Above: Green Roof, by Lauren Stanley

Join Us: Continuing the Annual Pledge Drive Journey

To those who have donated since our Annual Pledge Drive Reborn Article, you have our thanks and deepest gratitude. To those who have not yet felt to donate to our annual pledge drive, we are happy to accept your gift at any time, in any amount, at any frequency – be it once a year, monthly, or weekly.

I’d like to tell you what SICA means to me, what SICA has done for me, and what I hope SICA will be able to do in the future – with your help and participation.

What SICA Means to Me:

When I arise every day, I am greeted by a beautiful wood and rice paper lamp made by Subud brother Aaron Mann and a liberating watercolor created by Subud sister Andrea Maynard. When I walk to the kitchen I’m greeted by a photograph of the gallery window from the World congress in Spokane, which was a collaborative exhibit mounted by Anna and Omson Schroeder (Omson proposed to Anna on the way back from securing the gallery for their show). A book by Paul Nelson, another Subud brother awaits me, just published, with cover art by Roberta Hoffman, another Subud sister.

Gallery Window of Subud International Congress in Spokane WA 1997 by Omson and Anna Schroeder

DaySong Miracle (Past 62) by Paul E. Nelson, cover art by Roberta Hoffman

When I drive home from picking up friends at the airport, I experience grateful memories en route of one of the first green roofs in Seattle created by Lauren Stanley, another Subud sister. This reminds me of Antoine Predock and the Tacoma Art Museum.  Below:  Tacoma Art Museum, Antoine Predoc Architect, photos by Kevin Wildermuth.

Then all this leads me to the translations and postings by another Subud brother of the writings of Shaikh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani.

The point is that all these accrue to my life, and how I view the value of SICA; and for that I am deeply grateful.

What Has SICA Done for Me?

The immediate answer would be partial funding to mount a free public outdoor concert, including original compositions, poetry by my Subud brother Paul Nelson, promotional graphics by Roberta Hoffman, and an ongoing recording project of the original compositions. That’s only the tip of the iceberg! In the process, I also received invaluable guidance and feedback from SICA Board Members, especially Fayra Teeters,  which enabled the receipt of a much larger grant from a public arts organization.  These two grants, along with my previous track record, will allow me to continue and grow my creative endeavors.

Equally important has been the exposure to many very competent Subud members with which to collaborate: many I have just met in the last year, many I’ve known for many years, and some with whom I’ve become reacquainted.

What Are my Hopes for the Future of SICA-USA?

To provide support and guidance to Subud members in the ways most useful to them to continue their projects.  For some, this might be receiving Project Grant funding. For others, it might be less about funding and more about documentation of support from SICA. For others, it might be mentoring for grant writing, help with organization and flow to be able to successfully complete a project, or guidance on creation of a realistic calendar and budget.

In addition to this, we have our regular posts highlighting Subud members – such as the excellent post about Lucas Richman and the Bangor Symphony. Most importantly, we have our ever-expanding Current and Legacy Galleries of SICA-USA Creatives.

Your support makes all these projects possible. Thank you for your donation.

With sincere gratitude,

Jim O’Halloran