In the Spotlight
- Marcy Francis and Jan Jeffries (l-r), 2007 Resident Artists of the Year. "Children need to know their hands are for art work not war," Marcy says.
Marcy Francis & Jan Jeffries,
Artists in Residence
In 2007, Marcy Francis and Jan Jeffries were the Arts & Spirituality Center’s resident artists of the year. These energetic and inspiring artists performed and led workshops at 11 different community organizations, schools, and events, reaching at least 800 of Philadelphia’s children and adults.
Since the early years of the Arts & Spirituality Center, Marcy has worked with us to bring spiritual rhythm to projects such as MasterPeace, We the Poets, and Arts After School (now operated solely by the Christian Association of the University of Pennsylvania). Together, Marcy and Jan lead unique rhythm workshops that promote self discovery, spiritual renewal, deep listening, stress relief, and respect for the earth. Marcy and Jan engage workshop participants and audiences through percussion, singing, and personal affirmation along with storytelling, African dance, and hip hop. Working with adults and youth in a variety of settings, including schools, camps, congregations, and hospitals, these two artists rejuvenate and inspire people to be creative, contributing members of their communities.
As the following video clearly illustrates, Marcy and Jan's workshops enlive students with spirit and vitality. Here they are working with students at Whittier Elementary in Philadelphia. But they also evoke the same energy with hospital patients, working professionals, and children of all ages.
Click here to see a 2-minute slideshow of this workshop at Whittier Elementary in North Philadelphia.
“Drumming inspires spiritual connection and community building,” Marcy explains. “Our drumming and singing creates a pathway to peace, allowing children to feel natural joy, love, peace, and happiness. The children need to know their hands are for art work not war.”
- Marcy & Jan following a recent performance at the Kelly Writers House.
Marcy Francis has been an artist in residence at the Arts & Spirituality Center for several years. She has performed throughout Philadelphia and the world as a vocalist, percussionist, and bassist and has collaborated with a variety of well-known artists, including Iyanla Vanzant and Leonard Nelson Hubbard (“Hub”) of The Roots. Jan Jeffries is an accomplished percussionist and dancer who has dedicated her life to studying rhythms from around world. A native of Philadelphia and a long-time resident of Hawaii, Jan has performed extensively throughout the United States and Asia.
Copyright 2007 Arts & Spirituality Center. All rights reserved.