People in New York City
tend to be curious, adventurous and invested in the arts. We had a great experience at the Community Board 9 Fair connecting our community with visual arts. Many community services such as Brooklyn Justice Initiative, IMPACT helping first time home buyers, etc. met in the Nair Park next to the Brooklyn Museum of Arts.
People engaged with the artwork,
mostly canvas prints and foam prints. The wonderful Corazôn Valiente, a community activist, engaged with people thanks to his friendly, elegant style.
We shared stories about our artists: Matthew Perez and his melancholic self portrait when he was missing his native South California, Lungisa Matubatuba who portrays with a lot of sympathy his people with his “Hard Worker”, Laziza Rakhimova who captures the beauty of nature with her cameraless photography, Jessica Dalrymple, Ashley Alcime, Grace Nkem, Shawn McKinney, and more.
Children are always a joy
to work with. They can be quite passionate about specific pieces, and surprise us with the range of their selections. One young boy fought fiercely with his grandmother about where they would place the large foam print of Cigar Lady: in his room or in her living room? We’re curious to know who won!
They took one or two prints home
after filling a simple form, and will host them for 3 to 4 months for free. When they return them, the prints will go to another home, possibly a high school student’s home.
This achieves a direct connection
between our local artists, and the community: our mission!
We also chummed with some dynamic activists,
and plan some joined actions in the future, stay tuned for more!
