Letting everyone know about a relatively new website, MySoiree, http://www.mysoiree.net, where people may showcase, buy and sell various kinds of artwork. What makes this place unique is the cosmopolitan warm feel to the site and the way the publicists reach out and promote people’s work and the local, physical events which occur throughout the world related to this site. Many times artists will host get-togethers at their galleries or in cafes for artists and the interested public to meet each other…all upcoming events listed on the left side of mysoiree.net and they’re really social and networking events, not just unveilings to potential buyers.

The artwork is reasonably priced here – artists set their own prices and some featured pieces are pricey, but there’s work available for every budget, classy pieces for anywhere from $10 to $3000. The focus is on community and locating and finding one’s global market and becoming accessible to them.

There are a bunch of online shopping sites, of course, and many places to showcase one’s art online. But MySoiree caught my interest because one of their publicists/artists reached out to Synchronized Chaos through our Wednesday Writers Facebook group…they have a very excited, dedicated, interesting group of people who are all part of building this project and who believe in what they are doing.

Also – as mentoring and collaboration among writers is part of Synchronized Chaos’ mission and why this magazine got started…here’s a mentorship opportunity that would be great for Christians here, but I don’t think religious faith should be a requirement simply for sharing professional advice with these folks:

Inner-city Oakland’s School of Urban Missions, a ministry training college, seeks volunteer mentors to work with their students on English composition, writing, publicity and marketing, etc. Students are all passionate and driven to communicate professionally but have not all had the opportunity for much formal education.

They would love to be in touch with writing mentors in the Bay Area or elsewhere. The school is online at www.sum.edu and here is the call for mentors:

Our Bible College specializes in training urban ministry leaders.  Many of our students come from the streets.  They are solidly saved and have a heart and passion for serving Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately, many of our students also come from underserved and educationally challenged urban environments.  Some of our students did not even finish high school – they came to us with their hard-earned GED and a calling.  We do not have an English department and the teachers we have are not able to fully provide all of the English support classes and seminars our students need.  We need seminar teachers, substitute teachers and mentors for our students.   

Do you have a database of local Christian writers to whom we can appeal?  Or perhaps a local chapter meeting or guild where we can present our needs?  We are a quality, accredited Bible College with great students.  With your help, we can make them better.   

Please let me know if you have any ideas, have local contacts or know of any other local English resources for our college.   

In His Grace, 

Mark Fagerstrom

Vice President of Student Ministries

School of Urban Mission

www.sum.edu

(510) 567-6174 x120