together arts center

Last evening I went to an art show at a local art center in Khartoum.
It is run by this kick a** woman. She runs art workshops and started an organization for Women artist a few years ago. She thinks for herself and wants more people in her country to be able to express themselves. She was talking about how it is hard for women to get out of the house and that by creating the womens art organization she created a space for they to get out and do something. She also talked about the lack of arts in schools and art appreciation. She wants her gallery to be a place not only for artist to get together and create but for the public to come and see and learn to appreciate arts. It was so refreshing to talk to her and see local art work.

Then after that I went to a cool cafe that also had art work (Debanga -Cafe and Gallery).
And finally a nice restaurant/cafe called Solitaire. I felt like I was out in Philly for first friday..visiting local galleries and checking out the art scene.
It was great!

One of my collegues took pictures..so Ill post some later.

Im about to have the first (of hopefully many) dance parties on my roof. Enough lamenting about there being no clubs or places to dance here. I am creating my own dance space. I just downloaded lots! of music and its Thursday night ! (my friday night).

..oh and another funny thing...my name Marissa...apparently means "locally brewed alcohol"..i think thats why some folks laugh when they hear my name....