| Artist. Musician. _______________________________________________________________ Life-long artist. Works include paintings, drawings, illustrations, photography, murals, reproductions of life-size Egyptian mummy cases and tomb wall paintings. Education (not including computer, office mgmt., personal, health & beauty training workshops) * M.S. - Human Resources Management, Wilmington College University. Dover, DE, 1990. * B.F.A. - Fine Arts, University of Hawai'i. Honolulu, HI, 1982 Personal & Professional Career (unlimited) * Married to artist/musician Clar Monaco; 1 child (son); 2 grandkids * Musician. Ukulele Teacher/Performer * Freelance artist, Web Designer, gourmet cook of ethnic dishes * Co-founder, creator/designer/photographer of all promo and business materials, websites: Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble, Chicago IL; Wonderwall Music Shoppe & Emporium; Harrison On Harrison TM -"George Harrison In Art & Music On Harrison Street Event"; Sitar Emporium - Musical Instruments from India, (internet store) Chicago IL * Founder/Leader/Organizer of The Official Oak Park Ukulele Meetup Group (aka The Harrison Street Ukulele Players), 2008; UKULELE SUBURBIA! The Ukulele Group of Chicago's South Suburbs! 2013. * Member Kuhina Nui Ka'ahumanu Hawaiian Civic Club, Chicago (2013) * Member Ke Ali'i Victoria Ka'iulani Hawaiian Civic Club, Chicago (2005-2010) * Loves Hawaiian music & culture, Harry Potter tm, Medieval/Renaissance/Celtic/Irish/Scottish - Art, Music, & Culture, Irish Step-dancing, Gene Kelly, Michael Flatley, more. Published works: * Dan Radcliffe (aka "Harry Pottertm") portrait - hand painted tambourine. 2006. * "The Sermons", by Dennis Duffy. Illustrations by GiGi. 2006. * Commissioned hand-painted tambourine for Organic Time Records, Beverly Hills CA. 2008. Community Service & Support. Some highlights. (2001 to present) 2001-2003 Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, Chicago Heights 2004 to present: Supports The Fest For Beatles Fans annual fundraising drive for "Stop Gun Violence" Foundation by founded by Yoko Ono. 2004: Performed with Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble at Old Town School of Folk Music's Brendan Hedges Scholarship Fundraiser 2006: Began organizing the annual May Day Celebration & Kick-off to Asian Pacific-Islander Heritage Month (May); to promote Hawaiian culture through the Ukulele and music. 2008: Performed with Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble at "World Music Festival - Music For Life Fundraiser, Oak Park 2009: Organized Chicago's 'World Record Attempt For Largest Ukulele Ensemble', Fest For Beatles Fans, Hyatt O'Hare Regency Hotel Performed with The Harrison Street Ukulele Players at the 2nd Annual "Here Comes The Sun" Cancer Survivors Health Fair 2010: Performed with Lanialoha Lee & Uke Nation at Old Town School of Folk Music's Brendan Hedges Scholarship Fundraiser 2010 to present: Supports USO; American Red Cross (Greater Chicago Chapter) 2011: Organized "HELP! JAPAN Fundraiser" for American Red Cross - Japan Earthquake & Pacific Tsunami Relief; performed for Sarah's Inn (Domestic Violence org) fundraiser 2012: Organized 'Superstorm Sandy Fundraiser' for American Red Cross; performed for Sarah's Inn 2013: Performed with Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble for Lincoln Park Conservancy's Annual Gala Fundraiser, Sofitel Hotel, Chicago. ________________________________________________________________________________________ GiGi Wong-Monaco PO Box 153 Flossmoor IL 60422 Phone: 708.754.7026 Email: info@sitaremporium.com Previous Page GiGi's Home Sitar Emporium |
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