Joshua's Career in the Arts

Spindle Works,  Brunswick, ME 

Though an artist-in-residence program, wrote and directed “As I See It,” for this non-profit cooperative for independent disabled adults.  The production showcased the creativity of 22 disabled actors through poetry, music and dance.  Work on this project also included construction of set design and lighting/music coordination in partnership with disabled adults. (2002)  

L/A Arts, Lewiston, ME

Project Coordinator for “Cactus Village,” a play depicting Somalian folk stories and produced as a way to ease tensions between native Mainers and newly arrived Somalian immigrants through education and the arts.  Assisted Somalian playwright in presenting concepts to an American audience.  Managed prop design and construction, coordinated lighting, served as backhouse director, and acted in a key role. (2003)  

Maine School System Auburn, Gorham and Portland, ME 

Created and produced “Poetry & Performance,” a program for 7th graders that inspires youths to find and define their voices.  Worked with students to select meaningful topics and write poems of importance and relevance to their lives.  Coached students in spoken word performance and taught set design.  Directed final performances for family and friends. In Portland, worked in a high school where 250 different languages are spoken by refugees from Kenya, Somalia, Ghana, Nigeria, Afghanistan and others. (2002 – 2003)  

Wendy Pepper Fashion Designs, Middleburg, VA 

Croquis illustrator and document illustrator for haute-couture fashion boutique specializing in evening apparel. (1998 – 1999) 

Manic Designs, Lewiston ME

Worked to help this retail store/restaurant spearhead an effort to restore the dignity and vibrancy of Lisbon Street through storefront improvement.  Created a permanent 8’x 6’ entrance installation (Oil paint, gouache, charcoal, pastels, and heavy grade rice paper) and developed original window designs, including construction of display area and front-end display unit. (2003)  

Portland Downtown District & Portland Harbor Hotel, Portland ME 

In connection with the city-wide Lighthouses on Parade event, created “Phoenix: the Resurgence of Portland” concept and original artwork for application on fiberglass lighthouse (oil on canvas, 8’ wood sculpture, aluminum).  Worked with photographers to shoot 65 lighthouses for commemorative book.  (2003)  

YMCA  Reston, VA 

Completed six 30’ x 10’ athletic-themed murals for the grand opening of this state-of-the-art facility.  (Mixed media: linen and fluorescent paints).  Managed art installation and lighting coordination designed to highlight the entrance and new gymnasium at this event. (1998)  

Celebrations Catering Company Sterling, VA

Worked regularly for the largest catering company in Northern VA, serving the greater DC area and specializing in a full range of unique events, from weddings to inaugural balls.  Completed three 30’ x 20’ murals (oil on canvas) for presentation displays at a variety of events.  Consulted on all aspects of visual design for events; managed planning and execution. (1991 – 1998)  

Women In Need, Inc. Portland, ME 

Developed original artwork series and poster designs for fundraising programs to support this non-profit agency for abused women.  Coordinated two special events featuring radio talk show celebrity Lorraine Johnson-Coleman. (2002) 

Portland Downtown District, Portland, ME 

Consulted with city representatives on visual theme for Old Port Festival – New England’s largest one-day annual festival.  Oversaw development and managed kick-off parade for 2003 Festival.  (2002 – 2004) 

Washington Council of the Arts, Hagerstown, MD 

Art Program Instructor.  Worked with children of various ages facilitating instructive watercolour painting, paper maiche and other activities. (1999)