Affiliate Profile: Gemini Ink

If you're reading this, you're probably aware that theFund works tirelessly to promote and maintain the arts in San Antonio. We do this by providing financial operating support for twenty six affiliate arts & culutural organizations around town that encourage, teach, and inspire people to express themselves creatively. But just what exactly do these organizations do? How do they impact the community? Why is it so vital that they receive the support and funding they do? Over the next few months, we'll be profiling each one of our affiliates, so you can find out just how important their role in our city is, and how you can get more involved. With that said, today's affiliate profile is... 

Gemini Ink has been promoting the presence of literature in San Antonio since 1997, and over those past fifteen years, it's only grown larger and more successful. Gemini Ink encourages reading, writing, and the preservation of oral storytelling through workshops, classes, open mic nights, and outreach programs. In particular, the programs offered have the power to really change people's lives:

• Writers in Communities pairs writers with students of differing ages, backgrounds, experiences and needs in free workshops that provide instruction and encouragement in expression through words.
• Open Classroom comprised of the Autograph Series and the Breakthrough Thinkers programs, brings in nationally recognized and award winning authors to share their work in a free, open setting where members of the communities have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, or just quietly enjoy the reading. 
• University Without Walls provides three semesters of workshopping, reading, and instruction by accomplished writers. For the writer who craves more knowledge on how to improve their craft.
• Dramatic Readers Theatre allows the community to hear how plays sound out loud by getting actors to read and interpret the work, sometimes with original music!

Sheila Black, Executive Artistic Director

With so much going on, this organization is clearly supported by passionate and creative people, from readers like you, to the head of the organization itself. With Sheila Black as the newly appointed Executive Artistic Director, it's clear Gemini Ink is only increasing in momentum, and will continue to play an important and beneficial role.

Black is an accomplished poet, with two published works, and a third coming out in the fall. Add to this her experience in organizations such as the Colonias Development Council, and the New Mexico State University Foundation, the future of Gemini Ink looks bright.

Says Black, “I believe deeply in literature as a part of the fabric of community—not only the necessity of being literate, but the necessity of nurturing strong and passionate readers and writers. The incredible history and wonderful staff at Gemini Ink have created a remarkable legacy of making that happen in San Antonio. This is a legacy I want to honor and build on.”

The teal building that houses Gemini Ink

Currently Gemini Ink is celebrating its Summer Literary Festival, Courting Bliss, during which anyone in the community is welcome to take classes, participate in free events, and attend programs. Registration is underway, so if you have any interest in writing poetry, memoirs, or even learning the art of bookbinding, now is your chance! A full course catalog and registration details can be found on Gemini Ink's website, www.geminiink.org.

To learn more about Gemini Ink:

• www.geminiink.org
• info@geminiink.org
• 877-734-WORD
• 515 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX

The information on this page was gathered from Gemini Ink's website, and from press releases on Sheila Black and Courting Bliss. 

Gemini Ink is one of the 26 qualified Fund Affiliates.