Stay up-to-date with what's happening with members of the Black American Artists Alliance of Richmond.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED
• On September 7, "Mending Walls: The Documentary" premiered at the Byrd Theatre as part of the Richmond Film Festival. The brainchild of artist Hamilton Glass, Mending Walls which began in 2020 is a project that brings together artists of different cultures and backgrounds to work collaboratively in an effort to promote healing and connection. Several members of BAAAR participated in Mending Walls: Jowarnise (who works with Hamilton), David Marion, S. Ross Browne, and Sir James Thornhill. Check out some photos from the premier!
Click here to find out more about Mending Walls or watch the documentary.
• Member Sir James Thornhill along with artists Jason Ford and Kevin Orlonsky completed a mural to honor Richmond, Virginia's first 10 black career firefighters in Engine Company Number 9, who were hired July 1, 1950. The mural can be seen on the wall of Mocha Temple No. 7 Shrine Club in Jackson Ward on 2nd Street, a few blocks from where Engine Co. No. 9 was located until 1968. The mural was officially unveiled on August 6. Read more about this mural here or check out the Facebook page.
• Member Unicia R. Buster was the featured artist at this year's annual 2nd Street Festival. As the featured artists, Unicia created the artwork used on the official poster of the festival. The artwork was unveiled on September 23rd and is titled "Ms Meekins' Future Band." The art quilt features Marsha Meekins, a professional musician and music teacher, along with her grand niece and nephew as a way of celebrating the past, present and future. The 2nd Street Festival was held on October 2nd and 3rd in Richmond, Va. Check out more here. Member David Marion also had a booth at the festival and was the featured artist at past festivals.
•Unicia is also the new project coordinator for this year's 1708 Gallery InLight.
• Members of BAAAR accepted a donation from The JXN Project on the first day of the Second Street Festival as part of their "Unveiling The Vanguard: A Virtual Experience," an unveiling of a series of honorary street designations to pay homage to a set of notable Black Jackson Wardians. Find out more on their page.
• Member Barbara Hobson was a vendor at several events including at the Henrico Recreation Center. Member Vashti Wood led a paint night with 92 people. S. Ross Browne had a piece selected for the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC.
UPCOMING
• Member P. Muzi Branch will be one of the commencement speakers for Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Arts December graduation where they will be honoring Dr. Murry DePillars. VCU recently named their fine arts building after him. Read more about that here. Muzi is an alumnus of VCU and former student of Dr. DePillars.
• Member David Marion along with his wife, Tiara Green, will host Liberated Flow Charity Art Gala to raise funds for Richmond's Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This is their third gala which helps supports other non-profit organizations to further their mission. This year's gala will take place on December 4th at the museum. Find out more here.
• Member Jowarnise will teach an after-school art program at John Marshall High School through Girls for a Change.
Check out our blog often as our members are always busy.