Flutter Productions Receives $150,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Heather Janssen
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox News
Date: 8/4/2017
Abstract: Story:Flutter Productions is getting a big helping hand in their mission of inclusion among all people, with or without disabilities.
For nearly a decade, Flutter Productions has called Rapid City home - leaving much of the community inspired, and giving people of all abilities the chance to shine.
Director of Flutter Productions, Heather Pickering says, "They don't necessarily have a positive idea or picture of themselves in their head, because they aren't seen as mainstream. They aren't seen as something that is 'a normal part of life.'"
Now with a little help from the National Endowment for the Humanities, they're working to grow even further.
The NEH has awarded a $150,000 challenge grant to the Black Hills Works associated company, to be distributed over the next three years.Flutter must match the $150,000 over that time.
Pickering says, "It was really exciting to us that they saw a value in the work that's being done with individuals with disabilities in the arts."
URL: http://https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Flutter-Productions-receives-150000-grant-from-National-Endowment-for-the-Humanities-438620813.html
Local author's book hopes to raise awareness for people of diversabilities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox News
Date: 4/2/2018
Abstract: Television interview that profiled Mr. Janis and his hopes for his book being released in April of 2018 entitled, "The Chair Is Not Me." To be remembered, leave a positive impact. That's the goal of many. Heather Pickering says, ' He has a small group of people, small but mighty group of people that are really excited to see him share his abilities with a wider audience.' James Janis is one of those people. JJ says, ' it was painstaking work, but I wouldn't change it for anything.' His friends and family call him JJ, through his writing he hopes to never be forgotten. JJ says, ' No No No the chair is not me, Yes Yes Yes, I long to be free.' Powerful words, from a stronger man. And the purpose for his book? JJ says,' Its time to change people's perceptions of people with diversabilites.' JJ's purpose is to eliminate the first impression many get when they first see him. JJ says, ' The chair is only a vehicle I use to get around. It doesn't define me, it doesn't say who I am.' ...
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Local-authors-book-hopes-to-raise-awareness-for-people-of-diversabilities-478586103.html
Local author has book released to good sized crowd (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox
Date: 4/20/2018
Abstract: In the beginning of April we introduced you to local author James Janis as he got ready for the release of his book "The Chair is not me" and on April 20th it was the time for the book reveal, It was a standing room only in the cafe of Books A Million. The purpose of the book is to raise awareness about people who live with diverse abilities. JJ, who himself is in a wheelchair had help with the book from some local artists from the Suzie Cappa Art Center. The book has touched many in the community who have known JJ since the beginning and serves as a learning experience for all...Over 50 copies of the book were sold on the first night. If you are interested in picking up a copy they will be available at the Suzie Cappa Art Center in downtown Rapid City.
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Local-author-has-book-released-to-good-sized-crowd-480435373.html
James "JJ" Janis want(s) people to see beyond the chair (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Date: 5/2/2018
Abstract: James "JJ" Janis wants people with disabilities to come out into the open and talk about them, but he also wants people to see beyond the mechanized wheelchair that helps him get around. The Chair is Not Me, is the title of a book of poems and prose he's just published, which he hopes will spark a dialogue between diversely abled communities.
"My primary purpose," says Janis, "is to foster an understanding between the diverse ability community and those that don't have a disability. It's getting better but we need to do more work and by we, I'm talking all of us." Janis was born with cerebral palsy and grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation and in Rapid City. In his poem "My First Taste of Freedom," he calls that as a child, before he had a wheelchair, he sometimes got around in a little red wagon, "powered by my cousins's legs."
"We didn't go very fast or far if people didn't eat their morning eggs." Disabled people's voices are a rare in the media landscape, and consequently...
URL: https://www.sdpb.org/blogs/arts-and-culture/james-jj-janis-want-people-to-see-beyond-the-chair/
Advocates Poem by JJ (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: A Team USA
Date: 3/6/2018
Abstract: James Janis (JJ) recently signed up to become a self-advocate, to be a voice for the voiceless members of the diverse abilities community. He was inspired to write this poem to remind people the best way to advocate for themselves and others. JJ is working on a book of poetry, entitled: Reflections of a Flag-Bearer, which is scheduled to be released in April of 2018 through Flutter Productions and the Suzie Cappa Art Center, members of the Black Hills Works Family.
URL: https://ateamusa.net/2018/03/06/advocates-poem-by-new-a-team-wi-member/
Author JJ Redefines People with Diverse Abilities (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: KNVN News Center 1
Date: 6/15/2018
Abstract: Faces in the Crowd: JJ Faces in the Crowd is a community spotlight, profiling people who are doing interesting and/or meaningful things in the Black Hills Area. This spotlight covered Mr. Janis and his book, as well as his hopes for the impact of his book.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VKdnIWvO00
Flutter Productions evaluation shows impact of arts (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Journal Staff
Publication: Rapid City Journal
Date: 12/26/2020
Abstract: Flutter Productions, part of Black Hills Works, has completed a first-of-its-kind all-ability arts evaluation. The three-year evaluation was conducted in partnership with the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and Center for Disabilities. The evaluation looked at the impact of arts involving people with disabilities on the individuals themselves, and on community members, audience members, volunteers and staff.
The evaluation was largely made possible by a 2017 Building Humanities Communities Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. Flutter Productions was one of 29 projects in 16 states awarded this grant, and the only organization in South Dakota to receive it.
Flutter’s grant award was considered to be a milestone for the NEH, bringing together arts and disability. Its conclusions will help pave the way for future all-ability arts organizations...
URL: https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/flutter-productions-evaluation-shows-impact-of-arts/article_dffcc883-a8a5-53f9-8421-0e125c1540c1.html
South Dakota Public Broadcasting: Dakota Life: I'm Going to Fool You (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Michael Zimny
Publication: South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Date: 5/2/2018
Abstract: In the Summer of 2017 Flutter Productions filmed a feature segment with South Dakota Public Broadcasting surrounding their summer production entitled, CHROMA. The footage was not released or broadcast until the Spring of 2018 as segment in part of their television series, Dakota Life.
URL: https://www.facebook.com/SoDakPB/videos/10156356038793874/
Black Hills Works gala honors local author, three others (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tanya Manus
Publication: Rapid City Journal
Date: 10/18/2018
Abstract: A poet, an artist, an advocate and a woman who loves her independent life—each challenging the notion of what living with disability means—will be honored Nov. 3 at the 60th annual Black Hills Works Foundation Gala & Recognition. James "JJ" Janis, Ramona Spotted Eagle, Stefanie Krick and Bettie Jo Bsharah will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award.
James "JJ" Janis, 64, spent two years writing a book of poetry, "The Chair Is Not Me." It was published earlier this year. Janis, who has cerebral palsy,composed the book's 18 poems that reflect his ideas about being a person with diverse abilities."I may be in (the chair), but it's not all that I am. I've got to think I'm more than the thing I sit in," Janis said.No matter what limitations his body might present, poetry has been an outlet for Janis to be creative, to advocate and sometimes to honor others by writing poems for special occasions in their lives..
URL: https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/black-hills-works-gala-honors-local-author-three-others/article_2d6fbbeb-52ec-5a21-bcff-a851604d42d1.html
USF hosts history-makeing performance of ABLE: The Disability Chronicles (Media Coverage)
Author(s): None Listed
Publication: University of Sioux Falls
Date: 10/19/2018
Abstract: On Saturday, October 20th the University of Sioux Falls hosts a history-making performance of ABLE: The Disability Chronicles presented by Flutter Productions. The show will be the first production staged in South Dakota that has been written and performed in part by individuals with disabilities and those who support them.
“Flutter Productions exists to provide performance opportunities to people of all abilities,” said Joe Obermueller, assistant professor of theatre at USF. “Their mission aligns with the goals of USF’s theatre department in that we always seek ways to bring theatre to all people, especially those who may not ever step foot in our building or those who others perceive could never participate in live performance.”
The show features 12 vignettes consisting of spoken word and dance reflecting diverse abilities and disability culture. ABLE is performed by an all-ability cast of 12 people. Among other highlights, the evening will feature a real-life quartet of parents...
URL: https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/news-and-events/usf-news-feed/usf-hosts-history-making-performance-of-able-the-disability-chronicles
Costume design in full swing for Fashion-ABLE show (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox
Date: 1/14/2019
Abstract: Costume designers were hard at work in preparation for their upcoming Flutter Productions show, Fashion-ABLE.
Fashion- ABLE allows those with diverse-abilities to design their own runway costumes and community volunteers to help bring their visions to life.
The show made it's debut on the red carpet in 2017 at the Suzie Cappa Art center and was a huge success, so popular, the event is being held at Jolly Lane who generously donated space that will double the number of people who can attend.
Giving community members the chance to see the perspective from another's eye is something that makes fashion-ABLE so unique.
'I think its really interesting to have that opportunity to see how a lot of different people see the world. And whenever you give anybody who has been part of a historically disenfranchised group a chance to share their voice that is a really powerful moment.' says Heather Pickering
The show will be held on February 16th at 7:30 tickets are 7 dollars a piece and can only
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Costume-design-in-full-swing-for-Fashion-ABLE-show-504353461.html
Fashion & Fizz (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Ellen Wells, Editor
Publication: Greenprofit.com
Date: 3/8/2019
Abstract: Fashion & Fizz
Several weeks ago, I told you about the Birds & Blooms event that Jolly Lane Greenhouse held at their Rapid City, South Dakota, facility. They followed that successful January event with a February 16 fashion show they hosted on behalf of Black Hills Works, an organization that helps folks living with disabilities. They had a small window of time before that particular greenhouse would be filled with spring production, so they set up a catwalk space and 300 chairs, and despite a cold, windy and snowy day, it was standing room only when the event kicked off.
Fifteen of Black Hills Works' clients participated in the fashion show by creating their fashion-forward design and strutting their stuff down the catwalk. A local dance studio also participated that evening. “The program was a huge success and a lot of fun for all involved,” wrote Tim Sime in an email. “The audience was amazed.”
What could make the fashion show even better? Wine and beer! Tim had a 125-year-old...
URL: https://www.greenprofit.com/Newsletters/View/?article=2796&highlight=fashion+and+fizz
Local author with diverse-abilities honored at a reception (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox
Date: 6/21/2019
Abstract: The Chair is Not Me" is a book locally authored by James Janis, better known by his friends as JJ. Janis grew up between here and Pine Ridge. To honor JJ and his book, a reception was held in his honor. JJ was born with cerebral palsy and sever other conditions at birth. He wasn't expected to live *12 hours* but *6 decades* later, at age 60, JJ has a published book. The book encourages people to look past those with diverse abilities and meet the person. The reception also featured choreographed routines to the poems JJ had written for his book. With one book to his name already, Janis has no plans on stopping.
"The more people I can reach, the better off everybody will be." said James Janis. JJ said he wouldn't change the past year and a half since his book was published for anything in the world.
The man who has inspired many in the Black Hills with his book, says he is humbled by the opportunity that many take for granted. "I'm just thankful for the chance to be a contributing...
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Local-author-with-diverse-abilities-honored-at-a-reception-511660181.html?fbclid=IwAR020AEeJnrXqvllFpwmjey4gGJXZKsqzrs9L-w7FIPJeJGQ254H7iGJcyc