Alexandria’s distinguished shop, A Show of Hands, which does double time as a hub of art and community activity, has taken on consignment twelve original, self-taught artworks by Shauna Lee Lange. Six pieces are photographic works taken between 2006 – 2008 and the remaining six works are reproduction pictorial archives of printer’s ornaments in a variety of pencil types. Lange’s pencil work is unlike any other currently on shop’s display, where over 200 artists are represented.

Pat Miller, one of the locally made craft and artwork boutique owners, juggles interacting and conversing with shop customers, the city’s Sheriff, two artists on consignment, and two babies all in the course of a half hour on a Saturday morning. Miller IS a mover and a shaker and her shop on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue not only promotes arts as a whole in the community, but serves as lifeline to Miller’s investment in the arts. It is no wonder the shop was named as Virginia Retailer of the Year. Miller is involved with the City of Alexandria’s Arts Commission and she is the vital linchpin in Del Ray’s Arts on the Avenue (Oct. 4, 2008).

We thank Pat for her enthusiasm and support of this writer, and we look forward to working with her in a variety of arts capacities in the near future.

Washington DC’s Shauna Lee Lange Arts Advisory has donated an original artwork in pencils and reproduction renaissance printers blocks to the Washington DC non-profit organization Beyond Talent. Beyond Talent, headed by Ellie Phillips, will be holding a fundraising event in the upcoming months. The education fundraiser will feature a silent auction of donated artworks to support its causes of success.

More than 50 percent of the students who enter DC high schools do not graduate. For many, a GED or other high school-equivalent credentials offer a second chance to get the education they so desperately need to begin a career, and support themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately the drive and intelligence needed to earn a GED are often not enough. Adult learners face a host of other financial, social, and emotional challenges that can delay or prevent graduation from a GED program.

Beyond Talent believes that no one is better equipped to help non-traditional learners face these challenges than the people who have already overcome them. Beyond Talent matches top GED graduates with current GED students in mentoring relationships that provide the current students with the insight and support necessary to overcome adversities and achieve their educational goals.

In addition to core mentoring programs, Beyond Talent provides financial and other support to program participants eager to continue their education at college or in vocational training and certification programs. Beyond Talent is also developing other innovative ways to build capacity and foster academic achievement among non-traditional learners beyond the high school-equivalent level.

Explanatory text about Beyond Talent is adapted from their website.