“The mind of an adult begins in the mind of a child.”  

Award-winning poet, educator, publisher, producer, and Chautauqua Institution’s Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts Kwame Alexander said this during his conversation with Aaron Dworkin in the closing plenary at SphinxConnect this past January. It was at Chautauqua last summer (2024) where Alexander met Aaron Dworkin, founder of the Sphinx Organization, who was at Chautauqua to give the morning lecture in the Amphitheater. 

SphinxConnect is the largest and longest-standing global convening dedicated to excellence and inclusion in the arts. The conversation between Alexander and Dworkin centered around Alexander’s deep connections to the arts which started in his childhood. He discussed the power of music and how it connects people, telling the story of losing his friend-mentor, the late poet Nikki Giovanni, and reconnecting with her through listening to her old iPod.  

Representing Chautauqua Institution at SphinxConnect were Manager of Student Services & Arts Education Business Coordinator Sam Minardi-Lopez, and Resident Teaching Artist and Arts Education Project Coordinator Stephanie Dawson. They represented Performing & Visual Arts at Chautauqua in the Expo Hall, and attended panels centering around furthering engagement and excellence in the arts.  

After attending SphinxConnect for the first time in 2024, Sam Minardi-Lopez knew that she wanted to keep returning. Minardi-Lopez describes her second time attending SphinxConnect.  

“The reason why I am who I am today is because of the limited, yet critical, arts opportunities that were provided to me as a child in an underserved community. Attending SphinxConnect every year reignites my passion for my work at Chautauqua, which centers around providing arts opportunities and experiences to young people of all backgrounds. Whether that is our summer Schools of Performing & Visual Arts, or our K–12 Arts Education programs in [Chautauqua] schools, I am proud to have a hand in this work and its mission.”  

It was the first time Stephanie Dawson attended SphinxConnect  — she describes her experience as inspiring. 

“My time at Sphinx reinforced my belief in our work and the purpose of Arts Education in our community; to uplift students as young artists, nurture creative expression, and ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging in the arts. My experience also underscored the importance of psychological safety — not just for students, but for educators, administrators, and artists who need spaces where they, too, can thrive.” 

Sam and Stephanie hope to return to SphinxConnect in the future to continue their dedication to inclusion, lifelong learning, and providing arts centered experiences for young people in our county.