The goal is to use this space — well, technically the space below — to continue the discussion of successful practices in the current economy that began at Monday’s Town Hall meeting.

For example, Alex Trouteuad of Spry PR highlighted a great marketing trick that had worked well for the brain geniuses at Synchronicity Theatre.

The main questions we’re looking to answer are:

• Which specific strategies work for your arts organization in this economy?
• Which strategies don’t work?
• What can the Atlanta community do to help your organization?
  
• Did you think that the MAACC event was helpful?
  

Hopefully, these answers will create an ongoing dialogue for members of the arts and culture community.  It’s so great to be able to learn from everyone else’s experiences, and I would love for the discussion to continue.  (Here.)

And, if you’re bored enough, you can even read other posts on our blog.  Let’s just hope things don’t get that bad.

While I am uneasy about event titles with ellipses, “Do Tell” looks pretty neat. Even better — two of the Wren’s Nest Ramblers, Akbar Imhotep and Curtis Richardson, are on the docket.

(Curtis doing his thing in our storytelling garden, captured by Michael Cogliantry)

Interestingly enough, only one hour of the storytelling is designated as “stories for families and children.”  Printing mistake or bucking that whole “children love stories” trend?  Either way, color me intrigued!

You know I love anything hosted at a fine arts center that threatens to veer off into blue territory.

Think you’ll go?  Me too.  Find tickets here.

We do.  Because IT JUST HAPPENED!

You’ll note that the address is ours, but neither Steve Harvey nor Grown Folks Radio reside here.  Well, at least not today.

To our knowledge, Mr. Harvey has not requested that all of his mail be sent here.  Which is not to say that we’re not up for it, by the way.  I bet he gets all sorts of promotional mugs.

In the meantime, to our undoubtedly huge readership at 102.5fm: want to come pick this up?

(Here’s the entire list, in case any of you are really into Atlanta history.)

I wonder if they were all aware that their names flanked our materials, or if Andrew Carnegie was just like, “Ladies, ladies, chill out!  These Presidents–these Presidents are so busy, they’ll never know.  Go ahead, put them on the stationary.  And if anyone complains, I’ll take care of ‘em.”

Also, no offense to our current board, but come on.  You guys are clearly not famous enough.  I’m looking at you, Harold.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Just figured we’d keep you up to date on what’s happening in our backyard.

They’re in a wedding here tomorrow, and currently getting a feel for the venue.  You never know about backyard acoustics, I guess.

Also, please pardon the cinematography.  I’m just learning how to use the camera.

Nope, not him.

Not her either, though she looks ready to party.

He’s fictional, dummy.

Nuh-uh. Good guess, though.

I’m pretty sure not him. Though I didn’t actually check.

Bing bing bing bing! That’s right, today is Executive Director Lain’s birthday! Look at you, smartypants.

Here’s Lain hesitantly celebrating his birthday for the first time.

The goals for this year’s celebration are:

1. Lain does not pass out headfirst into a cake. A beer, maybe.
2. Lain vaguely understands what’s going on.
3. Charlie Brown flatware (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it).

Please join me in wishing Lain the happiest of birthdays. Or at least one that ranks in his top 17.

Thanks, y’all.

In case you ever wanted to know what’s across the street from the Wren’s Nest, here you go:

I didn’t realize they had parked there until it was too late.

At any rate, we don’t have very far to go for paint. Or hair stylin’.

1. Raise enough money to stay in business and maybe, just maybe, pay the staff.
2. Preserve the legacy of Joel Chandler Harris and the heritage of African American folklore.
3. To once, just once, be considered grown folk.

Against all odds, we’re closing in on #3!

(The Wren’s Nest is going on! The Wren’s Nest is going on!)

Tomorrow morning Atlanta’s own 102.5 Grown Folks Radio will be coming to the Wren’s Nest! They’ll be broadcasting live from the Nest as part of their Black History Month tour from about 11am – 1pm. You can find out more about the tour here.

Tune in, Atlanta readers!

Note: If you hear someone in the background asserting they’re a “grown folk” and then giggling, that’s me! Being famous!

Also, this may become the Wren’s Nest’s new catchphrase, if I have anything to say about it:

No fledgling folks allowed! Except for assertive toddlers. They’re cool by me.