I am a freelance arts and culture reporter and book reviewer. I have reviewed books by international, emerging writers and writers of color for Publishers Weekly. I have published articles with a variety of publications, including DC, Northern Virginia, The Washington Post, The University of Virginia Magazine, and more.
My publishing credits include:
Lifestyle
“Road Trip: The Nature of Reston” (The Washington Post) A fun, quirky tour guide celebrating the history and culture of Reston, Virginia, which was one of the first planned communities in the nation.
Art
“Culture Framed: Iranian Art Exhibit Aims To Defy Stereotypes” (Northern Virginia magazine) Interview with Nikoo Paydar and Narges Bajoghli, curators of the TRANSFORM/NATION art show at Arlington’s Ellipse Arts Center, which highlighted the art of cutting edge artists living inside and outside of Iran.
“Raku, Renewed: Setting in Motion A New Spin On The Potter’s Wheel” (Northern Virginia magazine) Interview with raku artist Ramon Camarillo, who states, “ “My passion is art.”
“As Plain as Black and White: South African Photographer Michael Wyeth” (DC Scorpiongirl blog) South African photographer discusses his photo series that captures the patrons of an underground, mixed race nightclub during the brutal apartheid era.
“Artist Alfredo “Libre” Gutierrez is Free“ (DC Scorpiongirl blog) Q & A with innovative Mexican artist, Libre, whose unique artistic style depicts a narrative born of the streets of his native Tijuana and his chosen Mexico City.
Books
“Genocide, Through Children’s Eyes PW Talks With Uwem Akpan” (Publishers Weekly) Q & A with African author Uwem Akpan, whose book Say You’re One of Them was recently chosen as a pick by Oprah Winfrey.
“A Man of Change: PW Talks with Mark Sarvas A Web-Exclusive Q&A” (Publishers Weekly) Interview with author about his book, Harry, Revised.
Music
“All Fired Up: DJ Enferno Joined Madonna on Tour” (The University of Virginia Magazine) Commerce School grad Eric Jao, a.k.a. DJ Enferno, landed an opportunity of a lifetime while performing a set at a bar in Orlando. A former U.Va. classmate (whom I didn’t actually know), Jao greatly enhanced my clubbing experience at the University.
“‘Organic Electronica’: Solo Artist Yoko K. Blends Classical Training with Modern Sound” (Northern Virginia magazine) Yoko K. creates a wonderfully ethereal electronica that blends rich instrumentation with her breathy vocal style.
“Endless Possicobilities? Eastern Influences Expand Band’s Width of Jazz” (Northern Virginia magazine) Interview with Chinese jazz musician Coco Zhao, who was dubbed the “Boy Billie Holiday” after a German jazz fest.
Education
Making Content Connections Through Arts Integration (Education Update) Dwindling school resources, as well as pressure to meet the demands of the No Child Left Behind Act, have led many schools to narrow the curriculum, leaving behind arts instruction. But, through carefully designed integrated curricula, educators can still provide students with arts education.
Youth Voices from Around the World (Education Update) This article looks at innovative education programs giving a voice to impoverished youth.
Challenging Content: Teaching Banned Books in the Classroom (Education Update) Many educators argue that teaching young people content that offers a different or even critical view of society, the government, or religion helps students hone their close reading and thinking skills. This article looks at ways teachers can protect students’ right to read.
