Mom-ologues Unfiltered: Stories, Poetry and Music Jam

Mom-ologues Unfiltered: Stories, Poetry and Music Jam

Mom-ologues: Unfiltered Stories, Poems, and Music Jam

Ditch the filters and embrace the chaos! Join us for an evening of raw and uncensored stories, poetry, and music that shatter the ‘perfect mother’ myth. Experience the full spectrum of m/otherhood – the messy, the tender, and the downright hilarious – in this intimate and empowering gathering at Anchor House of Artists.

Featured Storytellers & Performers

Vanessa Adel

A writer, educator, and mother of four, Vanessa delves into the complexities of motherhood, social justice, medical challenges, and the fight for a better future. Experience her powerful poetry and monologues exploring the triumphs, struggles, and the essential importance of supporting mothers in their vital roles.

Dorise Heller

Explore a mother’s struggle with postpartum anxiety, the impact of unexpected health events, and the quest for balance amidst the chaos of raising young children.

Jackie Humphreys

Explore the evolution of motherhood through a powerful storytelling performance spanning teen pregnancy to grandparenthood. Personal photos add a visual dimension to this moving journey.

Nancy Carolyn Kwant

Explore the complexities of motherhood, body image, and intergenerational wisdom through a powerful poetry performance inspired by the author’s Colombian heritage, where stories reside in scars and wisdom passes through generations.

Rythea Lee

Connect, reflect, and find empowerment in this captivating performer’s songs, monologues, and message of authenticity, healing, and reclaiming your voice.

Liz Reed 

Laugh, cry, and sing along to songs that reflect the joys and complexities of motherhood, celebrating both tender moments and the challenges parents face.

Arya Samuelson

This moving reading explores the complexities of unexpected pregnancy, abortion, grief, and the transformative power of art and community. The author shares her award-winning essay “I am No Beekeeper,” offering a rare and intimate perspective on an often-taboo experience.

Jessica Genia Simon

Experience a dynamic performance poetry reading exploring parenthood, love, and diversity in a transracial, same-sex adoptive family. The reading features poems from “Built of All I Shape and Name” and new works celebrating the author’s daughter.

Karolina Zapal

Experience a moving reading from “Notes for Mid-Birth,” a book spotlighting Poland’s abortion rights struggle and the powerful Black Protests of 2016 and 2018, seen through the eyes of a Polish immigrant.

This Isn’t Your Average Knitting Circle

“Mom-ologues” embraces honesty and celebrates the multi-faceted realities of motherhood. Join us for an evening of raw stories, connection, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this wild, beautiful journey.

Questions about tickets?

For ticketing support, please email us at hello@experiencemica.org.

MICAfest is a truly unique celebration. If you know of anywhere else doing a month-long festival supporting, spotlighting, and bringing into the conversation 80 m/other artists, please let us know! Seriously.

M/others Institute for Collaboration and Art (MICA) is a mother-led, Western Massachusetts organization strictly dedicated to supporting m/other artists. Your contributions as a paying ticket member are a ticket to saying, yes, I support artist m/others. As a small organization, we appreciate the support of people like you. We thank you for making a tax-deductible donation to MICA to support m/other artists.

Verses & Vibes: Poetry and Music Night

Verses & Vibes: Poetry and Music Night

From Pride to Poetry. Verses & Vibes: Poetry and Music Night. A Celebration of Artist Mothers.

Continue the energy of Pride Day with MICAfest’s Verses & Vibes: Poetry Night

Prepare to immerse yourselves in an evening that transcends mere artistic expression. On May 4th, 2024, M/others Institute for Collaboration and Art (MICA)  is honored to host this intimate gathering in the Experimental Performance Arena at NEVAmuseum at Anchor House of Artists. “Verses & Vibes” spotlights the potent synergy of poetry interwoven with music and showcases the vibrant narratives of artist m/others.

Featured Poets

Maggie “Sasha” Russell-Ciardi
* Journey Through Liberation: Embark on a profound voyage with haikus that paint a portrait of self-liberation and the sacred path of parenting. Experience a captivating story of spiritual quests co-created with the innocence of a child’s imagination.

Jasmine Errico
* The Power of Confession: Step into the light of confessional poetry, where themes of motherhood, generational trauma, and healing are explored with unflinching honesty.

Mary Warren Foulk
* Redefining Identity with Erasure: Witness the revolutionary act of erasure, where personal narratives are ingeniously redefined, championing resilience and empowerment.

KC Trommer
* Celebrating Artistic Lineages: Engage with poems that honor the lives and legacies of female-identifying artists, connecting us to the enduring impact of women in art.

Be Part of This Empowering Movement

“Verses & Vibes” stands as a testament to the resilience found in vulnerability, the boundless creativity kindled through the experience of m/otherhood, and the powerful community forged amidst artistic endeavors. By being part of this evening, you’re not just witnessing art; you’re supporting a movement that underscores the critical role of artist m/others in shaping our cultural and emotional landscapes.

Join Us for our Opening Night for MICAfest 2024!

Experience an unforgettable evening of artistic expression and connection. This is a night where powerful words, moving melodies, and the unique perspectives of artist mothers come together. Immerse yourself in the transformative power of art and be part of a community that celebrates creativity and resilience. Join us on May 4th, 2024, for the vibrant and inspiring ‘Verses & Vibes: Poetry Night.

On View in the Passways Gallery, Bumpus Gallery, and the Experimental Performance Arena.

A Painting of "A Mother's Tears" by Lisa Andrews.

Visual artists exhibiting at Anchor House of Artists

Lisa Andrews | Laura Dickstein Thompson | Jasmine Errico | Paulina Fuenzalida-Guzman | Reshma Gorde | Ruby Henry | Juli Kirk | Amy Kotel | Tony(a) Lemos | Gena Mavuli | Laura Moorehead | Amy Nolan | Elizabeth Menges | Terre Parker | Ellen Shattuck Pierce | Mollie Thonneson | Mary Warren Foulk | Ellen Wetmore | Sam Wilde |

Image: Lisa Andrews, A Mother’s Tears, 24” x 36”, Acrylic on Canvas.

Questions about tickets?

For ticketing support, please email us at hello@experiencemica.org.

MICAfest is a truly unique celebration. If you know of anywhere else doing a month-long festival supporting, spotlighting, and bringing into the conversation 80 m/other artists, please let us know! Seriously.

M/others Institute for Collaboration and Art (MICA) is a mother-led, Western Massachusetts organization strictly dedicated to supporting m/other artists. Your contributions as a paying ticket member are a ticket to saying, yes, I support artist m/others. As a small organization, we appreciate the support of people like you. We thank you for making a tax-deductible donation to MICA to support m/other artists.

VIP Tickets and Monthly passes are also available.

MICAfest 2024

MICAfest 2024

MICAfest 2024 Art for Change The M/others View

Where  M/otherhood and Artistry Unite

May 1-31st, 2024, all in Northampton, MA

It’s here! With 80 artists from all of New England and Beyond.

Expect powerful poetry, thought-provoking dance and theater, and visual art that challenges.

Questions about tickets or events? Email us!

Email us at hello@experiencemica.org

Live Ticketed Events

 Single-event tickets are now available.
Dance, theatre, spoken word, music, multimedia, poetry, artist conversations.

Click on any of the descriptions to learn more and buy tickets to those shows.

Featuring poetry by Maggie "Sasha" Russell-Ciardi, Jasmine Errico, Mary Foulk, KC Trommer and music by Sasha K.A and Courtney Castaneda of FIZZI May 4, 2024 | 7:00 PM | Location: Anchor House of Artists Verses and Vibes Poetry and Music with visual art exhibition Part of #MICAfest2024

Anchor House of Artists
May 4th, 7:00 pm
Verses & Vibes: Poetry Night

Jasmine Errico, Mary Warren Foulk, Maggie “Sasha” Russell-Ciardi, KC Trommer.

Thank you for a wonderful evening launch of  MICAfest 2024, 80 m/other artists strong.

Read more about it by clicking anywhere in this box.

M/otherhood in Motion: Dance and Theatre Dance, performance, and a staged reading with our visual art exhibition May 11, 2024 | 7:00 PM | Location: Northampton Center for the Arts Haile Eshe Cole, Kelly Silliman, Jessica Roseman, and Laura Sánchez. Featuring visual art at the Split Level Gallery at 33 Hawley. Part of #MICAfest2024 Top left and clockwise: Haile Eshe Cole, Laura Sánchez, Kelly Silliman, and Jessica Roseman, Art pictured by Esther S White.

Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley
M/otherhood in Motion: Dance and Theatre
May 11th, 7:00 pm
Dance and performance

Haile Eshe Cole, Jessica Roseman, Laura Sánchez, Kelly Silliman.

Read more…

Lark Jazz Trio at MICAfest 2022 photo by Heather Matys Image of Toni Rose from artist video. Image of panel of “Aftermath” installation by Catherine Lecomte-Lecce Join us for a Mother’s Day bash with poetry, jazz, arts, community, food, and drink. May 12, 2024 | 4:00-7:00 PM | Location: 33 Hawley Street, Lobby Mother's Day MICA Artist Bash VENUE CHANGE! Part of #MICAfest2024 Featured artists Poetry by Jen Jabaily-Blackburn, Toni Rose, Roxanne Nieman, A.H.Weatherman with music by Lark Jazz Trio

MICA Mother’s Day Art Bash

Postponed!

We’ll provide an update soon.

Jen Jabaily-Blackburn, Roxanne Nieman, Toni Rose, A.H. Weatherman with The Lark Jazz Trio with Lynn Luvell.

Read more…

Vanessa Adel, Dorise Heller, Jackie Humphreys, Nancy Carolyn Kwant, Rythea Lee, Jessica Simon, Liz Reed,  Arya Samuelson, and  Karolina Zapal.<br />
May 17, 2024 | 7:00 PM |<br />
Location: Anchor House of Artists<br />
Mom-ologues<br />
Unfiltered<br />
Story, poetry and music jam<br />
with visual art exhibition<br />
Part of #MICAfest2024<br />
Images courtesy of Jessica Simon (Instagram), Rythea Lee, film image by Terre Parker, and art weaving by Samantha Wilde.

Anchor House of Artists
May 17th, 7:00 pm
The Mom-ologues: Unfiltered Stories, Poems & Music Jam

Vanessa Adel, Dorise Heller, Jackie Humphreys, Nancy Carolyn Kwant, Rythea Lee, Liz Reed, Arya Samuelson, Jessica Genia Simon, and Karolina Zapal.

Read more…

Perfect Imperfections Behind the Facade An Evening at the Theatre May 23, 2024 | 7:00 PM | Location: Northampton Center for the Arts My Mother Had Two Faces: Reflections on Beauty, Aging, and Acceptance. A One-woman Show by Karin Trachtenberg and An Evening with Phineas A Staged Reading by Lyza Fennell Featuring visual art at the Split Level Gallery at 33 Hawley Part of #MICAfest2024 My Mother Had Two Faces by Karin Trachtenberg poster, image of Lyza Fennell, and featured sculpture by Ellen Wetmore. Images courtesy of the artists.

Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley
Perfect Imperfections Behind the Facade: an Evening at the Theatre
May 23rd, 7:00 pm

My Mother Had Two Faces: Reflections on Beauty, Aging, and Acceptance.

A one-woman show by Karin Trachtenberg continues its acclaimed theatrical journey from LA to Edinburgh.

With a staged reading by MICA founder Lyza Fennell.

Read more…

A promotional poster for MICAfest 2024, featuring a collage of colorful artwork, a group of five happy friends, and event details like date, time, and venue on a dark background.

Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley

MICAfest: The M/otherlode Closing Celebration
May 31st, 7:00  pm

Celebrate the festival and all the artists at a unique closing celebration. We’ll have poetry and conversations. The evening will end with musical guest Christa Joy and the Honeybees.

Read more…

Workshop

Photograph, decorative purposes only.

Mindful Creativity for M/Others and Allies By Laura Dickstein Thompson, Ed.D.

May 18th, 10 am – 12 pm, virtual.

A 2-hour meditation and art workshop for m/others and alliesAll levels

 Join Breathing Space for a virtual 2-hour meditation and art workshop designed for m/others and allies to rejuvenate your self-care and compassion.  Led by Laura Dickstein Thompson, Ed.D., an artist, Kripalu meditation teacher, Kundalini yogi, and founder of breathingspace.art.

Class size is limited to 20 participants.

Learn more and sign up for it here.

____________

This program is being held in honor of the MICAfest Art for Change: The M/others’ View. Thompson has a three part painting in the month-long exhibition in Northampton. This program is also being offered as part of ArtsWeek Berkshires.

Visual Art Exhibition

A Painting of "A Mother's Tears" by Lisa Andrews.

Visual artists exhibiting at NEVAmuseum at Anchor House of Artists

Lisa Andrews | Laura Dickstein Thompson | Jasmine Errico | Paulina Fuenzalida-Guzman | Reshma Gorde | Ruby Henry | Juli Kirk | Amy Kotel | Tony(a) Lemos | Gena Mavuli | Laura Moorehead | Amy Nolan | Elizabeth Menges | Terre Parker | Ellen Shattuck Pierce | Mollie Thonneson | Mary Warren Foulk | Ellen Wetmore | Sam Wilde |

Image: Lisa Andrews, A Mother’s Tears, 24” x 36”, Acrylic on Canvas.

Elena Allee “They Felt They Had Been There Before.” 48” x 48”, Oil paint and alkyd resin on canvas. 2022<br />

Visual artists exhibiting at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity

Elena Allee | Christina Balch | Lyza Fennell | S.T. Gately | Robin Griffith | Barbara Hageman Sarvis | Sarah Marquesen | Matthew Mattingly | Ellen Pollock | Alyona Skripka | Michelle Vigeant  

Image: Elena Allee, They Felt They Had Been There Before. 48” x 48”, Oil paint and alkyd resin on canvas. 2022. 

Painting by Cynthia Zeman, Woman on Couch, 52x58, Oil.

Visual artists exhibiting at Northampton Center for the Arts

Myrrh Brooks | Nancy Bulma Fields | Mayté Castillo | Jill Danenberg | Helen Ellis | Laura Green | Jane Hesser | Lyn Horan| Jane Keddy | Catherine LeComte-Lecce | Lynn Lovell | Isabelle Marantz/IzzyLightScapes | Nilou Moochhala | Emily Mulder | April Powell | Eva Pushkova | Carla E. Reyes | Amber Scoon | Jamie Tara | Ellen Wetmore | Esther S. White | Cynthia Zeman |                

Image: Painting by Cynthia Zeman, Woman on Couch, 52×58, Oil.

Visual Art Receptions

A Painting of "A Mother's Tears" by Lisa Andrews.

Artist Reception at NEVAmuseum at Anchor House of Artists

May 10th, 2024, 5:00-8:00 pm

Join us for a vibrant evening of art and performance by Stefani Weber, celebrating the creativity of MICA artists exhibiting at Anchor House of Artists. meet and celebrate the artists, and discover diverse and captivating works.

Read more…

Ceramic vase in earth tones. "Motherhood" by Gena Muvali.

Visual artists exhibiting at NEVAmuseum at Anchor House of Artists

Lisa Andrews | Laura Dickstein Thompson | Jasmine Errico | Paulina Fuenzalida-Guzman | Reshma Gorde | Ruby Henry | Juli Kirk | Amy Kotel | Tony(a) Lemos | Gena Mavuli | Laura Moorehead | Amy Nolan | Elizabeth Menges | Terre Parker | Amber Scoon | Ellen Shattuck Pierce | Mollie Thonneson | Mary Warren Foulk | Ellen Wetmore | Sam Wilde |

Image: Motherhood, Gena Muvaldi, 11″ x 5″, Stoneware, local wood-ash glaze.

A Painting of "A Mother's Tears" by Lisa Andrews.

Artist Reception at Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley

May 10th, 2024, 5:00-8:00 pm

Join us for a vibrant evening of art and performance by Elena Ciampa and Friends, celebrating the creativity of MICA artists exhibiting at Northampton Center for the Arts. Meet and celebrate the artists and discover diverse and captivating works.

Painting by Cynthia Zeman, Woman on Couch, 52x58, Oil.

Visual artists exhibiting at Northampton Center for the Arts

Myrrh Brooks | Nancy Bulma Fields | Mayté Castillo | Jill Danenberg | Helen Ellis | Laura Green | Jane Hesser | Lyn Horan| Jane Keddy | Catherine LeComte-Lecce | Lynn Lovell | Isabelle Marantz/IzzyLightScapes | Nilou Moochhala | Emily Mulder | April Powell | Eva Pushkova | Carla E. Reyes | Jamie Tara | Ellen Wetmore | Esther S. White | Cynthia Zeman |                

Image: Painting by Lyn Horan, The Watchers and the Weepers, 35”w x 47″h – watercolor and ink on paper.

A Painting of "A Mother's Tears" by Lisa Andrews.

Artist Reception at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity

May 25th, 2024, 2:00-4:00 pm

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of artistic talent! Join us at the BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity for the MICA Unveiled art reception with our featured artists. Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, indulge in delicious crudite and wine, and experience MICA artists’ captivating works.

process painting of a fetus growing inside a woman's womb. Sunshine and clouds. By Ellen Pollock.

Visual artists exhibiting at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity

Elena Allee | Christina Balch | Lyza Fennell | S.T. Gately | Robin Griffith | Barbara Hageman Sarvis |  Sarah Marquesen | Matthew Mattingly | Ellen Pollock | | Alyona Skripka | Michelle Vigeant |

Image: Ellen Pollock, Untitled. 36” x 36,
tempura on paper.

Tickets Now Available

Thank you for buying tickets in advance!

This festival is a truly unique celebration. If you know of anywhere else doing a month-long festival supporting, spotlighting, and bringing into the conversation 80 m/other artists, please let us know! Seriously.

M/others Institute for Collaboration and Art (MICA) is a mother-led, Western Massachusetts organization strictly dedicated to supporting m/other artists. Your contributions as a paying ticket member are a ticket to saying, yes, I support artist m/others. As a small organization, we appreciate the support of people like you. We thank you for making a tax-deductible donation to MICA to support m/other artists.

For ticketing support, please email us at hello@experiencemica.org.

Stay tuned.

To stay informed and learn more, sign up for our mailing list, subscribe to this calendar, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Elena Ciampa & Friends Summer Jaunt!  At Baba’s Lounge

Elena Ciampa & Friends Summer Jaunt! At Baba’s Lounge

Elena Ciampa & Friends Summer Jaunt! August 2023 shows in Maine, USA & Prince Edward Island, Canada

Baba’s Lounge

Elena Ciampa & Friends are hitting the road! Here is the dream team: Eric Dostal is our driver & cook; Simon is our roadie & guest crooner; Lucia Dostal will be on vocals & flute; Marcia Russo on guitar; AJ Johnson on bass; and Ellen Jacobson on drums!

Elena Ciampa & Friends Summer Jaunt! August 2023 shows in Maine, USA & Prince Edward Island, Canada

Elena Ciampa & Friends Summer Jaunt! August 2023 shows in Maine, USA & Prince Edward Island, Canada

Elena Ciampa & Friends Summer Jaunt! August 2023 shows in Maine, USA & Prince Edward Island, Canada.

August 4th-10th, 2023

Elena Ciampa & Friends are hitting the road early this Friday! Here is the dream team: Eric Dostal is our driver & cook; Simon is our roadie & guest crooner; Lucia Dostal will be on vocals & flute; Marcia Russoon guitar; AJ Johnson on bass; and Ellen Jacobson on drums!

Also, Elena Ciampa’s FIRST RELEASE EVER is scheduled for this Friday, Aug 4! The tune is an instrumental entitled “A Wind in the Dor.”