.”
Source: Washington Informer
