“Everybody’s got a LenaBlu” is the mantra of this organization. LiV Warfield’s 2014 album “The Unexpected” features a song dedicated to her community driven, arts loving, blue hair sporting, fire cracker of a woman – Aunt Lena. Growing up in Peoria as a black woman, LiV only saw her future success in sports (or like all other locals: Caterpillar). Her Aunt Lena was always pushing her towards the arts, but it wasn’t until LiV moved to Portland, OR and could see a vibrant arts community that she truly understood what her Aunt Lena was saying. Lena lived her whole life in Peoria – and WAS IT A LIFE! In the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, Lena was immersed in the arts world that truly did exist in Peoria at the time. Peoria was THE stop between St. Louis and Chicago. Peoria had the train station and was a natural port city off the river. Lena worked as a waitress at one of the premier music venues of the time. Family archives are filled with photos, vinyls, and stories of the strong, thriving, black arts community.
The Warfield’s were involved in many community organizations including the Elks Club, Prince Hall Freemason, UAW – Local 974, and the family church. Inspired by her family history and the immortal spirit of her Aunt Lena, LiV Warfield created the LenaBlu Foundation to inspire and enable others that may not have an arts community and/or see artists that look like themselves in the world. We wish the blessing for everyone to have an Aunt Lena in their life, and for those that don’t – LenaBlu is there for you!
LiV Warfield’s 2014 Released Song, Lena Blue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObHyB3EDs7I
The age old idiom, “starving artist”, is typically used to describe someone who sacrifices their material well-being to focus solely on their art. As with most mainstream artistic industries, the arts industry is littered with enormous barriers of entry and provide little to no resources for artists trying to break into the industry. Most artists/creatives have limited access to proper instruments, creative tools, programs, and workshops geared to educating those wanting a career in the performing arts. LenaBlu strives to create opportunities for everyone to use art as a way to boost their communities and make them stronger together. With the proper tools necessary, we want to take the “guess work” out of the industry and allow space for everyone to see themselves in art.
LenaBlu is posed to bring artistic resources and awareness through four core methods:
There are brilliant artists coming into this world everyday. LenaBlu believes it is crucial that all artists, especially those in underserved communities, are equipped with the knowledge and opportunities necessary to become successful. LenaBlu hopes to create a community of knowledge and opportunities that not only teaches artists/ creatives but encourages them to pay it forward. We welcome partnerships and alliances with those who see the value of encouraging and educating the next new artist.
A former track star and gymnast, Peoria, Illinois—born Liv Warfield began building her legend, in of all places, Portland, Oregon. Despite having no formal background in singing she gained the respect of local superstars and became an icon in her own right.
As an understudy to one of the most powerful musicians and entertainers of our time, Prince, LiV became an advocate for artist enhancement and independence. Inspired by his teachings, LiV created LenaBlu as a conduit to those underserved artists who aspire to be both creative and motivated to pull together community. Its mission is to change the narrative, by providing artists with the essential tools and as well as reshaping how we see ourselves through community and art.
Please consider a donation to continue our work on helping all See Themselves in Art!
We love engage with partners, creatives, community members, and anyone sharing the same vision! Please reach out!
LiV Warfield CEO/Creative Director oliviaw@lenablu.org Cynthia Booker COO/Director of Production cynthiab@lenablu.org
