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Day 3, Entry #3 with Travis Turner discussing the Tuscaloosa tornado relief. 

Hello as well, Arts Gang. I figure introductions are in order. I’ve been a little privy to Sarah’s project for a while, so I know how exciting this time must be for her, so congrats!

Elliott- No need to worry about grammar-naziness here, just glad to participate. Congrats on the new gig at UA as well. As I’m sure you hear from anyone who’s seen The Dexateens live, I’ll never forget how hard you guys rocked. Pure energy.

Andy- I checked out your preview for Eating Alabama and I must say it looks absolutely amazing. SXSW never seems to miss out on recognizing talent. Great concept and I can’t wait to sit down and watch it.

As artists here, I think we should continue to create. Whether it’s to inspire, draw awareness, or even as a means of therapy.

There have been a few benefit concerts done, and I know that seems to have been some of the better ideas for fundraising and keeping community awareness up. It’s a way to contribute and have fun. Its uplifting. I know I’m a music lover at heart. I think the goal is something reachable as well, something concrete that directly impacts.

Housing is still a concern I think a lot of people have forgotten. I drive by Rosedale Court at least twice a week and a year later and we’re just now being able to get things in order to rebuild. Most of the businesses had insurance, but there are still a lot of displaced families. Great cause.

There are a few other cool projects I’ve heard of. On the Arts Gang Facebook, I know there was a link to the Nest unveiling, a hands-on collective art project to create bird sanctuaries. I think the environmental and psychological impacts are some of the lesser knowns.

I try to keep up as much as I can via local news, newspapers, and Facebook. Social media has played a huge role in organization. I know after the storm, volunteer info was posted on several sites which helped out initially and in my opinion continues to be a major player in some of the benefit shows, projects, etc.