CreativesMX Mavericks Invitational Brings Energy

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Challenges abounded last weekend at Newburgh’s Ramada Inn.
Developing a creative in-residence program. Designing applications. Collaborating in stimulating and creative ways and much more.

Here, about 10 creators, designers, producers and artists, who were already somewhat established in their fields, convened for a three day event, the CreativesMX Mavericks Invitational, an igniting catalyst for both participants and the economy. A 36 hour creatively-fueled competition, the event provides a platform to create one-of-a-kind projects.

Spectators are then directly involved in judging the works and winners, both individual and group, are showcased. It’s all hands-on, live, and extremely exciting to all those involved.

“I came here to look to collaborate with others, so I can create a financially stable infrastructure,” said Newburgh’s Ayo Nish!, a DJ, artist, songwriter and producer whose work has extended all the way from the Hudson Valley to Atlanta. “CreativesMX actually helps get my name out there, and what I’m trying to do by using the workshops to apply both here and with my career.”

One of those learning sessions was led Saturday by lawyer and CreativesMX founder and owner, Tiombe Tallie Carter. Speaking of the legal rights and responsibilities in the creative artist arena, Carter discussed crucial details on such topics as: how, when and where art is made, connection between volume of sales and needed legal coverage, how to best fund the beginning phases of a business, as well as how to best protect your work, whether it be via copyright, trademark or patent.

“The moment someone else has helped you with your art, it starts to get more complicated,” pointed out Carter, who created her company to help artists take that next step as well as assist the economy with educated, talented and informed creative entrepreneurs.

“The big question is: how are you going to pay for any of this; the first few years are going to be challenging, and you will have to depend upon family, friends, savings.”

Other workshops included: Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and Marketing. Each was specifically made to equip participants with the needed tools to navigate and explore their chosen work setting. It’s a “mission” that Carter, and all who assist her, take very seriously.

“We especially love when we get to develop creatives into careerists,” stated Carter.

In addition to the multiple challenges and contests taking place throughout the weekend, a host of vendors were on hand, lending support, as well as models for creative flourishing.

They included; Haven Coffee and Espresso Bar, Second Chance Farm, LuLa Roe, Lilac Hill Designs, and Dan Mitchell Fine Art. As we continue to celebrate African-American History Month, another pivotal local organization was on hand, the local Black History Committee, an organization that spearheads several local events not only this month, but throughout the year.

“February is Black History Month, so it is important for us to report and present these types of activities,” said Sadie Tallie, President of the Black History Committee. “Events like these give all people the chance to express themselves.”

Providing 12 categories, including; visual arts, design, dance, fashion, film and television and media and advertising, the weekend was chock-full of opportunities for a wide spectrum of creatives to express themselves in a variety of venues.

Shawn Cushnie, a media artist who works in videography and photography discovered the event through social media, and was excited about its potential.

“I’m hoping to get more clarity and to see that I’m going in the right direction,” said Cushnie. “Ultimately, I’m trying to turn my work into a media company.”

Regardless of the participant or their expertise, each agreed the weekend was well worth it, on several levels.

“What’s really cool is how they do the grading system; you get points for almost everything you do, and you never know when you are being graded,” said a smiling Nish! about the weekend’s competition “The whole idea is to apply everything you have learned here to become more prepared and better with what you do, and I will most definitely do that.” To learn more about the happenings at CreativesMX, log on to their website: creativesmx.com or call them:(845) 565-8900.