·         Trapeta Mayson, a native of Liberia, is a 2002 Pew Fellow in Poetry. She received her B.A. from Temple University, and her M.S.S. from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work, Pa.  Mayson’s work has been published in Panorama Poetry Journal, Defiance Literary Journal, Aura – University of Alabama Literary Journal and Drumvoices 2000 Poetry Anthology. She has been an artist-in-residence at Art Sanctuary in Philadelphia and Callaloo Writer’s Workshop at the University of Virginia, among others, and is co-founder with jazz artist Monette Sudler of Sisters in Music and Poetry. She has conducted poetry workshops at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, and the Germantown Women’s Center in Philadelphia.  Mayson has received many awards for her writing and her activism including a 1999 fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Barbara Deming Moore Memorial Fund.

 

·         Monnette Sudler-Honesty is a jazz guitarist and soulful and electrifying composer. She is an innovative band leader and recording artist, engaging her audiences with her sweet and rich vocal styling and poetry. Her original compositions and arrangements are diverse and provide a vehicle for further expression. Monnette Sudler is a member of the American Composers Forum and Chamber Music America.  Ms. Sudler has been music director and composer in residence for the Art Sanctuary for the past four years and is delighted to participate in the North Stars’ production “Waiting.”

 

·         The Twin Poets (Al & Nnamdi) are devoted to the empowerment of our community, especially our youth.  As master social workers, and spoken word artist they exemplify the role of activist.Their commitment to lyrical integrity and the social work that accompanies their words has earned them numerous awards; most recently: the 2006 Village Awards from the State of Delaware Department of Youth and Families, 2005 Christi Award for Community Service through the Arts and Mentors of the Year Awards. Al & Nnamdi were also apart of the Peabody Award winning HBO-Def Poetry series. The brothers travel nationally and internationally sharing their work and their words. They have been artist in residence at many high schools, colleges and universities among them: Camden Medical Arts, Doane College and Gettysburg College.  The Twin Poets have been instructors with the Art Sanctuary for 3 years.  They are currently working on their fourth CD entitled: A Protest of Two Brothers and their first full length poetry/ social commentary book to be entitled: Essays of our Existence.

 

·         Ira Bond is a performer, education, percussionist and African folklorist of ten years. He is the co-director of Dzifa Performing arts company, Drumtala of Philadelphia.  Ira also has an African drum school where children and adults can learn about traditional folklore and artistry. African Masquerade is Ira’s specialty. He maintains 15 traditional African Masquerades in full dress. These masquerades are from countries like Guinea, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal. One of the most popular of these masks is the Chakaba danced on stilts as high as 6 feet!

 

·         Latonya Grant a native of Philadelphia began her dance training at age 5. She has received training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African, and Hip-Hop at the New Freedom Theater, Philadanco, West Chester University and Koresh. LaTonya is a graduate of West Chester University where she earned a B.A. in Psychology, founded the BSU Dance Co., and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She later obtained her master's degree in Counseling Psychology. LaTonya has had the opportunity to train and perform extensively with Montazh Performing Arts Company in Philadelphia. LaTonya has taught various dance styles to students in after school programs, dance schools and churches throughout Philadelphia.  After spending a year touring both nationally and internationally with the acclaimed Step Afrika! Dance Company, LaTonya has returned to Philadelphia and to the Art Sanctuary North Stars Program.  She feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with the dynamic artists and students of this phenomenal program again.