Blak Grit

In 1961, James Baldwin said “...to be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost, almost all of the time — and in one's work. And part of the rage is this: It isn't only what is happening to you. But it's what's happening all around you and all of the time in the face of the most extraordinary and criminal indifference.”

Rage is holding on to the vision of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Rage is holding on to the vision of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. Rage is holding on to the vision and voice of Sonya Massey. Living in America isn’t easy, you need a bit of grit to get by, be audacious and have the nerve to smile at times. Or create beautiful art. On August 9, 2024 Blak Grit: An Art Exhibit opens full of grit and audacity. Curated by artist seangarrison, he along with six other African American male artists; Andrew “Drew” Hammond, Miko Simmons, Ron Brown, Flahn Manly, Shea Maze, and Nnamdi “DIO” Darlington, will share 7 varied voices in an exhibit like no other seen in Minnesota. It will be the epitome that Black thought and art is not a monolith. This is not artistic rage, it’s artistic solace through the ways of art. This exhibit will embody a vast range of thought from social commentary, romance and eroticism, to love and hope. From Collage to Abstract and 3D work. From Black now to Black tomorrow. From joy to truth. From visual protest to visual party. It is healing and honesty in technicolor that will be spoken about for years to come.

Artist Talk:

This Friday, August 16, 2024, the artist's talk will take place. Hosted by Amy Wilderson, hear the voices of seangarrison, A Drew Hammond, Miko Simmons, Ron Brown, Flahn Manly, Nnamdi "Dio" Darlington, and Shea Maze; the visual griots at this one-of-a-kind art exhibit. From Flahn Manly’s “Warchild/HOPE” work that depicts the innocence of children forced to fight in wars in other countries, seangarrison’s “They Are Still With Us” a work inspired by the killing of Sonya Massey but connects the stars of all of the killing of Black men and women by police, the collage work “ Watermelon Men” that speaks about community by A Drew Hammond, and the fabulous, jaw dropping piece “Sankofa” by Shea Maze about Family and love; this is an exhibit all must see. Come find your soul and hear from some of the nation's best artists this Friday. This event is free to the public and light refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited. 

For more information about the participating artists: https://www.seangarrisonartist.com/blakgritexhibit

Free Admission. Donations Accepted.

Gallery Hours:
Mon-Fri 1-8
Sat 12-5. 

Sponsored by: Cultivated CBD and Luminate Home Loans