In this 4-hr workshop, students explored the rich history of Black excellence in the arts through dance, collage, and ceramics, and created artwork that connects their past, present, and future narratives.
This April, CultureWorks and I Am Academy had the privilege of using creative expression to explore Black Excellence with over 20 students from Holland. Students reflected on their personal narratives of excellence in the context of collective narratives of Black American experience.
We looked at Black History in the context of Art History—how Black Excellence was always there, developing as a distinct culture of innovation and creativity separate from (but steadily alongside) the mainstream creative culture. The traditional narrative of American Art History woefully neglects Black Artists and Designers, and many still struggle to find fair representation through formal outlets such as art museums and galleries. We celebrate this exhibition as a step toward a more excellent way of valuing and sharing the compelling and transformative work of great artists among us.
During our 4-hour workshop, students tapped into their own Black Excellence through expressive collage, ceramics, and dance, inspired by Black American artists excelling in their fields, such as collage artist Deborah Roberts; potter Theaster Gates; and choreographer Fatima Robinson.
Theaster Gates, who is also an urban planner, entreprenuer, performance artist, and activist, was just chosen to design the 2022 Serpentine Pavilion at the Kensington Gardens in London. This is the first time someone other than an architect or a firm has been selected for this prestigious commission, and we celebrate that this too, is a step toward recognizing the phenomenal work of artists like Theaster Gates, whose work of reclamation, innovation, and renovation in the South Side of Chicago inspires and empowers those who encounter it.
We’re delighted to present this collection of student work, and we hope you’ll notice how their voices come alive through each piece. Texture, color, imagery, form, function, and design – these details speak volumes about personal stories and unique perspectives.
This activity is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Teaching Artists:
- Candice Arnwine, collage
- Jazlyn Ruiz, dance and movement
- Emily Christensen, ceramics
