Iquan Summers, Darius Levine Davis, Leon Laing, Larry Washington Jr., Bryan King Prolifik,
Dionn Reneé, Julia Mallory, Marion Toro, Reina 76 Artist, Steve Barber, Mohsen Matter, Donny Lyons
Artists of Color Make History
February is dedicated to Black History Month and, in Harrisburg, an exciting chapter has begun for a group of 15 artists of color. The new year had barely started when on a snowy night this Jan. 3, the headquarters of Sprocket Mural Works was the backdrop for a historic moment in Harrisburg’s Black history. It marked the occasion of the first art salon. A dozen artists were assembled by art ambassador Reina R76 and Meg Caruso, executive director of Sprocket, for a photo shoot. The flock of talent found Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman holding court with Steve Barber, Leon Laing, Julia Mallory, Dionn Renee, Marion N. Toro, Larry Washington, Jr., Donnie Lyons, Mohsen Matter, Darius Davis and Iquan Summers. In addition, Michelle Green, Kourtney Angelina Thompson, and Jemar Sweets are part of the circle but had other commitments. Normally the photo shoot would have been the pinnacle of the night. However, what took place before was truly transcendent.
In a living room setting, mirroring the Paris art salons of the 1920s, Sprocket’s spacious layout was perfectly suited with sofas and chairs ideal for conversation, informal yet intimate. Serving as the night’s moderator, Megan suggested introductions all around as I thanked the group for coming together on this auspicious night as a community of artists. The photo was for a special article in February’s issue dedicated to the arts and Black culture for TheBurg. Forming a closely knit circle, one by one, they shared their stories and journeys of how they arrived there from the winding road of art creation. Over the next hour, tales were revealed—how obstacles became opportunities, and how rejection forged resilience and reward. When the dozen uniquely diverse sagas were completed, it dawned on me that a historic moment had taken place that night—the very first art salon of Harrisburg-Artists of Color. Everyone present was elevated in the evening’s exchange filled with camaraderie and support for each other’s passion to create. It is yet to be determined as February continues to unfold and word gets out, will that early January get-together be the spark to flame the future of Black artists in the city and what form will it take? United they stand…a page in the history of Harrisburg, or a preamble to prominence in the public realm?
Eve Tiday and Creative Minds (Art Salon 2.0)
Eve Tiday & Creative Minds may sound like the latest garage band from Silicon Valley, but is in reality a Millworks vehicle steered by its founder, Eve Tiday, the think-tank guru moderating a group of artists and creatives. Operating under the radar since June of last year, this monthly get-together discusses everything from, of course, art to literature, film, writing, music composition and sundry other topics in a question-led format. Life is full of surprises. P.D. Murray, ex-pat Millworks artist, had shared with me that Eve Tiday was the real deal, and she is. Her age belies her worldly insight, young with a light inside that immediately strikes you as precocious and full of moxie.
Art by Eve Tiday
“Being a digital painter was one of few choices coming out of art school,” Eve shared. Long story short, instead of using paints, pixels are the secret ingredient in her art. Limited edition giclee original digital artworks on archival paper are the end result of an extremely complicated process. They are stunningly photographic in nature.
As for the “Creative Minds,” hers is one of about a dozen or so with an ever-changing core group stemming mostly from Millworks Studios. The group started out of a conversation with fellow artist, Elaine Elledge, a second-floor mate in Studio 212 to Eve and Marjorie Taylor’s Studio 214. Anyone who has ever created any type of art form knows traveling that road can be a lonely journey. Together in conversation, they shared, “Wouldn’t it be therapeutic to be able to discuss those feelings with fellow artists?” Out of that came a melting pot, albeit a small one, of friends who shared similar, like-minded experiences and views. The key to its success is maintaining its less-is-more approach. Eve pointed to the need for “everyone to have a voice, and thanks to its size, there is a joie-de-vivre that is truly genuine and meaningful.” The sense of empowerment gained flourishes out of the support of other members in a safe, public forum able to formulate ideas without any fear of judgement or rejection.
Over its first eight months, the number of attendees fluctuated in size and personalities as friends told friends, “This is good stuff”. A true sense of community is the best byproduct of the gatherings. Eve is only too happy to share their experience with others who may want to start their own group. Contact her at [email protected].
As the new year unfolded on the local art scene, these two art salons have surfaced. Both groups are unique and finding their way. It will be an interesting journey to see what the coming months hold in store for them.
On the Town for 3rd in the Burg
“Black History in the Arts” at the Civic Club of Harrisburg
Civic Club President, Contrena Baltimore and Director of Event Operations Dena Jangdhari proudly announce an evening of “Black History in the Arts,” a symposium of discourse, performance and poetry celebrating the rich and diverse diaspora of Black culture. It will take place at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St., for 3rd in the Burg from 6 to 8 p.m. The esteemed Rev. Eric Jackson will be the keynote speaker for the event and award-winning poet Maria James-Thiaw will pay tribute to Black history and its role in the arts. Featured travel photographer, Jemar Sweets of Millworks, will lead a discussion of his work. This memorable evening will be capped off by vibrant live performances showcasing artistic contributions to the community across mediums. A panel discussion of the Civic Club’s Art Unites The World Advisory Council will take place. This prestigious assembly includes Reina R76, Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman, Mohsen Matter, Jemar Sweets and James Berlus. The event is free and open to the public.
“Trinity to Infinity” at the Art Association of Harrisburg
Art Association of Harrisburg
A trio of artists will decamp at the Art Association of Harrisburg starting this Friday, Feb. 21 for its opening night reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and will run through March 25, highlighting tangible products of their efforts. The exhibit “Trinity to Infinity: Creative Expressions,” showcases their diverse talents, as chimerical ceramist Brian Defrees is bookended by painter Thom Kulp, a mixed media artist who works mostly with acrylics, as well as Chet Davis, a modernist painter enchanted by the human form. The three combine forces in this sure-to-be blockbuster invitational exhibit.
Nate Foster, director of exhibitions, and Alanna Barton, newly appointed assistant curator, make up the team responsible for art shows at the association. “‘Trinity to Infinity,’ is our first invitational of the year featuring three Pennsylvania artists, each with their own mastery of mediums and storytelling ability,” shared Foster. Miss Barton added, “I am looking forward to assisting Nate in my role and see what our professional gamesmanship will bring to the walls.” Foster was equally expressive and shared insight regarding a new second-floor gallery called The Museum Room. With a wink, he said, “We are both happy to give tours of its interior as the treasures were donated to the AAH by a local collector.”
And as for the show, perhaps Thom Kulp put it so well in that the sum is greater than the individual parts, “from the visions of three artists to the infinite diverse expression of their creativity.” Buzz Lightyear may agree, “To infinity and beyond.” But that’s a whole other Story not to Toy with.
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