Sunday, August 18, 2013

Internship opportunities at La Casa Azul Bookstore! (Fall 2013)

La Casa Azul Bookstore is currently looking for a few good interns who wish to learn the ins and outs of running a business while enriching lives through reading, writing, and the power of books!
All internships are unpaid, but there are a number of great perks, including free books, flexible hours, fun-loving co-workers, and more. Most importantly, you will learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business. Plus, it will earn you a number of professional contacts, and looks great on a resume!

The internships last for 12-16 weeks (longer internships available) and interns work 8 - 12 hours/week. Fall internship is September 10, 2013 – January 5, 2014. Opportunities are available for high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates who are considering careers in the arts, education, business, marketing and publishing.  College credit may be arranged.

Deadline to submit internship applications for Fall 2013 is Friday September 6, 2013 at 6pm.
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 

Desired qualities/skills for all interns:
  • Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. 
  • Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and social media (Facebook and Twitter).
  • Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
  • Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

ALL applicants must submit:
1.      Creative cover letter
2.      Resume (with 2 references)
3.      Answer to question: Why are you interested in an internship at La Casa Azul Bookstore (1 page max, separate from cover letter)
4.      Schedule information (days/hours available from Monday – Sunday between the hours of 12pm – 8pm) (desired shift 4-8pm)

EVENTS INTERN (NEED 1)
·         Assist before, during, and after in-store and off-site events. Tasks will include:
·         Arrange seating and bookshelves
·         Set up book/item displays
·         Arrange for any necessary audio-visual equipment setup prior to the event
·         Formulate text for all Social Media web sites (Twitter, Facebook etc.)
·         Other tasks as assigned

Events Intern must be available 4pm - 8pm (Wednesday – Saturday) and 2-6pm on Sundays
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: EVENTS INTERN ( Fall 2013)


VIDEO INTERN (NEED 1)


La Casa Azul Bookstore is seeking a video intern, with strong editing skills and a good eye for compelling visual storytelling. This unpaid, part-time internship provides an outstanding opportunity to gain video editing experience and build a strong portfolio.  

 Intern will be part of the initial planning with staff and must be able to commit to a full semester (September – January 6, 2014).

Ideal for recent graduates, willing and eager to work in a fast paced environment and with an ability to work well with others.


Responsabilities  include: 
organize and archive auvio-visual material; create short compelling videos of past events; create a Youtube channel; prepare all other video-related material for marketing purposes.



Qualifications:

  • Candidates should have experience filming and editing footage, preferably for promotional purposes. Should be able to structure and coordinate work hours, have strong technical skills, and feel comfortable working independently under creative guidance
  • Passion for video production and impactful storytelling.
  • Experience editing with iMovie and Final Cut Pro (Adobe Premiere also acceptable. Photoshop and Illustrator skills a plus).
  • Candidates must have an Apple computer with Final Cut Pro installed (or other editing software).



Schedule
  • 8-12 hours per week to last through the fall semester; flexible to work with college schedules.
  • When applying, please include resume and work samples.


Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: VIDEO INTERN ( Fall 2013)

No incomplete applications will be considered.
Please do not contact the store with further questions or to inquire about selection.

Thank you!
La Casa Azul Bookstore

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

La Casa Azul Bookstore is a cultural sancocho



I came to La Casa Azul Bookstore with one question, ‘who am I?’  

Now at the age of 66 I should know the answer to that.
I was looking for a mirror, a Rosetta Stone to the person I am.
So it was not outlandish for me to visit a bookstore specializing in Latino literature for this purpose. There may be other Latinos out there who have had the experience of being the child of a mentally ill parent.  

 
La Casa Azul Bookstore reflects the vision of an unassuming young woman Ms. Aurora Anaya-Cerda. When you step in, you are taken, because you are in the presence of family, people who breathe a love of Latino culture. Ms. Anaya-Cerda shares with you her love of books, paintings and music.
I told Ms. Aurora of my purpose and she listened respectfully letting me roam the bookstore and she made some recommendations. Luckily I followed her advice, and I came home and began reading Kissing the Mango Tree: Puerto Rican Women Rewriting American Literature
I found my mother in this book, the stories led me to understand her, but La Casa Azul Bookstore has led me to understand that I have been living the life of a cramped self.
   

The example of Ms. Aurora herself, and the authors on those shelves are testimony to who we are as a people. They normalize our being, capable of big things, of not being outsiders. In some manner, by creating this bookstore, Ms. Aurora Anaya-Cerda responds to our yearning , creating this space, using all the technologies at hand.

La Casa Azul Bookstore is a cultural sancocho -  as this is what Latinos are, a people of many people, lovers of things that bring joy, yet are not afraid to feel deeply, nor share their sorrows. A bookstore that is a cultural space though devoted to Latino culture is not limited to the traditional, but embraces everything that touches our lives. So come and part take of this multifaceted space, it is as expansive as the culture it represents.

This bookstore also has a tremendous impact as a healing space. The amphitheater of celebrating our souls, using all the modalities/arts for this purpose. Coming to this space is very meaningful to me, unconsciously I have been looking for this space since my childhood.   

La Casa Azul Bookstore means to me a healing space for our soul; people will speak of this bookstore in the future as a salon of Latino culture. 

Efrain
August 3, 2013

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Meet our neighbors at La Marqueta!




La Casa Azul Bookstore opened a Summer Pop Up Shop in La Marqueta on July 6, 2013. 
  
La Casa Azul Bookstore - summer pop up shop!

Located just 12 blocks north from our shop at 103rd Street, our Summer Pop Up Shop is the perfect place for you to pick up books, gifts and toys for the children in your life.
And while you are at La Marqueta, you can also enjoy coffee, pastries and many delicious treats from the shops in the historic market place!
Shop local and support independent businesses that make El Barrio and 
La Marqueta unique!

Hot Bread Kitchen

Hot Bread Kitchen,Founded by Jessamyn Rodriguez
Interviews with: Mercedes (Shop Manager) and Molly (Communications/Public Relations)

How long has Hot Bread Kitchen been in La Marqueta?
The Bakery/Incubator Kitchen has been at La Marqueta since December, 2010. The stall opened in July, 2012 to sell Hot Bread Kitchen products to the community.

What products/services do you sell/provide to the community?
Hot Bread Kitchen is a non-profit organization, which has a bakery training program for immigrant women to learn the skills of professional bread making within a legal space. We provide international breads, produced by the bakery training program. Proceeds from bread sales fund the program for immigrant women. The products sold at the stall located in La Marqueta are produced by the incubator kitchens, and buying these products helps support small businesses.

What’s a highlight of working at La Marqueta?
Socializing with the people of the community and spreading the word of what we do as a non-profit. Mercedes adds: “This space reminds me of being home in the Dominican Republic, but the quiet parts.”


Mama Grace's Afro Caribbean Food
Interview with: Mama Grace (Vendor/Owner)

How long have you been at La Marqueta?
I have been here since 1993.

What products/services do you sell/provide to the community?
I provide African/Caribbean food and products to the community. Many of my customers come from different parts of the East Coast, just to buy my products.

Highlight one of your products.
The most popular product is my dry salted linkfish. I also provide traditional cooking ware such as mortar and pestle, cast iron pots, and wooden utensils. I also have a variety of old medicinal products like cod liver oil, florida water, and ginseng. 
Velez Grocery

Interview with: Aurelia (Vendor)

How long have you been in La Marqueta?
It will be 21 years in October that I have been in this building of La Marqueta, but I have had a stall in La Marqueta since 1971.

What products/services do you sell/provide to the community?
I sell yuca, Caribbean food, etc.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in El Barrio, and grew up in La Marqueta. My parents are from Ponce and San Dulce, Puerto Rico.

Highlight a product.
My bacalao and Goya brand products.


La Marqueta, 115th and Park Ave, El Barrio

Interview with Jose, vendor

How long have you been at La Marqueta?
Viva Produce is a family-owned business that has been in La Marqueta for 30-40 years.

What products/services do you sell/provide to the community?
Various types of produce found in Latin America, including green plantains, cassava, chayote, and many more.

Highlight one of your products.
Ñame (a root vegetable).


Interview with: William (Owner)

How long have you been at La Marqueta?
Two years.

What products/services do you sell/provide to the community?
Meats and fish, such as oxtail, turkey, chicken, beef.

Where are you from?
I’m from the Dominican Republic.

What does La Marqueta mean to you?
History and tradition. It’s a piece of El Barrio that we need to keep beating, like a heart.



Did you visit La Marqueta as a child?
Do you still visit? Share your favorite memories of La Marqueta with us! 


Interviews by Chris Lopez and Silvia Galis-Menendez
 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Call for art: Vivan Los Muertos! Day of the Dead Art Exhibit at La Casa Azul Bookstore

La Casa Azul Bookstore is pleased to announce an open call for submissions for our Fall 2013 art show - Vivan Los Muertos! Day of the Dead Art Exhibit.

"Dia de los Muertos" photo by Natalie Curtiss


Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that celebrates and remembers family and friends who have passed on. We are asking artists to submit work inspired by Day of the Dead that interpret the holiday in new and innovative ways.

Vivan Los Muertos! Day of the Dead Art Exhibit show will run for 6 weeks, with 3-4 artists being chosen from entries to be included in the group exhibition.
Work submitted may be of any traditional or non-traditional mediums or genre (painting, drawing, collage, photography, printmaking, sculpture, new media, site specific installation, performance etc.).

SPACE
Exhibition space is roughly: 400 Square feet
Artist may submit anywhere from one to four pieces.
Artists will be notified by late September 2013 if their proposal is accepted. Please note that art from some submission may be rejected while others accepted.  

ELIGIBILITY & TERMS
DEADLINE: Sunday September 15, 2013 at 6:00 pm
• Call for entries is open to established and emerging artists, illustrators, graphic designers, photographers, writers and art and design students. Students and professionals are equally encouraged to enter.
• All artwork submitted must be ready to hang / install.
• Artists are responsible for the delivery and pick-up of final work selected.
• Artists submitting work in new media, interactive, film, or video: you will be required to use your own equipment for the duration of the exhibition.
• Artist is responsible for assigning a retail price, from which La Casa Azul Bookstore claims 30% commission. Works do NOT need to be for sale to be considered



HOW TO APPLY
Please submit all of the following documents by attachment to: gallery.lacasaazul@gmail.com

Subject Line: 2013 ARTIST SUBMISSION / Vivan Los Muertos! Day of the Dead Art Exhibit

• Resume, artist statement (1-2 paragraphs) and bio (1-2 paragraphs) in a single PDF document
• Cover letter describing work/exhibit proposal in a single PDF document includining size and name for each piece 
• 2-8 Images/sketches of projected work (see image specifications below)
• Contact information, including link to website



IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS
• Image format: JPEG, 72dpi – 800K Maximum size.
Note: This equals 600 pixels on the longest side for horizontal images and 450 pixels on the shortest side for vertical images
• Rename each image with your first and last name (example: 01firstname_lastname.jpg)


Artist will be informed if their work has been chosen for an exhibit by September 26, 2013.

About La Casa Azul Bookstore:
La Casa Azul Bookstore is dedicated to providing cultural, and educational programs via literature and art in East Harlem. It is our vision to foster public awareness and appreciation of the arts by being a focal point where people come to find unique gifts and participate in culturally-based workshops that celebrate Latino traditions.

La Casa Azul Bookstore
Visit: www.lacasaazulbookstore.com
Follow: @LaCasaAzulBooks
Call: 212.426.2626