Flamingo Clay Studio
Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery
Presents
“Speak Their Names”
An Artist Exhibit of Peace and Healing
Three Fridays of Events
Opening of Exhibit: Friday, September 1 6-10 PM
An Evening of Documentaries: Friday September 8 6-10 PM
Speak Their Names Friday September 15 6-10 PM
15 South J Street in Downtown Lake Worth
Admissions: Free to the public Free Parking
“Speak Their Names” opens on Friday, September 1 from 6-10 PM with a wine and cheese reception. Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery is located at 15 South J Street in Downtown Lake Worth. Admission and parking are free.
“Speak Their Names” is an exhibition of healing art, presented by artists throughout Palm Beach County. Artists will speak some of the names of the too many fatal victims of gun violence that have taken place in our state and throughout the nation. This show, curated by Cynthia Simmons, brings together artists of all shades of humanity, religions and sexual identity. The art expresses anger, grief, compassion, sisterhood/brotherhood and a desire for peaceful solutions. This is the second year the gallery has presented this event. Over 500 visitors participated over the three weeks of the exhibit. Many “Spoke the Names” of those they had lost.
Over 20 artists have contributed works:
The large wall of the exhibit will feature, “Mothers Against Murder Assoc,” photographs of mothers and family members whose children have been killed by gun violence. Gallery artist and exhibit curator, Cynthia Simmons is cousin to Angela Williams, founder of MAMA. The Williams family has lost many members to senseless gun violence. The photographs are the work of Artist Jean Hunt Howard.
Thirty-three ceramic masks were created to represent the average of 33,000 deaths by gun violence in the United States each year. These masks will incorporate the hues of the human rainbow, including “blue” for lost police officers. Visitors to the exhibit will write the “names to be spoken” on these masks. The masks will be donated to a museum.
On Friday evening, September 1 the walls will fill with art; celebrities, local and national, will gather to recite, sing, dance and to “Speak Their Names.” Featured artist, Will Simpson, will contribute his images to the wall, along with twenty other local artists. NFL retiree, Ray Syndor of the Philadelphia Eagles, will represent his charity, “Shooting for Peace”, as a recitor of names. “Electric Avenue,” performing artists Kalimba Yancey and Marijah and drummer, Ahimsa, will perform. Additional vocals by Mark Sykes. There will be a spoken word trilogy by DadaNiAhDiDi. Noemi Morales will represent the Hispanic community in the readings.
On Friday evening, September 8, a series of documentaries will be screened in the gallery. Some will address the issues of gun violence and others will celebrate the lives of those who fought injustice and for peace and social justice. Flautist, Blanche Williams will lead off the ceremonies that will, again feature poets, vocalists, musicians and dancers. Members of many effected communities will be present to remember and read the names of the victims they represent. These include the LGBTQ community, the Sheriff’s Department, and those gunned down in mass murders. Artie Williams will speak the names for MAMA, Mothers Against Murder, Association. Michael Riordan, Compass Community Center, will present the names of those who died at the Pulse Night Club. Ketina Jeanjaque will recite an original poem. Ketina is a student at Lake Worth High School. On this evening there will be the first of two Pop-Up markets. Artists in the gallery and artists in the show will make their art front and center. A percentage of contributions from the sales will go to MAMA.
On Friday evening, September 15, poets, artists, musicians and the public will be invited up to the microphone to “Speak Their Names,” sing songs, opine and recite poetry. A second Pop-up Market of wares the artists of the gallery and the show will be held to benefit MAMA.
Cynthia Simmons is an artist within the Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery. She creates collections under her brand, Belle’s Baskets, The Nefrititi Collection. She is cousin to Angela Williams; a part of the family with a tragic history or lost life to gun violence. Cynthia curates this show from her heart.
Partial list of participating artists:
Adriano Ficarelli
Alyrical
Anthony Burks Sr.
Cynthia Simmons
Elise Crohn
James Venable
Jean Hunt Howard
Jennifer Love Gironda
Joyce Brown
Kalimba Yancey
Ore’aljinal ojones
Pamela Harvard
Rolando Chang Barrera
Shakeera Thomas
Tracy Guiteau
For specific information about the exhibit and the artists involved contact Cynthia Simmons, [email protected] , 561-856-6118 (press only)
For additional information contact Joyce Brown, [email protected]. 215-205-9441
Clay▪Glass▪Metal▪Stone 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.