What's Happening

Our Tapestry is our Masterpiece
“Our Tapestry is a Masterpiece” is a live interactive presentation delivered through the medium of performance art, spoken word and creative interactive activities, to underscore the long history and contributions of people of African ancestry and to illustrate how each of us bring our own special unique gifts to the human experience. The presentation is natural and organic, and is built around original poems from Mello's collection. Authentic, relatable, interactive, engaging, inspiring, uplifting, entertaining and educational all-in-one, Our Tapestry is Our Masterpiece appeals to all ages and backgrounds. Using a multidisciplinary educational approach, Mello combines artistry, creativity, and intellect to harness historical knowledge in order to teach and educate a wide range of audiences.

Good Beautiful Morning (GBM)
A multidisciplinary art event, Good Beautiful Morning (GBM) features original art installations constructed by Mello as well as a showcasing of his live performances held in collaboration with a community of like-minded burgeoning performing artists. The event is co-curated with Donna Johnson, Event Director and featured Collaborative Artist who formally opens the Speakeasy-like atmosphere with a participatory collaborative art experience.

The Good Beautiful Morning art installation is a unique portrait of the tapestry that runs from Africa across the once agonizing Atlantic sea to where we stand today. An engaging visual art presentation, the installations take us on a silent reverential immersive spiritual journey as it archives and re-presents selective traumatic and tragic episodes of social and cultural relevance endured by people of African ancestry.

Reviews
On February 22, 2020, according to one guest: “Great food and conversation, inspirational art, personalized activities and the musical performances all came together so beautifully."

Said another: "Good Beautiful Morning was magnificent ... felt as if we were in the presence of greatness. From the very beginning, as you uttered the words to "Tapestry", it was magical ... I sang along with you, clapped all through "Mek me Gwaan an' Go Lang" and felt myself moved, yet again, by "Farewell Mama." Beautiful memories, Mello. You've started something that I know will blossom in the hearts, minds and hands of many of those who were there last night. I include myself in that community. Thank you for lighting the fire ... "

Thank you! Thanks to our partners, our friends and collaborators who believed. Love to one, and to all.

Watch Good Beautiful Morning Retrospective 2020

GBM Teaser
November 30, 2019, saw the launch of the GBM project as a teaser event. A precursor to the main event on February 22, 2010, the teaser turned out to be an intimate interactive multi-media experience that inspired, uplifted and meaningfully moved.

Photos from November 30, 2019 Courtesy of Lesley Lahti

Our experience with Mello Ayo’s dynamic and interactive presentation was incredible. From the first exchange he communicated a genuine sense of caring for justice, art and education. His commitment to the project was demonstrated through his reliable and active interest in the activity. Mr. Ayo’s interweaving of speech, art and music was extremely engaging and informative, with many of his comments continuing to reverberate in the minds of viewers for weeks to come.

Performances
Showcasing "Our Tapestry is our Masterpiece" before audiences including parents and teachers is never dull. Great learning and fun for everyone involved.