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Acclaimed (and Controversial) Director Spike Lee Honored by ArtWell in Fishtown


The last place one might anticipate to find acclaimed Hollywood director Spike Lee on a Saturday night is in a performing arts center at the intersection of York and Gaul Streets in Fishtown. Right?

On October 17, 2015, ArtWell — a nonprofit organization that seeks to educate poverty-stricken youth— honored Academy Award nominee Spike Lee, along with former board member Lynne Horoschak and alumnus Jerron Corley, at 2424 Studios for their contributions to the performing arts community.

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Following a series of live performances — including poetry readings, jazz ditties and dance numbers — Lee, the 2015 recipient of the ArtWell Visionary Leader Award, spoke to the congregation, stressing the importance of art and the proliferation of its impartment on young people in an educational setting. Then, as a token of his gratitude, Lee regaled the audience with a private viewing of his upcoming feature film, Chi-raq.

Lynne Horoschak is an educator at (and alumna of) Moore College of Art and Design. She received the Miki Young ArtWell Leader Award for her tireless efforts and contributions to the organization.

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ArtWell bestowed upon Jerron Corley, a California University of Pennsylvania journalism major, the ArtWell Student Award. Corley followed up his acceptance with a delivery of his own original work of poetry entitled “Educate and Elevate.”

ArtWell seeks to teach underprivileged youth about art and its relevance in society today. The event raised over $135,000 for the Philadelphia-based organization.

Lee’s Chi-raq, a satirical film based on an ancient Greek comedy written by Aristophanes, has caused a great deal of controversy because the title of the work allegedly casts the city of Chicago in an unflattering light.

Here is a link that further analyzes the dispute:

http://www.ibtimes.com/chiraq-controversy-chicago-alderman-protests-new-spike-lee-film-refuses-grant-permit-1961642

 

 Photos courtesy of ArtWell.

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