Flamingo Clay Studio
Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery
Presents
“Speak Their Names”
An Artist Exhibit of Peace and Healing (Continues)
Another two Fridays of Events
Opening of Exhibit: Friday, August 19 6-10 PM
An Evening of Documentaries: Friday August 26 6-10 PM
Labor Day Soap Box- Protest Songs and the Spoken Word
Speak Their Names Friday September 2 6-10 PM
15 South J Street in Downtown Lake Worth
Admissions: Free to the public Free Parking
“Speak Their Names” an exhibition of healing art, presented by artists throughout Palm Beach County, opened on Friday with over 300 guests in attendance. This exhibit broke all barriers of community, color and sexual orientation as we mourned together the losses we have all suffered as a community and nation. Tears were shed and embraces frequent, as those who have suffered directly (mothers and families who have lost members to gun violence) and those who hurt for all of these losses, stood together in solidarity.
Curator and coordinator, Kianga Jinaki Parker, spoke to the pervasive violence throughout our lives, that must stop. She included domestic violence, bullying and hate speech that surrounds us daily.
Artists stepped up to the the center of the gathering to read from the many lists of those that have perished to gun violence. The lists included the five Dallas police officers gunned down as they protected demonstrators, the victims of the Orlando Pulse night club massacre, the victims of the Charleston Church Massacre, and the victims of the Sandy Hook Travesty.
Jean Howard, talented artist, has photographed over 350 Palm Beach County family members who pose with their slaughtered love ones; those for whom we speak and remember. These poignant recorded memories help us all to say, “This Shall Not Be Again!”
Throughout the evening, names were added to the wall of death masks created as a lasting memorial to those who can no longer speak for themselves. This wall, and other exhibit artifacts will be offered to a museum as a lasting memory of those who have gone, and their survivors.
Mothers of the Movement have created a series of shrines commemorating their loved ones. Elise Chron, artist/coordinator of this project, has worked with dozens of family members to present their heart-songs through written and lighted shrines. Each represents their pain and their hope for the future.
Allison Kotzig, coordinator of Artists for Black Lives Matter (#A4BLM) has contributed a full wall of memories from her traveling installation of hundreds of artist donations. The power of this wall speaks for itself.
Throughout the exhibitions are printed vignettes and stories of the artists, the organizers of many of the conjoined movements, and the everyday people who have taken part in, and are effected by this.
On Friday evening, August 26, additional lists of names will be spoken. Poets will speak out and Mothers will tell their stories. All of these stories will be recorded by Jame Venable of Blackdoor Films, for a documentary he is creating about this project. Visitors are welcome to Speak Their Minds and Experiences during this evening. Throughout this evening of events, documentaries and film clips will be shown.
On Friday evening, September 2, poets, artists, musicians and the public will be invited up to the microphone to “Speak Their Names,” sing songs, opine and recite poetry. This is Labor Day Weekend, and tributes to Labor will be sung, as well.
Over 20 artists have contributed works:
Curator Kianga Jinaki Parker is a fiber artist, a merchant and a healer. Her works represent the stories of her mind, her heart and her spirit. She incorporates African textiles, glass, clay, metal, beads, bone and text into her works.
List of participating artists: Alphabetical by first name
Artists for Black Lives Matter
Abasi Manblack Hanif-Drummer Spoken Word
Alana D Da Costa Singer Mixed-Media
Allison Kotzig Mixed-Media
Elise Crohn Mixed-Media
Erika Cespedes– Photography
Jamaal Clark– Painter
James Venable– Film Maker
Jason JaFleu Fleurant– Painter
J Efunlayo Maxey -Mixed Media
Jennifer Love Gironda- Multi-Media
Kianga Jinaki Parker -Mixed Media
Nzingah Oniwosan Mixed-Media
Ore’al Bluntston- Mixed Media
Shakeera Thomas- Crochet wire/Mixed Media,
Shari SharStar Afflick -Wood Burning/Mixed-Media
Steve Backhus– Mixed Media
Tracy Guiteau – Painter
For specific information about the exhibit and the artists involved contact Kianga Jinaki Parker, [email protected] 561-503-9504 (press only)
For additional information contact Joyce Brown, [email protected]. 215-205-9441
ClayGlassMetalStone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists. The gallery is located at 15 South J Street in downtown Lake Worth. Hours are Sunday thru Thursday, 10AM-6PM. Friday and Saturday, 10AM-10PM. Gallery openings are the first and third Friday of each month from 6-10 PM with many special events in-between.
The Flamingo Clay Studio is located at 216 South F Street with open studio and workshop opportunities for those interested in the 3-D Arts and Artists in Clay. Fused Glass and Small Metals.