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DocuSign Envelope ID: 31C2F5CA-4AE1-470E-9A03-ED3712F17DD5 <br /> To Whom it May Concern: Re: Letter of Recommendation for Barbara Barnes to receive support <br /> Visual Music project. <br /> Dear Committee, <br /> I am writing this letter on behalf of Barbara Barnes as her friend, as a fellow artist, and as a <br /> community organizer. I first met Barbara at a music event and witnessed her performing her <br /> craft with a live band. I was intrigued by the way; she interacted with the band and allowed me <br /> to experience the live music performance in a completely new way. Her attention and focus was <br /> contagious and I found.myself noticing nuances about the live performance that I had not <br /> previously appreciated. Afterwards, we talked about what her"interactive art" process was for <br /> her and how she envisioned it as an enrichment to live music. Seeing the band through her <br /> artist eye allowed me to see them in another level of complexity. It was fascinating. I ran into <br /> Barbara again when she was present during one of my live performances. This time, as a <br /> performer, I was keenly aware of her focus upon me, and felt enlivened by her translation of my <br /> music to paper. It was a sense of being appreciated in a way that went beyond applause. Later <br /> as I was able to look at her rendition of what she "saw" in my music, I felt a sense of being <br /> understood and "seen" almost on a soulful level. It was a deeply exhilarating experience. I have <br /> had the privilege of pulling together a few community events with numerous musicians playing <br /> for the Norms Farms Elderberry stage (at Shakori Hills Coffee Barn) and the Elderberry Festival <br /> in August 2013 in Carrboro. Barbara was there at my request to spread her interactive art with <br /> the bands. She was able to capture most of the artists who played because of her unique style. <br /> Her quick study technique somehow allows her to "get" the image, and then move to next <br /> artist/musician of study. She engaged the crowd, at times as much as the live music. I <br /> witnessed parents and children watch her"draw" and then watch the music as I had done when <br /> I first met her. They expressed surprise and appreciation of her drawing sound and action right <br /> in front of them. The musicians too spoke with me about their experience of being "drawn" by <br /> her as supportive. I have asked Barbara to again join our tribe of musicians at the NC Hops and <br /> Roots Festival (at Shakori Hills, Memorial Day weekend) and in the Elderberry Festival in <br /> August 2014. She is a key ingredient to the message of the musician community, of supporting <br /> and encouraging each other. In this area, many of us are working to realize a vision of <br /> sustainable art, where the creation and exchange builds the artist and the whole collective. <br /> Barbara has demonstrated this in real time, and numerous musician/artists from this community <br /> genuinely value her. I strongly encourage you consider supporting her request for resources to <br /> explore her "live art skills" and share this unique Visual Music series. Barbara has shown all the <br /> ingredients of integrity, passion, and true "live exchange" of what art is at its finest. If you should <br /> have any questions about this letter, please contact me at 919-619-1603. <br /> Thank you for your thoughtful review of her proposal. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Cynthia Dawn Jones <br />