UVU Benefit Show for the NCM Foundation

Yesterday's benefit concert at Utah Valley University was quite impressive. It took place in their Grand Ballroom and was packed full of exceptional entertainment by local solo acoustic musical artists as well as full band. The feature for the night was John Allred, a well known singer, song writer musician in Utah County who has recently become a local favorite. John was gracious enough to donate his time to the event in support of youth creativity and education http://www.allredmusic.com/.

The night was certainly a special one, highlighted by the youth representatives that performed at the event on behalf of Nurture the Creative Mind. They without a doubt stole the show. Morgan Thomas, age 17, performed an alternative rock, folk blend that was injected with lyrically moving song writing, while Sade Killpack, age 16, also performing original songs, had the feeling and passion of a reincarnated soul artist of the 50's. The power of both performances were validated by the ooooohs and ahhhhhh's that speckled their performances as well as the many attendees that sought out the students to praise them and asked for their contact information as they were leaving the venue.

Follow these links to hear some samples of these very special students.

Sade Killpack- https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150137390303398&set=vb.212131664403&type=2&theater
Morgan Thomas- https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=253358638033866&set=o.208282272537047&type=2&theater

Even Spanish Fork Channel 17 sent a representative to film the event in consideration of developing a documentary about the Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation.

We are extremely thankful for the support of the UVU campus and specifically the volunteer service office for their recognition and efforts.

Upcoming Event-
Next up for the NCM Foundation is the Wonderful World of Abilities performance this Friday, March 30th. We will be highlighting in a talent show format the the talents and ABILITIES of youth who are vision impaired. This event will take place in the Weber State University Wildcat Theatre and will begin at 6pm.
We would love to see you there.


You can also follow the Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation on facebook www.facebook.com/NurturetheCreativeMind. Here you will be provided with a more full, in-depth, and up to date understanding of the NCM Foundation.

NCM Makes the News!

YAAAAAAY!!! The Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation and our newly published youth driven street magazine was recently featured on Fox 13 news http://fox13now.com/2012/03/20/layton-jr-high-students-self-publish-magazine/. The topic of discussion was the innovative nature of Blank Page magazine to combine education and creativity. The students interviewed represented the NCM Foundation extremely well sharing their thoughts on the impact of Blank Page and their enjoyment of being a part of something they felt was meaningful and historic. After the video aired we were asked by 2 local organization to duplicate the magazine with their youth groups. So i think it is safe to say that the Fox 13 coverage was effective.

The out poor of community support has been quite overwhelming. We have been invited to host three summer programs for organizations such as the YMCA, The YCC, and The Arts in the park program. We will also be the highlighted community organization of the Ogden Arts festival. In between now and then we have more than a few events coming up. below is a list and the descriptions of the events you could attend over the next few weeks.

As always... Thank you for your support

March 26th, 7-9pm: Utah Valley University NCM Benefit- Utah Valley University will be hosting a benefit concert for the Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners education, creative expression as well as character development in an effort to create multidimensional youth who celebrate diversity while promoting unity, dignity, self-value and universal appreciation.

April 6th, 6-8pm: Poetography- An exhibit that uses creative and artistic expression to empower marginalized youth within the Ogden community, helping them establish self-value and dignity through the application of poetry and photography.

April 13th, 9-midnight: Blank Page release party and Chuk's fashion show- The Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation and Chuk's vintage clothing have teamed up once again. This time for Blank Page magazine release party and fashion show brought to you by Chuk's.

Weekly Update: Blank Page Launch A Success!

(Photo Credit: Cat Palmer)

Everyone has been absolutely excited to read the newest edition of Blank Page is the last two weeks. Local businesses have had many a customer reading our wonderful youth run magazine and we couldn't be happier. Here are some comments of readers in Weber and Davis counties.

“I loved reading the debut edition of "Blank Page." I wish I were young enough to contribute. ;) I enjoyed the interview with Tyler Smith.

I think it's a great "perspective generator" for youth.” - Ginny Stout, Ogden City Arts, Director

“This is awesome. Love it.” –Carey Van Wagoner, Little Cherry Blossoms, Owner

“This looks outstanding -- looking forward to the published issue.” –Jon Boyack, NCM Supporter

“What a great piece this magazine is! I love that it's all written by the kids and it's a nice blend of information and personal reflection. I can't wait to see the finished product.” - Diane Stern, Weber Arts Council, Director

“This looks better than the magazine I used to write for (Wasatch Woman). I am impressed beyond measure. Great work. I love that it is youth driven and indicates their perspectives. I also love that it highlights the alumni from NCM - that is genius.” – Adrienne Gillespie

“This looks outstanding -- looking forward to the published issue.” –Jon Boyack, NCM Supporter

"I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to catch a sneak peak of Nurture the Creative Mind's Blank Page! Absolutely amazing edification from youth in the community." -Chad Schiffman, NCM Supporter

"Abstract, eye catching, mind consuming and just overall amazing piece!" Larry Turcotte, NCM Supporter

"What a GREAT project." -Kathy Ashton, N. Layton Jr. high, Principal

We are also working with the YMCA to premiere our new Poetography project with the super talented Cat Palmer. The mission of this exhibition is "To use creative and artistic expression to empower marginalized youth within the Ogden community, helping them establish self-value and dignity through the application of poetry and photography."

Be sure to catch the exhibit at Grounds For Coffee on 25th street in the next month. The students have never been more inspiring and show the amazing power of poetry in youth's lives.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Our first issue of 'Blank Page' officially hit the stands yesterday! If you look around Ogden at your local coffee shops, schools or businesses you will find our wonderful premiere issue! This has been a great experience and all the hard work has paid off. But we aren't even started yet! We will be printing monthly issues and we need youth in the area to keep contributing their wonderful creativity.

Blank page will also be premiering in Boston very soon. This is an exciting time. There will be a 'Blank Page' UVU magazine and club serving youth of Orem. We will also be publishing a 'Blank Page Latino' this summer. It will be produced by an all Latin youth staff and will address issues specific to Latin youth. 'Blank Page' is Utah's first for you by youth street magazine.

'Blank Page' accepts writing from youth ages 12-18. We also welcome volunteers and local spotlights in the community that would be willing to be interviewed. If you or someone you know would like to be involved please contact our staff at submit@blankpagemagazine.com or 801-499-2371

Weekly Accomplishments

We have recently completed of the song 'I am a Queen'. This is a song written, composed and performed by a group of 10 year old girls from Youth Impact who partook in a past NCM workshop. Nathan Chappell has been helping on the recording by offering his drumming talents.

We have secured a partnership with WSU and the Arts in the Park summer program. NCM will be conducting the literacy portion and have some AMAZING ideas for our contribution. Stay tuned for details about this event.

'Blank Page' magazine's first issue is completed and will be available in the first part of February.

We were recently blessed to receive a sponsorship for funding from TAB bank, a partner of Flying J Corp and also from UPS, which guarantees the first 6 issues of Blank Page. Thank you so much to these amazing sponsors!

We are excited about the upcoming POETOGRAPHY event. This event's objective is to use both creative and artistic expression to empower marginalized youth and help them establish self value and dignity. The event will be hosted at Crowley's Gallery on 25th Street in Ogden. The students from the YMCA are extremely excited to be working with photographer Cat Palmer.

Every week we are reminded that the work we do is worth all worth it. When you see the impact and the smiles there is no denying that when you Nurture The Creative Mind, you're going to achieve great things!

And the train keeps rolling on.

The Nurture the Creative Mind Foundation is embarking on one of its most lofty and promising projects to date. Blank Page youth driven street magazine Coming February 2012.

Reflecting On 2011

2011...WHAT A YEAR!

Nurture the Creative Mind has witnessed one of the most amazing years since its creation. We have been featured in four news articles, mentioned on two radio spots, been awarded a National Award and one local Award. We succeeded in the publishing of our first book 'Yes, I am STILL Here' as well as the publishing of our youth driven street magazine "Blank Page". We've awarded over a dozen Creative Education Scholarships to individual youth in the community. We were able to share the celebration of our 5 year anniversary with amazing friends, family and supporters. The point is that 2011 has been quite the year and 2012 is looking like it might even exceed this incredible past year.

Most importantly, we've had the privilege to help youth and teach valuable life skills in our community. We appreciate all of the support we've received along the way. Here is to creating magic and designing possibilities. Just wait until you see what we are going to do next.