Facilitator Spotlight: James Cornolo

by Anita Dacanay

It’s hard to imagine any way in which Still Point artist/facilitator James Cornolo could not be seen as one of the most likeable human beings to grace the planet.  From the warm, shy smile, to the understated-but- sharp-as-New-York-cheddar wit, to the compassionate heart, to the brilliant musicianship he shares joyfully and freely - James is a gem of a person.

Still Point Founder Lisa Wagner-Carollo and I both met James through a fascinating albeit short-lived artistic ensemble called The Bottom of Your Shoe Theatre Collective.  James had been brought into the group to provide musical accompaniment, but he took on a more multi-faceted role as an actor as well in the collective’s play Querencia.

James has a strong background in both jazz and classical guitar. He graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance and Pedagogy. He also attended the American Conservatory of Music.  James has been involved with various projects as an accompanist and composer for modern dance. Currently, he is busy playing traditional and contemporary Cuban music, most regularly with Angel d’Cuba.

In recalling his many professional associations, James told me that he feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to work as a musician in a wide variety of settings. This is true even within his work with Still Point. Before Still Point was officially an entity of its own, Lisa had already begun teaching regular theatre classes at Esperanza Community Services, and invited James in to provide music for the Imagination Workshop’s first performance. Over the years, James became involved in many Still Point programs, including becoming a regular facilitator of the Imagination Workshop. James has provided music at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and Dwight Correctional Center as part of Still Point’s Persephone Project; and has also accompanied performances by both Sisters Rising and Strong Connections.

When I asked James what drew him to work with Still Point, he first expressed his profound admiration for Lisa and the clear intention with which she created the company. “A spirit of compassion is at the heart of all of Still Point’s work,” he remarked. With characteristic humility, he also acknowledged his gratitude to Lisa and the other Still Point facilitators for all that he has learned from them over the years.

James has been working full-time at Esperanza since 2010 as their Music Teacher. He recalls that several of the original Imagination Workshop members that he first met in 1992 are still in his life as students, artistic associates, and friends. ”I think that’s pretty cool,” he concluded. I would concur, and add that James Cornolo is also pretty cool, and a deeply valued member of the Still Point family.