The Curious Cardinal, a brand new animated short that is part of the 10th Anniversary Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young Season, is now available to stream. This week we sat down with illustrator Nicole Kang to learn more about her creative process bringing our little cardinal CC to life.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Nicole Kang and I am the character and background designer for The Curious Cardinal. Nearly 9 years ago, I worked at Alliance Theatre Education. In my time at Alliance, I gained a deep appreciation and understanding for performing arts. It has helped inform my identity as an artist and reiterated the importance of storytelling. As a working artist, I specialize in portraits of people and pets, murals, and digital illustrations. I’m always open to learning and taking on new artistic endeavors!
How did you get involved with this project?
As a first-time mom, I sought a new way to be creative by dipping my toes in digital illustration. After months of practice, I shared with Chris Moses, Dan Reardon Director of Education & Associate Artistic Director, that I’ve been teaching myself to create digital illustrations. And a few weeks after that conversation, he called to ask me if I wanted to design characters for a project with the Fernbank Museum. I accepted without hesitation — it’s always been my dream to illustrate characters!
What is your favorite part of the story?
I love watching CC’s relationship with the other animals. Each encounter is so different from one another, some more meaningful than others. I especially enjoyed CC’s friendship with the river otter. By making a new friend, he got to see what life was like underwater! What a great thing it is to have friends who broaden our world.
You are recently a new mother. How did having a little one at home influence your work on The Curious Cardinal?
As I was illustrating the characters, I wondered how my child would react to each one. I asked myself questions like “What features of this creature stand out to a baby?” It allowed me to be playful and focus on having fun, rather than being perfect. I tapped into what I imagined was the personality of each animal. For example, the hawk is confident and strong so there is a boldness in its shape and colors.
What will audiences love about The Curious Cardinal?
Viewers will love CC and his perspective of seeing the world for the very first time. CC is full of curiosity, wonderment, and excitement. And shouldn’t we all be that way?
For more than 30 years, the Martin Luther King holiday has celebrated the sacrifices and achievements of the countless men and women committed to righting history and creating a fair and justice society.
More than simply a federal holiday, organizers of MLK Day, observed on the third Monday in January since 1986, have sought for the day to expand awareness, create opportunities of service and community impact, and continue the work of education. From video projects to service efforts, we have compiled a non-exhaustive list of COVID-19 safe suggestions to help those looking for ways to celebrate MLK and his day of observance.
Offerings at the Alliance
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from the comfort of your own home with family and friends.
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Young artists of the Alliance Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Palefsky Collision Project have reimagined their 2021 summer performance of What Makes You Think I’m Alone? A Meditation on Marvin. The project, inspired by Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” through the lens of letters to Dr. King, is directed by Patrick McColery in collaboration with playwright Pearl Cleage. |
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The Alliance has also made available the original animated short, Sit-in. Written by Atlanta’s bestselling author, playwright, and civil rights activist, Pearl Cleage (Blues for An Alabama Sky, In My Granny’s Garden, Tell Me My Dream), Sit-in invites students, parents, teachers, and families to experience the Civil Rights Movement as a living, breathing energy with practical lessons, ethical challenges, and moral choices that remain relevant today. Available for stream through May 31, Sit-in features a mixture of Civil Rights anthems and new freedom songs composed specifically for the play. |
Community Offerings
Dope Pedalers Bike Club, an all-inclusive group of bicyclists committed to promoting health and wellness, is hosting their 7th annual MLK Day Ride! Participants are asked to arrive at 502 Pryor Street at 9 am and will convene with other groups at the King Center!
From interactive storytelling with children’s author Mama Koku; spoken word performances from Emmy-nominated author, poet, and playwright Jon Goode; visual artist talkbacks and more, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights has a weekend of activities available starting Saturday, January 15 through Monday, January 17. Visit MLK Day 2022 for a full schedule of offerings, including the Center’s COVID-19 protocols.
Hands On Atlanta is also hosting their annual MLK Days of Service through a mix of virtual and “DIY” service opportunities from a letter writing webinar for teachers in Title 1 public schools, to beautification projects, to a volunteer meal pack at Ebenezer Baptist Church. A complete list of offerings is available at https://mlkatl.org.
The King Center
And of course, the King Center has a full schedule of events planned to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, culminating in the annual MLK Ecumenical Service, Monday, January 17. The commemorative service, as well as a rally held in downtown Atlanta, will be broadcast live on Fox 5 Atlanta. Most will be streamed live at thekingcenter.org or on the King Center’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube page. Events include the Beloved Community Youth Global Summit and the Beloved Community Awards.