West Seattle Blog

WEST SEATTLE ARTS PROGRAM GETS ANIMATED AT EMERALD CITY COMIC CON

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

March 1-4, 2018 Seattle experienced the 15th Annual Comic Con, with an attendance of over 90,000 comic book, sci-fi, and pop culture fans. Comic Con has come a long way since 2003 when the first convention hosted a little over 2500 attendees.

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Comic Con Panel 2018

The convention features a wide array of activities and programming including industry guests, celebrity signings, and costume contests. This year West Seattle’s own Unified Outreach was featured in dual roles as both 2D instructional coaches in the Family HQ area, and as panelists in the 2D animation network forum on Saturday night, discussing their animated cartoon series “Meet the Mascots.”

cd-coverWest Seattle families know Unified Outreach from their 10+ year operating history in the West Seattle Junction where they offer a variety of programs each year; including a summer day camp focusing on cartoon animation, and an annual Youth Fashion & Runway event culminating a work-readiness-in-the-Arts program for at-risk youth.  This year’s Fashion Show is scheduled to happen at the end of August; you don’t want to miss it!

 

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Clayton Bragg is a member of the Unified Outreach team and was a featured speaker at the Saturday night panel where he spoke about his work as a voice-over artist and musician (having recently released a new song and video with Seattle icon Raz Kaz). Clayton was born with a heart defect and cerebral palsy; but that hasn’t stopped him from actively pursuing a career in the arts and sharing his motivational story with kids of all ages.

 

Sammy Tekle Vicious PuppiesSammy Tekle is a former Unified Outreach student and current Unified Outreach staff member; teaching classes in cartoon animation, music production, and breakdancing.

 

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For more information contact Unified Outreach at UnifiedOutreach@Hotmail.com or (206) 371-1139.

YOUNG WOMEN FIND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ARTS IN WEST SEATTLE

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

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Unified Outreach has been actively engaged in youth arts programming for nearly two-decades; and for the past 10 years has provided an eclectic catalog of unique programs from the Ginomai Arts Center in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighborhood.

August 21st Unified Outreach hosted their annual Youth Fashion Expose; a free community event which provided a top-shelf catered dinner and a raised runway with 20 models showing off the latest designs by Seattle Designers Carlisa Minnis and MAC Fashion House.

But behind the scenes is where the magic happens. The fashion show is part of a work-training program created by Unified Outreach that teaches Middle and High School students the skills necessary to deliver a high end event such as this. Student are trained on a variety of Adobe software programs used to design brochures and flyers, create music mash-ups, and edit photos and videos. Students also learn to construct the raised runway, provide staging ambiance, and operate the sound & lighting board.

april-toonThis year, Unified Outreach Regional Manager for Nevada, Mrs. April Goode returned to Seattle to assist with the 2016 program. April has been active with Unified Outreach for over a decade, serving as Chief of Operations in Seattle before moving to Las Vegas in 2013.

“The reason I am back in Seattle is because I love this program. Of all the different classes we offer this one is closest to my heart because we are not only exposing kids to new artistic mediums, but we’re teaching them how to use those skills out in the real world” April says.

cd-coverThe program, visualized and launched in 2010 by Unified Outreach staff; was presented to Mayor McGinn at a series of town halls. The following year Mayor McGinn and the city began funding the Office of Arts & Culture work-readiness grant program; which provides Unified Outreach and other local Charities with funding to assist with program costs and to provide each youth with a monetary stipend.

April says that she has personally seen lives changed by the program. “We build artistic skills, we focus on resume building, educational tracks, and networking opportunities. But we also focus on team building, communication, and breaking down barriers. All of this comes together to build positive self-esteem; which is the greatest gift we can give our kids”.

And the proof can be seen in the instructors themselves; many of which began the program as students and have now returned to give back to the program that they love.

darrian-splashDarrian started attending classes over 10 years ago, participating in music, dance, and video programs; where she co-hosted the Unified Outreach/SCAN Television program “What’s Good Seattle, the Shop 206”. Today she teaches classes in Fashion/Runway Event Management, as well as summer day camp Cartoon Animation and Video Production programs.

Isis first walked the catwalk six years ago at the pilot work-training program in 2010. This year was her first in the role of Instructor. “I really feel like I identify with the kids in the program. And it feels really good to share the things I’ve learned over the years.”

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kiel-splashKiel has been participating in Unified Outreach classes for as long as she can remember. From traditional drawing and painting, to contemporary dance, cartooning, music, and video. This year was her first as a program instructor for the Cartoon Animation Summer Day Camp.

Karla participated in the work-readiness program in 2013 and this year returned as an instructor for the Runway program. Now 18, Karla is also using the contacts she made through the program to pursue her own career in Fashion and Design.

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Unified Outreach Co-Founder David Toledo stated that it’s only natural that Unified Outreach would have strong leaders such as April and the previously mentioned students-turned-teachers.

“The Unified Outreach program was really inspired by my mother Alice; who in the early 1980’s opened a food bank from the steps of our own home. Mom was so creative, with a “lead by example” attitude, and a fearless advocate for kids, seniors, those with special needs, and really anyone who needed help. And my sister Diana Toledo-Palmer is the same way. She’s such a great example and inspiration for me. She’s a leader in the community; active in so many community organizations and working so hard to make West Seattle a better place for our children”, David Said.

Unified Outreach is located in West Seattle. More information is available at www.UnifiedOutreach.com

WEST SEATTLE GETS ANIMATED

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

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October 19, 2016 – The Alaska Junction District of West Seattle is known as an Artist hub so it’s no surprise that it’s home to one of Seattle’s favorite cartoonists, David Toledo. David is the Program Manager for the Unified Outreach youth-arts program which has operated for nearly 2 decades and regularly teaches a summer and winter break day-camp with a focus on cartoon animation.

meet-the-mascots-cartoon-david-toledo-seattleDavid’s current project is called “the Mascots” which when completed will be a 30-minute animated feature scheduled to debut at the 2017 Emerald City ComiCon.  As with most 30-minute cartoon programming the time will be divided into 3 individual cartoon shorts averaging about 10 minutes each.  The first 10-minute episode titled “Join the Band” is currently viewable at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTUZ60sbfR8

 

 What’s the cartoon about?  

The Mascots are 4 friends dealing with peer pressure, girl troubles, and trying to make the “team”. It’s everything you’d expect in the lives of your average, all-American, teenage…. Animorphs?

the-mascots-cartoon-able-fader-meets-jelly_david-toledoDavid says “Everyone is familiar with the superstar mascots that strut their stuff through the world’s biggest sports arenas – bringing smiles to children and firing up the fans in the stands! But have you ever wondered about their lives outside of the spotlight? Life BEFORE they made it to the main stage?”

David Toledo is the Creator, Writer, Illustrator, and Animator of “Meet the Mascots” and also voiced multiple characters who appear in the Pilot Episode including the (4) Leads. Joining him for the pilot episode is a small group of voice-over talent that includes some very well known artists in Seattle’s hip hop community.

Meet the Voices featured in the Pilot Episode:

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robert-anderson-dj-icemanRobert Anderson (DJ Iceman) has been a DJ for 33 years. originally from Brooklyn, New York; he’s been a staple in the South Sound Music scene since he moved to Tacoma Washington in 2007. He is a proud member of 206 Zulu and has been a Wu-Tang DJ since 2011. you can currently hear him on Wednesdays at 7 pm on www.wild1radio.com on his “Sure Shot” radio show.

 

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Clayton Bragg (C-Dogg) is a rapper and video-blog host living in Edmonds, Washington (just north of Seattle).  Born in Des Moines and raised in Snohomish County, Clayton graduated high school in 2009 as a proud Panther.

Clayton was born with conical heart defect and cerebral palsy, but that has not stopped him from pursuing his love of music.  You can follow C-Dogg on twitter at handicapbragg, or at https://www.youtube.com/user/rappercdogg.

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Christina Virgillo-Emery (Mz. Music Girl) is a DJ at Zulu Radio and can be heard at www.kbcs.fm or on 91.3 fm.

Born and raised in Culver City (L.A.), California, Mz. Music Girl moved to Washington State in summer 1995, and became a member of 206ZULU in 2005. She enjoys music, turntablism, traveling,  arts & crafts,  sports, and many other things!

 

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Cinnamon Rosa the founder of Village Keepers; a youth-focused outreach program in Tacoma, Washington; and a  Food Equity Leader for the Puyallup Watershed Initiatives Just & Healthy Food System.  Cinnamon’s role within the “Meet the Mascots” project also includes script consultant and character development.

 

 

faderAble Fader is veteran Hip Hop DJ, Music Producer, Event Promoter, Mobile DJ, Graphic Designer, Web Developer and Recording Artist. Able has been creating art within Hip Hop culture since 1987 and DJing since 1994. He is founding resident of (((THE JAM))) a popular Hip Hop club night on second Fridays at Vermillion on Seattle’s Capitol Hill as well as HOME SLICE a monthly showcase of local NW Hip Hop talent at Seattle’s historic The Crocodile. Able collaborates actively with many of Seattle’s most respected artists and is a member of both 206 Zulu and the Filthy Fingers United producer collective. http://fade.graphics
Music/Mobile DJ Website: Thubba Thubba: http://thubbathubba.com

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Additionally, there will be plenty of opportunities for local artists to partner on the project as it moves forward. There is a Facebook page where updates will post; as well as open-calls for voice-over artists, cosplay actors/actresses, and others interested in being part of the program.

FACEBOOK PAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/SeattleMascots/posts

VIDEO CLIP:

UNIFIED OUTREACH YOUTH ARTS PROGRAM

www.UnifiedOutreach.com

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YOUNG WOMEN FIND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ARTS IN WEST SEATTLE

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

4culture-unified-outreach-camera

Unified Outreach has been actively engaged in youth arts programming for nearly two-decades; and for the past 10 years has provided an eclectic catalog of unique programs from the Ginomai Arts Center in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighborhood.

August 21st Unified Outreach hosted their annual Youth Fashion Expose; a free community event which provided a top-shelf catered dinner and a raised runway with 20 models showing off the latest designs by Seattle Designers Carlisa Minnis and MAC Fashion House.

But behind the scenes is where the magic happens. The fashion show is part of a work-training program created by Unified Outreach that teaches Middle and High School students the skills necessary to deliver a high end event such as this. Student are trained on a variety of Adobe software programs used to design brochures and flyers, create music mash-ups, and edit photos and videos. Students also learn to construct the raised runway, provide staging ambiance, and operate the sound & lighting board.

april-toonThis year, Unified Outreach Regional Manager for Nevada, Mrs. April Goode returned to Seattle to assist with the 2016 program. April has been active with Unified Outreach for over a decade, serving as Chief of Operations in Seattle before moving to Las Vegas in 2013.

“The reason I am back in Seattle is because I love this program. Of all the different classes we offer this one is closest to my heart because we are not only exposing kids to new artistic mediums, but we’re teaching them how to use those skills out in the real world” April says.

cd-coverThe program, visualized and launched in 2010 by Unified Outreach staff; was presented to Mayor McGinn at a series of town halls. The following year Mayor McGinn and the city began funding the Office of Arts & Culture work-readiness grant program; which provides Unified Outreach and other local Charities with funding to assist with program costs and to provide each youth with a monetary stipend.

April says that she has personally seen lives changed by the program. “We build artistic skills, we focus on resume building, educational tracks, and networking opportunities. But we also focus on team building, communication, and breaking down barriers. All of this comes together to build positive self-esteem; which is the greatest gift we can give our kids”.

And the proof can be seen in the instructors themselves; many of which began the program as students and have now returned to give back to the program that they love.

darrian-splashDarrian started attending classes over 10 years ago, participating in music, dance, and video programs; where she co-hosted the Unified Outreach/SCAN Television program “What’s Good Seattle, the Shop 206”. Today she teaches classes in Fashion/Runway Event Management, as well as summer day camp Cartoon Animation and Video Production programs.

Isis first walked the catwalk six years ago at the pilot work-training program in 2010. This year was her first in the role of Instructor. “I really feel like I identify with the kids in the program. And it feels really good to share the things I’ve learned over the years.”

isis-splash

kiel-splashKiel has been participating in Unified Outreach classes for as long as she can remember. From traditional drawing and painting, to contemporary dance, cartooning, music, and video. This year was her first as a program instructor for the Cartoon Animation Summer Day Camp.

Karla participated in the work-readiness program in 2013 and this year returned as an instructor for the Runway program. Now 18, Karla is also using the contacts she made through the program to pursue her own career in Fashion and Design.

student-splash-1

Unified Outreach Co-Founder David Toledo stated that it’s only natural that Unified Outreach would have strong leaders such as April and the previously mentioned students-turned-teachers.

“The Unified Outreach program was really inspired by my mother Alice; who in the early 1980’s opened a food bank from the steps of our own home. Mom was so creative, with a “lead by example” attitude, and a fearless advocate for kids, seniors, those with special needs, and really anyone who needed help. And my sister Diana Toledo-Palmer is the same way. She’s such a great example and inspiration for me. She’s a leader in the community; active in so many community organizations and working so hard to make West Seattle a better place for our children”, David Said.

Unified Outreach is located in West Seattle. More information is available at www.UnifiedOutreach.com

West Seattle Reign of Fashion Showers Audience with Creativity

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

Reign of Fashion WallFashion Flyers

The creativity and passion of youth was on full display at the August 21st Unified Outreach Fashion Expose’ in West Seattle.

Kiel backOn stage were 20 aspiring models broken into two groups; the Little Royals were first-year models ages 5-10; followed by the Reign of Fashion models who ranged from 13-18 years old.  For many this was the first time they had ever walked a runway; but designer Carlisia Minnis from MAC Fashion House spent time with the models during the weeks leading up to the show to be sure that they were comfortable strutting their stuff on the catwalk.Karla stage

Behind the scenes were youth from the Unified Outreach program which consisted of teams of youth ages 13-18 who planned, designed, and delivered the 1 hour program. These teams consisted of Facilities/Stage Set-Up/Sound & Lighting, Promotions/PR/Marketing, Photo & Video Production, and Stage Management/Models/Runway.

David Toledo, one of the event organizers said, “The entire behind the scenes crew was made up of teens from 13 to 18 years old from the work training in the arts program. It can be hard to grasp the magnitude of what these kids were able to produce; especially when you consider that many had no experience of this sort just 4 weeks ago.  But tonight they did the sound and lighting, facilities, photo and video, stage set up, and everything else to deliver this flawless event.”4Culture Red Carpet Unified Outreach

Credit was also given to the program instructors April Goode, Edward Dumas, and Isis West-Goode; as well as the SYVPI counselors Nani, Lensy, Merry, and J’Quai who provided additional support to the kids during the 4 weeks of classes.

In the audience was a mixture of both local and national personalities, sports stars, political figures, media personalities, major advertising agencies, and merchandizing and department store buyers; provided the youth an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders and local heroes who were available for the meet & greet following the show.

The annual event is made possible with a financial grant from the Office of Arts & Culture, a technology grant from 4Culture, and a facility usage grant from West Seattle Christian Church.  Once all of the funding is in place Unified Outreach partners with the staff at SYVPI and SW Family Services to recruit youth ages 13-18 to participate in the program.

The work-readiness-in-arts partnership was created during the Mike McGinn mayoral era;  a result of Unified Outreach members engaging Mayor McGinn at art-related town halls.  Unified Outreach presented the idea that the City wasn’t doing enough by simply funding arts classes; but that kids need networking opportunities, as well as education and career tracks once the art class/workshop has ended.  Mayor McGinn was receptive and in 2011 the City launched the work-readiness grant program.

TKG Dance CrewAnd on Sunday, August 21, 2016 the Unified Outreach non-profit youth arts Charity took work-readiness programs to a whole other level with a custom designer fashion show that would put some industry-level entertainment companies to shame. The event was hosted by local celebrity Sammy Tekle, with music performances by Ali Rahimi, dance routine by TGK Dance Crew, and featuring a fully catered dinner by Goode Girls.

In addition to the custom design outfits by MAC Fashion House; this year Unified Outreach also welcomed Lu LaRoe who provided the outfits for the Little Royals.Runway walk

The Unified Outreach Work-Training in the Arts program returns in 2017. Visit http://www.UnifiedOutreach.com for details.

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The buffet and desert selection was provided free by Goode Girls Catering.

The event was held a the WSCC Exhibition Hall at 4400 42nd Ave SW.

 

For further information please visit www.UnifiedOutreach.com, email UnifiedOutreach@hotmail.com, or call 206-371-1139.

 

Animating Cartoons Summer Day Camp In West Seattle

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

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Animating Cartoons Summer Day-Camp for ages 9-14 (West Seattle)

Unified Outreach @ Ginomai Art Center in West Seattle provides a unique Summer Day-Camp option for Parents who are interested in seeing their child attain a stronger grasp of Arts & Technology in a fun and exciting environment.

An average afternoon of Summer Day-Camp will include educational exercises embedded in fun games designed to encourage personal growth, positive self-esteem and team building skills. The day will also include physical activities and outdoor time (as weather allows) including lunch in the park. But the highlight of each day will be working on the creation of a personal cartoon-animation using the kids’ own ideas, stories, drawings and voices; of which they will have their very own DVD to show to friends and family.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Our students are coached by knowledgeable, skilled instructors who will work with the kids each step of the way; from story development, to character design, digital imaging, cartoon animation, and voice-overs using industry-level production software including Adobe Photoshop, Flash, Soundbooth, and more.

Day Camp dates are: June 23 –June 27 June 30 – July 4 (yes we are open on 7/4) July 7 – July 11

Doors open at 8:30am and close at 5:30pm – Parents may drop off their child at any time during operational hours. $200 per student/week. Unified Outreach is a 501C3 Youth Arts Charity which has been Active in Seattle for over 10 years.

Register at www.UnifiedOutreach.com or call 206-371-1139 for more information on our Charity and out Summer Art Programs.

We are located at 4401 42nd Ave SW, West Seattle, 98116.

 

2014 Summer Day-Camp – Animating Cartoons June 23-27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11

Image | | King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

2014 Summer Day-Camp - Animating Cartoons June 23-27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11

Animating Cartoons Summer Day-Camp for ages 9-14 (West Seattle)

Unified Outreach @ Ginomai Art Center in West Seattle provides a unique Summer Day-Camp option for Parents who are interested in seeing their child attain a stronger grasp of Arts & Technology in a fun and exciting environment.

An average afternoon of Summer Day-Camp will include educational exercises embedded in fun games designed to encourage personal growth, positive self-esteem and team building skills. The day will also include physical activities and outdoor time (as weather allows) including lunch in the park. But the highlight of each day will be working on the creation of a personal cartoon-animation using the kids’ own ideas, stories, drawings and voices; of which they will have their very own DVD to show to friends and family.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Our students are coached by knowledgeable, skilled instructors who will work with the kids each step of the way; from story development, to character design, digital imaging, cartoon animation, and voice-overs using industry-level production software including Adobe Photoshop, Flash, Soundbooth, and more.

Day Camp dates are:
June 23 –June 27
June 30 – July 4 (yes we are open on 7/4)
July 7 – July 11

Doors open at 8:30am and close at 5:30pm – Parents may drop off their child at any time during operational hours. $200 per student/week.

Unified Outreach is a 501C3 Youth Arts Charity which has been Active in Seattle for over 10 years.

Register at http://www.UnifiedOutreach.com or call 206-371-1139 for more information on our Charity and out Summer Art Programs. We are located at 4401 42nd Ave SW, West Seattle, 98116.

Winter Break Cartooning Day Camp Hours Announced!

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

This year Unified Outreach launched its first summer day camp series with a focus on Animating Cartoons using the Adobe Flash animation program.  During the Seattle Public Schools 2012 Winter Break, Unified Outreach will again offer week-long day camp hours for parents who are interested in seeing their child attain a stronger grasp of todays Cartoon Animation technology.

An average afternoon of Winter Break Day-Camp will again include educational exercises embedded in fun games designed to encourage personal growth, positive self esteem and team building skills. Each day also includes physical activities and outdoor lunch time (as weather allows).  But the highlight of each day will be working on the creation of a personal cartoon-animation using the kids ideas, stories, drawings and voices.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Most students come in with no previous traditional or contemporary cartooning experience.  Each student is coached by multiple instructors who work with the kids each step of the way; from story development, to character design, digital imaging, cartoon animation, and voice-overs using industry-level production software including Adobe Photoshop, Flash, Soundbooth, and other software programs that were donated by Adobe Systems, Inc and King County 4Culture.

Doors open each day at 8:30am and close at 5:30pm – Parents have the flexability of dropping off and picking up their child at anytime during operational hours.  Class will also be offered on both Christmas Day and on New Years Day.

Each week is a stand-alone unit.  Students attending 2 weeks will have the opportunity to build on the skills they learned during the first week of class.

Unified Outreach is a 501C3 Youth Arts Charity which has been Active in Seattle for over 10 years.  Visit www.UnifiedOutreach.com for more details.

Animating Cartoons Summer Day-Camp Is A Success!

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

(By A. Thompson)

This year Unified Outreach launched its first summer day camp series with a focus on Animating Cartoons using the Adobe Flash animation program.

After over 10 years of offering a variety of free after-school Arts programs in the Seattle area – Unified Outreach@Ginomai Art Center in West Seattle launched a unique Summer Day-Camp option for parents who were interested in seeing their child attain a stronger grasp of Arts & Technology in a fun and exciting environment.

An average afternoon of Summer Day-Camp included educational exercises embedded in fun games designed to encourage personal growth, positive self esteem and team building skills. Each day also included physical activities and outdoor time (as weather allowed) including lunch in the park. But the highlight of each day will be working on the creation of a personal cartoon-animation using the kids ideas, stories, drawings and voices; of which they were able to share with friends and family via a internet cartoon and DVD.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Most students came in with no previous traditional or contemporary cartooning experience.  Each student was coached by multiple instructors who worked with the kids each step of the way; from story development, to character design, digital imaging, cartoon animation, and voice-overs using industry-level production software including Adobe Photoshop, Flash, Soundbooth, and other software programs that were donated by Adobe Systems, Inc and King County 4Culture.

Doors opened at 8:30am and closed at 5:30pm – Parents had the flexability to drop off and pick up their child at anytime during operational hours.

The 2012 camp operated a total of 3 weeks; with each week being a stand-alone unit.  In 2013 the camp plans to increase the number of weeks which it will operate.

Unified Outreach is a 501C3 Youth Arts Charity which has been Active in Seattle for over 10 years.  Visit www.UnifiedOutreach.com for more details.

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