august 10th, 2024

Join us at Salute Society for our Art focused Capstone Event of the 2024 Bronzeville Week!

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Cindy Wright-Smith

Tanisha Gant

Muta’aliah (Aminah Green)

Noah Paolo Teague

Allison Westbrook

Ras Ameen (Corey Chatfield)

Bianca Garcia

SeonJoo So Oh

Justin McCulla

Kiara Jacobs

Curtis Weathers

Moolah Bred (Gerald Williamson)

Kayla Hooper

Allison Westbrook | deadbird brewery | @allisonwestbrookiv

My work is literally an evolution of technique and an emergence of a new perspective on how I wish to create visual imagery and why, retreating from representationalism to a more internal exploration of process as a vehicle for healing.

bianca garcia | birdsong distribution | @bmgartworks

My work is an homage to my ancestors, who were often portrayed negatively. In my Jibaro collection, I use the pava (straw hat) to symbolize Puerto Rican country folk. Once a derogatory term, "jibaro" has evolved to represent authentic Puerto Rican culture and hard work. The jibaro embodies those who built the island’s prosperity through agriculture, music, and community. The first piece in my Dance collection highlights bomba, a significant part of Afro-Puerto Rican culture. Despite enslavement, our African ancestors expressed themselves through bomba, a dance with drums. After long days in sugarcane fields, they gathered, danced, and claimed their identity with rhythms from a homeland never to be seen again. These rhythms, passed down with pride, are still used in music today.

Cindy Wright-Smith | honey bee sage

Emerging from the canvas, I find the essence of our own evolution. Each brushstroke tells a story of resilience, a testament to how we, as people, emerge from the depth of our struggles. We evolve through our experiences, shaped and redefined by every joy and sorry. This painting represents the transformative journey of becoming, where our imperfections are not merely flaws but stepping stones toward our true selves. This moment, captured, reminding us that perfection is an illusion. That our imperfections that weave the rich tapestry our existence are our beauty. The slight asymmetry of features, the play of light and shadow across the skin, all whisper of our inherent flaws, and our emergence and evolution.

curtis weathers | @curtskywalker

I spent a large portion of my life in pursuit of one goal. One day my journey down that path came to somewhat of an abrupt conclusion. For years after I felt lost. Only through the love and support of my friends and family was I able to acknowledge the artist that was always within me. This evolution liberated my spirit and set me free…

moolah bred | black & white barbershop | @moolahbred

My artwork, "Smell the Roses" and "Dear God," explores personal and spiritual growth, fitting the theme 'Evolve & Emerge'. In "Smell the Roses," a girl with UV flowers shows the blossoming of hidden potentials. "Dear God," features a boy praying, his upward gaze marked by divine light, symbolizing a moment of spiritual realization. Both pieces highlight the journey from internal change to visible manifestation.

justin mcculla | rise and grind cafe | @themccullashow

The USA--a country that often prides itself on its history--has a documented past that once punished People of Color with fines, imprisonment, pain, or death for illegally possessing the ability to read and write. Today, descendants of those afflicted people can enjoy the fruits of public libraries and be literate without fear of repercussions mandated by American Law. The painting entitled "In Literate Color" by Justin McCulla showcases children of color wielding the power and freedom of reading in a country that once would have punished them severely for it. They are painted reading together on the Grand Staircase inside the Milwaukee Public Library's Central Branch.

noah paolo teague (Student selection) | pilcrow coffee | @noahpaoloteague

Informed by his studies in design history and inspired by experiences at design fairs, Noah's artistic philosophy centers on creating designs that evoke comfort, timelessness, and functionality. With a commitment to collaboration, cultural inclusivity, and sustainability, he endeavors to address societal challenges, particularly in underserved communities, infusing every project with purpose and social consciousness. Through his multifaceted practice, Noah Paolo Teague seeks to effect positive change in the world, one thoughtfully crafted design at a time.

SeonJoo So Oh | 41floral

As an immigrant from South Korea, I would like to adopt in American tradition, culture, and living. But I cannot avoid my gene from parents. My arts also are based on home country arts. So, my artwork evolve to Americanize and future dream to live together for all mankind in peace. In addition, I am also the owner of Cool Beauty store to provide beauty supply materials to customers. My business and arts embrace into our neighborhood and community for live well together. That is my style of evolving and emerging into the society.