- This event has passed.
Opening Reception – Black Futures in Art: Ever Evolving
February 2 @ 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
Join us for an opening reception with the curator and artists for February’s First Friday.
A celebration of Black History Month, a group show curated by Adderly Grant-Lord featuring:
John Toms + Collen Nyanhongo
“Can You Hear Me?”
Ask yourself, can you feel the resonance of these words echoing through the corridors of your heart? Can you hear the silent screams, the unspoken echoes of a soul yearning to be seen?
In the vast landscape of Boulder County, imagine standing tall, silent, and black, a silhouette against the backdrop of community. Will you truly see, know, accept, and include? These questions reverberate, urging us to listen, to acknowledge, and to bridge the gaps that may linger in the quiet spaces between us.
In the soul-stirring symphony of the NoBo Art District, a vibrant and evocative exhibit emerges, beckoning us to ask a resounding question: “Can you hear me?” Echoing the powerful voice of Adderly Grant-Lord, a cherished member, artist, and board member, this artistic celebration for Black History Month transcends boundaries and invites us to witness the ever-evolving narratives of Black Futures in Art. For three years, Adderly has infused her passion into this project, stemming from a deeply personal wellspring of concern for her daughter’s struggle to find identity in a community lacking representation. Drawing upon her Caribbean immigrant experience, juxtaposed with her daughter’s upbringing, she understands the urgent need for exposure to black art, fostering understanding, connection, and true community within our hearts.
This exhibit, hosted at the NoBo Art Gallery at the Bus Stop Gallery, features the remarkable sculptor and painter John Toms alongside the legendary talents of Collen Nyanhongo. Each artist’s work promises not just intellectual engagement but an invitation to embark on a journey through the diverse and thought-provoking expressions of the black perspective.
As you step into this immersive experience, may the resonance of these artistic echoes kindle your imagination, bridging gaps and nurturing the seeds of a more united and appreciative community. Join us for the grand opening and let the beauty of this collection become a cherished part of your own personal narrative.
Artist Bios
John Toms – As a young child John developed a strong passion for creating. After high school, John furthered his education at the Colorado Institute of Art and the European Institute of Commercial & Fine Art. John’s fine artwork is mostly self-taught. He didn’t pick up a paint brush until after his return from Europe. Over the years, he’s worked hard to develop his own unique style. Substance has always been important. The work must be more than just a pretty picture.
His artwork is categorized by strong compositions and vibrant color, through the use of acrylic, water colors, luma dyes, pastels, inks, colored pencils, and charcoal. John approaches his craft with sincere passion. Continued
Colleen Nyanhongo – Collen Nyanhongo’s homeland is Zimbabwe, which means “large house of stone.” He is a member of the most significant family of artists in Zimbabwe and learned the craft of using simple hand tools to sculpt his stones from his father, Claude Nyanhongo, a first-generation artist who helped create the Zimbabwe Sculpture Movement in the 1950’s and 60’s. The Zimbabwe Sculpture Movement is heralded as the most prominent art form to emerge from Africa in the 20th century.
Forging his own vision from his powerful artistic roots, Collen Nyanhongo blends traditional figurative form into metaphorical abstract expression that transcends his past and establishes him as an eminent world artist whose work has been honored in Zimbabwe, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, Holland, England, Switzerland, Germany, South Africa and the United States.
Collen sculpts in all sizes, from a 15-ton marble stone for a public art project in Fort Collins, Colorado Continued
Participating Venues:
First Congregational Church: Opening Reception January 14th. On view through March 21st, 2024
NoBo Bus Stop Gallery: Opening Reception February 2nd. On view through February 25th, 2024
The Dairy Arts Center: Opening Reception: February 9th. On view through April 6th, 2024
Featured Artists across all venues include:
Adderly Grant-Lord + Louise Cutler + John Toms + Thomas Lockheart + Gideon Nyanhongo + Collen Nyanhongo
For more information and to RSVP: Email Adderly Grant-Lord Aglfineart@gmail.com 609-356-2518
This exhibit is supported by the Boulder County NAACP and the NoBo Art District.
