From the Heart: River City Singers bring a message with their music.

October 31, 2018 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Illustration by Aron Rook.

Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.”

When you sit down and chat with members of the River City Singers, you learn that their repertoire is carefully crafted to lead observers down a particular path—one that is designed to be impactful, yet entertaining; thought provoking, yet accessible.

Uplifting songs brimming with messages of peace, love and inclusivity are designed to transport the observer away from the cares of the day, if but for a few hours.

A group of friends with a shared passion formed the River City Singers.

“About a dozen of us used to sing together,” said Harrisburg resident Sparkie Radcliffe, who serves as the group’s artistic director, along with David Walker. “When we stopped, I missed it terribly.”

Both Radcliffe and Walker bring considerable experience to the table, with musical bona fides including, but not limited to, Radcliffe’s position as the former musical arranger for the Arcona Reel Band and Walker’s positions as director of the Hummelstown Community Singers and the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus.

When the singer-friends decided to resurrect the idea of performing as a group, everything seemed to fall into place, including the practice venue.

“The Penbrook United Church of Christ was willing to give us much-needed rehearsal space, and various members of the church picked up that rental fee for us,” Radcliffe said. “They really are terrific people.”

Participants possess a wide range of musical experience, and the chorus is willing to work with anyone who is interested in joining.

“We welcome volunteer singers and instrumentalists from all ages, faiths, ethnicities and gender identities,” said Radcliffe.

As for musical instrumentation, it varies according to the mood of the song and currently includes piano, bass, drums and guitar.

In January, the chorus will celebrate its second anniversary. During this short period, it has expanded to 33 people, who rehearse each Monday night. Because the group is always open to new members, interested parties are invited to simply show up at the church to learn more.

“There’s not necessarily an audition, but we do require that they can carry a tune,” Radcliffe said, emphasizing that the group seeks passion over perfection. “Beyond that, any singer is welcome to join our chorus. Other choirs may be a bit more polished, but we sing from our hearts.”

Members of the chorus range in age from 19 to 84.

“That’s what makes it fun,” said Kathleen Daugherty, who has been with the group since its inception. “I love to sing. I’ve sung in churches and in my college choir. So, when Sparkie put out the invitation, I decided to join.”

According to Radcliffe, it’s not unusual for their performances to elicit a roller coaster of emotions.

“They bring both tears and laughter,” she said, reflecting back on one of the more light-hearted numbers performed last Christmas season. “We like to include the audience and, last year, when we performed ‘The 12 Days of Christmas,’ we divided them into 12 sections, and three of my neighbors were the three French hens.”

Daugherty broke into a wide smile at the thought, before referencing another song that most people find amusing.

“It’s called, ‘I Want to Stare at My Phone with You,” she said.

Like the makeup of the chorus, the material is inclusive, spanning cultures and generations.

Currently, the group is working on its upcoming holiday performances, most of which deliver a message.

“We sing a song called, ‘The Work of Christmas,’ which describes how the real work of Christmas comes after the excitement of the season is over,” said Daugherty.

When it comes to genres, the River City Singers refuse to be pigeonholed. Songs range from jazz to contemporary to ancient hymns. Radcliffe mentioned that the Indigo Girls song, “There’s Still My Joy,” may be performed on the same evening as “Boar’s Head Carol,” which dates back to the 15th century. Currently in the works—a Fred Rogers “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” tribute.

Radcliffe described the multi-faceted group as “multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-generational,” yet unified in one objective—to bring people together with a message of love.

For more information about the River City Singers, visit their Facebook page, “Harrisburg’s River City Singers.”

Sing Me a Song

The River City Singers have two shows coming up in December:

Dec. 2, 3 p.m.
Penbrook United Church of Christ
56 Banks St., Harrisburg

Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
Colonial Park United Church of Christ
5000 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg

Musical Notes: Fall Swingin’

October 31, 2018 | by Kait Gibboney

Fall is in full swing, and Harrisburg keeps coming out with some real hits. But, before we get to this month’s killer music, I want to highlight a few events that fall outside the usual conception of music concert.

The HBG Flea moves their monthly market indoors starting this month, giving you an opportunity to fully experience the cultural melting pot that is Strawberry Square. Check out some live music and local artisans while you’re there, and be sure to snag some vinyl while you’ve got music on the brain. If you’ve missed the magic that is a live “Rocky Horror” show during Halloween, H*MAC’s got your back this month with their annual performances on Nov. 2 and 3 by the H*MAC Theatre Co. And if you didn’t know already, River City’s got a killer karaoke setup every Thursday night, every week. Perfect for a night out after work and a perfect opportunity to sing your lil’ heart out.

Sometimes, it can be hard to keep track of all that our city has to offer, but it’s my hope that y’all get out and support the businesses and people that help to grow the arts and music scene in the city. Show your local love and get some live shows in your life.

JOEY CALDERAZZO, 11/4, 3PM, WITF, $10-24
If you’re feeling kinda jazzy, Central PA Friends of Jazz has got one heck of a show for you. Joey Calderazzo performs at WITF for the final concert on their 38th season. Associated with his former bandmates Michael Brecker and Branford Marsalis, Calderazzo has made a name for himself, forming his own group and touring extensively. He started his classical studies at the age of 6, started playing the piano when he was 8, studied with Richard Beirach, continued his musical education, and been part of many groups in his lifetime of music. In 1998, the Branford Marsalis Quartet pianist Kenny Kirkland died. Assuming his place in the band, Calderazzo eventually went on to be one of the first musicians to sign with Marsalis Music. Today, he’s known as one of the best pianists in the jazz field. Be prepared to be dazzled as Calderazzo plays the 9-foot Steinway piano at WITF’s Public Media Center.

FRUIT BOOTS / NATURAL VELVET, 11/10, 8PM, THE UNDERGROUND BIKE SHOP, $5
Drag shows are something that drew me to the city in college. It’s a fun evening of free gender expression and empowerment that I feel everyone should experience at least once. Fortunately, this is the Sundae Best Variety Show’s all-ages edition of their “Fruit Boots” show, which is a perfect introduction to anyone wanting a bit of punk drag performance in their lives. Joining the stage with the Fruit Boots cast is Natural Velvet, Baltimore natives who are bringing some post-punk aggression to the Underground Bike Shop. The group is made up of bassist and vocalist Corynne Ostermann, drummer Greg Hatem, guitarist Spike Arreaga and guitarist Kim Te. Their album, “She is Me,” is a good place to start to get a taste of their style, and their cover of David Bowie’s “Boys Keep Swinging” is one of my favorites. Get your fruits, get your boots, and get ready to rock!

EXPLODED VIEW, 11/12, 7PM, THE ABBEY BAR, $15
My introduction to Exploded View was through their music video for their song, “Summer Came Early.” Not only was it visually striking from a film standpoint, but their dreamy sound really drew me in. In 2014, Anika, a British political journalist turned musician, formed a new collaboration after playing a few solo shows in Mexico. She and local producers Martin Thulin, Hugo Quezada and Amon Melgarejo cultivated a truly unique sound that they felt had to be captured. Believing in the power of improvisational and raw music, their unscripted album was recorded by capturing every sound produced in the room, first takes only. Head on over to The Abbey Bar to experience their true sound in person, the way music is meant to be heard.

Mentionables:

Allen Stone, Nov. 20, H*MAC Capitol Room
The Machine, Nov. 21, Whitaker Center
Yam Yam, Nov. 21, The Abbey Bar
Kix, Nov. 23, Club XL
Atreyu, Nov. 23, H*MAC Capitol Room
The Dirty Sweet, Nov. 24, The Abbey Bar
Toubab Krewe, Nov. 27, The Abbey Bar

$4.5 million extension underway to link Fort Hunter Park to Greenbelt.

October 30, 2018 | by Lizzy Hardison

Local and state officials break ground on the Fort Hunter Link, which will connect the park in Susquehanna Township to the Greenbelt Trail via Wildwood Park in Harrisburg.

Have you ever wanted to ride your bike from Paxtang to Fort Hunter Park?

That could soon be possible, thanks to a $4.5 million expansion to the Capital Area Greenbelt Trail, which runs for 20 miles through five municipalities in Dauphin County.

A two-mile trail extension will create a contiguous route from Fort Hunter Park in Susquehanna Township to Wildwood Park in Harrisburg. Local and state officials gathered at Fort Hunter today to break ground on the new segment, which has an anticipated completion date of late 2019.

Framed by sweeping views of the Susquehanna River and the Rockville Bridge, project leaders hailed the trail’s potential to make Fort Hunter accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.

“When you’re out biking, who would not want to come here?” said Barry Schoch, a former PennDOT secretary who serves as president of the Capital Area Greenbelt Association’s board of directors. “With this connection, you can come up to Fort Hunter, attend one of the many events Dauphin County puts on, enjoy this beautiful view and ride your bike back home.”

Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, Fort Hunter is home to a historic mansion, outbuildings and playground. Its 40-acre grounds are popular for outdoor festivals, but the only safe way to travel to the park is by car, said Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick.

The Greenbelt extension will make the park accessible by foot and bike by creating a pedestrian lane on Front Street north of Linglestown Road. Front Street’s four traffic lanes will be reduced to three, with one turning lane and one northbound and southbound lane each for cars.

Traffic studies show the impact on motorists will be negligible, Hartwick said.

The project will also eliminate an on-road section of the Greenbelt trail along industrial sites near Wildwood Park. The new segment will start at the northern tip of Wildwood Park at Linglestown Road, running west to link with the new pedestrian lane on Front Street.

Click to enlarge the map of the 20-mile Greenbelt, including the 2-mile Fort Hunter Link.

In addition to the $4.5 million expansion, the leaders also heralded an additional $3 million in safety enhancements planned elsewhere along the Greenbelt.

Six sites along the trail will get new paving and crossing signals in coming months, including intersections at Front and Vaughn streets in Harrisburg; Herr Street and Parkway Drive in Harrisburg; Market and 28th streets in Penbrook; Paxton and 32nd streets in Penbrook; Route 511 at the Five Senses Garden in Swatara Township; and Cameron and Elliot streets near the Dauphin County Recycling Center in Harrisburg.

Other downtrodden segments of the Greenbelt will also be repaved, among them the riverfront trail outside the PennDOT building in Harrisburg.

The bulk of the $7.5 million project budget came from a $5 million grant from PennDOT. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources contributed $1 million, and the remainder came from state and county agencies, including Dauphin County Gaming Grants.

More than 400,000 visitors use the Greenbelt annually, Hartwick said. The 20-mile trail was conceived more than 100 years ago by Harrisburg resident Mira Lloyd Dock, who advocated for Harrisburg to join the nationwide City Beautiful movement and improve its public spaces.

Along with the landscape architect William Manning, Dock envisioned the Greenbelt as an “emerald necklace” connecting the city’s Riverfront Park to surrounding communities.

The project was partially completed by 1917, but extensions stalled until a group of residents formed the Capital Area Greenbelt Association in the 1990s. Grants that CAGA obtained in 1999 allowed it to complete the trail according to Dock’s original vision.

Plans for the CAGA Fort Hunter Link extension. (Courtesy of Dauphin County.)

Harrisburg U completes land purchase for new downtown building, now planned for 19 stories.

October 30, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology plans to build its new tower at this site at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg University has completed the purchase of four parcels of land in downtown Harrisburg, bringing it a step closer to starting construction of a new academic tower and hotel.

In mid-October, HU bought 24, 26 and 28 S. 3rd St., as well as 222 Chestnut St., for a total of almost $3.2 million, according to Dauphin County property records. As the new landowner, the university, next month, will begin going through the city’s planning and zoning processes, said HU President Eric Darr.

If all goes according to schedule, HU expects to begin clearing the site, which includes demolishing three small, 19th-century-era buildings, in late spring, and initiate actual building construction in the early summer.

“The plan was always to put together those different parcels for the project,” Darr said.

Darr said that he expects a two-year construction timeframe for the building, now projected to be 19 stories tall, with completion expected in the summer of 2021. Originally, the university had planned for the building to rise more than 30 stories, but the size was scaled back due to higher-than-anticipated costs.

“The cost of the project exceeded what we felt comfortable with,” Darr said.

As now envisioned, the 280,000-square-foot building will have two main components. An academic portion will house HU’s health sciences programs, as well as several other disciplines, including advanced manufacturing and interactive media. An on-site boutique hotel will include 190 rooms, Darr said.

HU, Darr said, is currently “in negotiation” with its hotel partner, which will operate the hotel privately. He added that he’s confident that Harrisburg easily can absorb a new hotel, as, already, the university attracts a large population of visiting students, who often must stay in hotels outside the city.

Many HU graduate students work in high-tech jobs throughout the United States and commute into Harrisburg several weekends per semester to take classes on site. In all, HU enrolls nearly 6,000 students, the far majority of whom are graduate-level.

“We bring in the demand on the weekends,” Darr said. “To have a hotel just makes sense to us.”

Another view of the future site of HU’s new building.

The original project plan included space for student housing, which, Darr said, remains a critical need. However, HU now expects to convert some underused downtown buildings to housing, which would be a less expensive alternative.

“We’re evaluating other properties close to us to retrofit for student housing,” Darr said.

The revised plan also eliminated parking from the project, which, Darr said, shouldn’t be an issue as the site is near several parking garages. The plan also calls for a first-floor restaurant.

In addition to shepherding the project through the city’s land use process, the university, in the coming months, will focus on firming up financing for the $130 million building. Darr said that he expects the academic portion of the project—estimated at $95 million—to be financed through a combination of university reserve funds and commercial loans or bonds. The hotel portion, estimated at $30 to $35 million, will be financed by the hotel owner.

Alex Wing of Stantec, an Edmonton, Canada-based design and engineering firm, is leading the project. Wing also designed HU’s existing, 16-story building on Market Street.

For more information about Harrisburg University, visit https://harrisburgu.edu.

Hundreds attend Harrisburg vigil honoring Pittsburgh shooting victims.

October 29, 2018 | by Lizzy Hardison

More than 200 people gathered on Monday evening at the Jewish Community Center in Harrisburg.

As the sun set over the Susquehanna River this evening, more than 200 people at the Harrisburg Jewish Community Center mourned the lives lost in a weekend shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, where a gunman killed 11 congregants in what federal prosecutors are calling a hate crime.

The vigil was held two days after a 46-year old gunman burst into the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where he reportedly shouted anti-Semitic rhetoric before shooting congregants at Shabbat services. Eleven of the victims perished, and another six were wounded, including four police officers.

In the days since the event, communities across the country have held vigils in solidarity with the Jewish community in Pittsburgh. A ceremony in Squirrel Hill on Sunday night drew thousands of attendees, according to reports.

Gov. Tom Wolf was scheduled to attend a vigil for the victims in York on Monday. On Thursday, Harrisburg mayor Eric Papenfuse’s Interfaith Advisory Council will hold a memorial service at 5:30 p.m. at the Pine Street Presbyterian Church.

Monday’s impromptu vigil was organized by Abby Smith, a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, and employees of the Jewish Community Center, who decided this afternoon to hold a public event. They publicized it on social media and by word of mouth.

The candlelight vigil was held in a field outside the Jewish Community Center, located on Front Street near Susquehanna Township. Two officers from the Harrisburg Police Bureau provided security from the back of the crowd.

JCC employee Andrea Weikart said the turnout far surpassed their expectations.

“It’s overwhelming to see this support from the community,” Weikart said.

Smith opened the ceremony with a moment of silence and then a prayer for the 11 victims. Rev. Russell Goodman of the Riverside United Methodist Church also offered a benediction, before Rabbi Eric Cytryn, leader of Beth El Temple, led the audience in Hebrew hymns and prayers.

Harrisburg resident Allen Fernandez, who is a Christian, attended the event to show support for the Jewish community.

“They’re hurting from a tragedy that no religious group should ever experience,” Fernandez said. “The Jewish community here has helped a lot of people I care about, and this is a moment to stand in solidarity and mourning with them.”

Fernandez said the vigil also offered an opportunity to reflect on the seemingly endless episodes of gun violence in the country.

“We’ve had shootings in schools, synagogues, churches, grocery stores – is there a place in this country where I won’t get shot?” Fernandez said. “Events like this bring me back from feeling numb about them.”

Federal prosecutors are investigating the Pittsburgh shooting as a hate crime. The alleged shooter, Robert Bowers, appeared in federal court today, where he faced 29 civil and criminal charges, including 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of religious belief resulting in death.

State prosecutors have also charged Bowers with 11 counts of homicide and six counts of attempted homicide.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Pittsburgh announced on Sunday it would seek the federal death penalty for Bowers if he is convicted.

Renewed Hope: Historic Jackson Hotel set for new owner; restoration planned.

October 26, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda

The historic Jackson Hotel at 1006 N. 6th St. in Harrisburg

One of Harrisburg’s most endangered historic properties has renewed hope today, as a local contractor has agreed to buy the building and take on the ambitious restoration.

Developer Matt Long said that he expects to close next week on the purchase of the former Jackson Hotel on the 1000-block of N. 6^th Street. He then plans to empty out the large quantity of rubble inside the building and stabilize it for winter.

“It probably will take us a month to pull everything out of it,” Long said. “Then we need to stabilize the foundation.”

Earlier this year, the city condemned the circa-1884, Second Empire mansion, which served for decades as the Jackson Hotel, run by hotelier German Jackson. Starting in the 1920s, Jackson ran the hotel and rooming house to serve a primarily African-American clientele, including many black celebrities, who were denied service in Harrisburg’s whites-only establishments.

Jackson, who died in 1993, willed the building to his friend Dave Kegris, owner of the Jackson House restaurant next door. But the building became caught up in a prolonged legal battle over Jackson’s estate and sat empty for years.

Recently, several Harrisburg residents have bought the building to try to save it, but the restoration has proven to be too extensive and expensive. A few years ago, much of the roof caved in, the interior staircase collapsed and the floors pancaked, leaving a large pile of debris inside.

The current owner, Jeremiah Chamberlin, said that he met Long recently while Long’s company, Harrisburg Commercial Interiors, was working on another challenging restoration—the dilapidated commercial buildings at the corner of North and Susquehanna streets in Harrisburg.

“I saw the work he was doing, and it’s quality work,” Chamberlin said, who described their meeting as “kismet.” “So, I decided to pass it on to someone else who is capable and can do a good job.”

Long said that his team will begin clearing out the Jackson Hotel soon after the sale, which is expected to close on Nov. 2.

After the building is emptied out and stabilized, Long’s company will construct a completely new interior and roof, he said. He said that he plans to build an open floor plan that can accommodate a variety of uses.

He hopes to save as much of the facade as possible, he said, including the large brick exterior wall that features a mural of prominent African Americans who once stayed at the hotel or who are locally famous.

For the project, Long has engaged structural engineer Ed Davis of Schuylkill Haven-based Miller Brothers Construction. They also worked together on the North Street project.

“We applaud this very encouraging step,” said David Morrison, executive director of Historic Harrisburg Association. “The Jackson House has been on our ‘Preservation Priorities’ list since 2000.”

TheBurg Podcast: “Time will Tell” Edition.

October 26, 2018 | by Admin

Fall colors at the riverfront Peace Garden in Uptown Harrisburg.

Harrisburg entered a brave new world this week when Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Municipal Financial Recovery Act (HB2557) into law, granting the city a one-way ticket out of Act 47 and financial distress.

In this week’s episode of TheBurg Podcast, Lizzy and Larry answer all your burning questions about what comes next. They also break down the findings of a recent city-wide housing study, which predicts a shortfall of more than 200 rental units in Harrisburg over the next three years.

Listen to the episode here, or subscribe to TheBurg Podcast in your Apple or Android podcast app.

Read more about the topics discussed in this episode at TheBurgNews.com

Senate passes Harrisburg Act 47 bill, ending city’s financial distress and preserving taxes for five years.
Harrisburg convinced lawmakers to let it leave Act 47. What’s next?
Housing Study: Harrisburg faces shortage of rental housing now, expected to get worse
Please Unleash Me: Harrisburg’s first dog park set to open.

TheBurg Podcast is released semi-monthly by TheBurg Magazine. It is recorded in the offices of Startup Harrisburg and produced by Lizzy Hardison. Special thanks to Paul Coolley, who wrote our theme music.

Please Unleash Me: Harrisburg’s first dog park set to open.

October 25, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg’s first public dog park is built and about to open its gates.

Calling all poodles, labs and greyhounds

All purebreds and mutts.

All canines, large and small.

For the first time, Harrisburg has a legal place for you to walk, scamper and romp untethered.

This Monday, Friends of Midtown and city officials will inaugurate Harrisburg’s first public dog park with a ribbon-cutting on the site at N. 7^th and Granite streets.

The opening will culminate years of work by Friends of Midtown to raise funds for the park, then build it.

“We are so grateful for the generous donations and efforts of Harrisburg residents, businesses and community organizations to make this park come to life,” said Annie Hughes, who, along with husband Andy, headed up the dog park task force.

The couple began the project about two years ago after moving to Midtown and wanting more space for their energetic dog to run off-leash. They approached Friends of Midtown, which encouraged them to pursue the idea.

Developer Vartan Group agreed to donate an empty plot of land, and the task force began raising the funds needed to build the park and run it for two years. More than $9,000 was raised from people, businesses and community organizations to get the park up and running. However, an additional $5,000 is required to maintain operations over two years, so fundraising continues.

For the past several weekends, volunteers have worked to fence off the ½-acre site, install signs and otherwise prepare for the grand opening and the arrival of dogs and their owners.

“This dream has been more than two years in the making and has been realized by the incredible and determined efforts of Annie and Andy Hughes. They have been leading the charge the entire time,” said Kate Moyer, Friends of Midtown president. “Friends of Midtown is thrilled to have been a part of bringing this much needed and oft-requested amenity to the City of Harrisburg.”

The Midtown dog park is considered to be a pilot project and expected to be in place for two years. The city plans to use data from the pilot to construct a permanent public dog park. A dog park is included as part of its Reservoir Park Master Plan improvements.

The dog park, which is free to use, will be open dawn to dusk, seven days a week.

The Friends of Midtown Community Dog Park is located at 1730 N. 7^th St., Harrisburg. It will officially open on Monday, Oct. 29, at 4 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dog bandanas and travel dog bowls, donated by Mid Penn Bank, will be given to the first 30 or so dogs.

To make a donation, please visit https://chuffed.org/project/fomdogpark.

A full list of dog park rules & regulations is available on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FOMComDogPark/.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 25, 2018 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

Couple of important things. Quick poll: Trick or Treat?

Also, should I provide candy for the neighborhood even though it’s really in the middle of dinner time and bedtime?

Also, uh, my kid turns 1 on Monday. Yes, time flies (except those first 6 months). We’re throwing him (us) a party on Sunday to celebrate, so aside from visiting a pumpkin patch/apple orchard today (#basic), that’s my weekend. Alert: The Steelers game is not televised. Here are your solutions.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Heartbreak, in Art: “Familias Separadas” installation arrives in Harrisburg.

October 25, 2018 | by Rachel Jenkins

“Familias Separadas” installation concept for Capitol steps. All photos Michelle Angela Ortiz.

United we stand, divided we fall. It’s a strong sentiment to consider, especially given America’s current state of political unrest.

Starting today, artist Michelle Angela Ortiz is bringing one of the most divisive issues right to Harrisburg—immigration—particularly the treatment of certain immigrant families who came to Pennsylvania seeking refuge.

The issue of immigration may not seem prominent in central Pennsylvania, far away from the U.S. southern border. But, through her art, Ortiz shows that the issues surrounding the treatment of immigrants seeking asylum in the United States is much closer than we think.

She’s putting faces, stories and families to something that is often left anonymous and not discussed—the word immigrant. Her project, titled “Familias Separadas,” shines a spotlight on immigrant families that have been held in the Berks Family Detention Center in Berks County.

“Familias Separadas” billboard

Better Lives

Familias Separadas will offer an intimate look at the stories of four mothers and their desires to give their children safe and bright futures. Installations will be placed throughout Harrisburg to help engage residents and visitors to the city.

Through Ortiz’s art, mediums will include billboards, bus shelters and even the Capitol steps, all acting as a voice for mothers who have felt silenced.

In addition to the installations, videos of interviews will be released, as will a small publication of writings and drawings inspired by Ortiz’s conversations with these families. The project, designed to heighten public awareness, will be centered around the connection and love each of the women has for her children.

“The love of children is missing when we look at the larger narrative of immigration and when it’s specific to family detention,” said Ortiz. “The media’s quick to label the families’ mothers and fathers as criminals breaking the law. But, really, the risk of leaving their home country is based on seeking a better life for their child and love for their child and for the future of their child.”

The first phase of this project began in Philadelphia in 2015, when installations were placed around the city to depict the stories of families torn apart by deportation. This award-winning project featured the phrase, “We Are Human Beings, Risking Our Lives, For Our Families and Our Future,” stenciled outside the ICE building, proving that Ortiz is no stranger to making her art known to the people she believes need to hear it most.

“Living in Philadelphia, we have the Liberty Bell. We have the Declaration of Independence. We have all of these symbols of the foundation of what we call our democracy and freedom,” Ortiz said. “And what does that mean when, an hour and a half away from Philadelphia, we have a prison that incarcerates children? And their parents, who are just seeking protection.”

That’s why Harrisburg became Ortiz’s choice for phase two of “Familias Separadas.”

The Berks County-run center, about an hour’s drive from Harrisburg, receives $1.3 million in federal funds to imprison families, including children, toddlers and infants, according to Shut Down Berks Coalition’s campaign coordinator Jasmine Rivera

“It’s not legal on the federal level or the state level,” said Rivera. “I want to be abundantly clear that there is no legal way to put families in prison. Not in Pennsylvania, not anywhere in our country. Every single day families are incarcerated, the law is being broken.”

Rivera has worked with Ortiz on projects in the past and recognizes the importance of her work in spreading the word and empowering people to take action.

“[Ortiz] has been able to really utilize art as another way to not only work with the mothers and provide that healing, but as another way to educate people through a different means,” she said.

Artwork from a child formerly detained at Berks

Deep Connection

Politics and removal orders aside, this art is a connection between Ortiz and mothers with lives, children and aspirations of their own.

When Ortiz began phase two of “Familias Separadas,” she connected with 14 mothers and families that were being held in the detention center. Ten of these women were deported soon after, creating a feeling of uncertainty for the remaining mothers.

“[The mothers] were tired of talking about their stories for their court cases,” Ortiz said. “They were fed up with writing campaign letters. If anything, they saw this as a loss, the 10 mothers being deported. So, I came at a moment where I wasn’t really asking them to do a campaign letter or do something to advocate.”

Instead, she asked to have a conversation. Ortiz wanted to listen to the women talk about their lives before imprisonment and learn what was happening to them within the center. She ultimately discovered a deep connection in that all of their lives were centered around their children.

Detained mother with her written story.

During the making of this project, the four mothers that Ortiz worked with were released from the center and sent to live in different cities throughout the country. While this created a new logistical challenge for Ortiz, the releases worked in her favor by allowing the mothers to speak more freely about their experiences in the center.

The identities of the women in Ortiz’s art will be protected while their stories are shared through murals, quotes and videos online.

While this art is focused on human connection and empathy, Ortiz knows her art comes at an important time of year.

“We have the power to demand from our representatives to make the changes that are necessary,” said Ortiz, citing this month’s election. “We can end family detention here in Pennsylvania. So, this art is about informing people and giving them the tools to take action.”

For more information on Michelle Angela Ortiz and the “Familias Separadas” installations, visit her website at www.michelleangela.com/familias-separadas. A press conference is slated for Nov. 3 on the steps of the state Capitol.

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