Columbus, Ohio – The Greater Columbus Arts Council welcomes two new artists to its Artists-In-Schools program roster: Robbi Kumalo, a musician and storyteller, and Mark “Thunderwalker” Camden, a musician who creates his own Native American style flutes and composes original music for the instrument.
Kumalo, a New York City native, has a bachelor’s in music from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has worked as a teaching artist through the Tilles Center’s Arts Education program in Long Island, NY for the past five years. She has performed around the country and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, ASCAP and the American Federation of Musicians. Kumalo’s voice has appeared on commercials for Coca Cola, Lincoln Mercury and General Electric, and she has had an active career as a back-up singer for such superstars as Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and many more.
Ohio native Mark “Thunderwalker” Camden studied music education at The Ohio State University and has performed on a semiprofessional basis for nearly 30 years. Camden has written arrangements and performed with groups playing a wide variety of music including big band, jazz, country, pop and rock. Nearly a decade ago, Camden handcrafted his first Native American style flute and began writing original compositions. He has developed and presented educational programs for all ages focusing on the heritage and history of Native Americans, their music and the evolution of the flute-making craft.
As one of GCAC’s longest running programs, Artists-in-Schools links professional artists and arts groups with K-12 schools and community groups, as well as private sector businesses, organizations and individuals. Artist services include performances, lectures, workshops, master classes, readings and multi-disciplinary experiences. Artists-in-Schools receives financial assistance from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.
Nearly 100 artists, all of whom are participants in GCAC’s Artists-in-Schools program, will showcase their talent later this fall at the annual Artist Preview Night program, Tue., Sep. 8 at downtown’s Lincoln Theatre. Visit gcac.org or contact Oulanje Regan at 614-221-8625 with questions regarding Artist Preview Night or GCAC’s Artists-in-Schools program.
About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. Thanks to the City of Columbus, Franklin County, the Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts for their ongoing support.
