Art & Economy: The Power of Independence
The Art & Economy session at RISE Collaborative Workspace had another great turnout with over 50 people in attendance including Jice Johnson’s colleagues at Black Business Initiative and some of Brandolon Barnett’s family that came in all the way from Washington DC.
We also had another large showing from the partner organizations of Imperfect Pixels. Friendly reminder that 25% of the proceeds of art sales go to Black Business Initiative, Second Chance Center, and Voices on Canvas.
Many thanks to the wonderful violin tribute to Elijah McClain performed by Brad Watson of the Colorado Symphony. The guests were quite moved and it was a profound opportunity to celebrate the joy of music he brought to the community while alive.
Next Up: Art & Politics
I hope you join us for the next session on August 19th . Regina Jackson and Gloria Prioleau-Neal will join me as we look at Art & Politics and explore the power of leadership. Seating is limited, so make sure you RSVP to secure your spot.
Here are a couple quotes that resonated with me the most from the event:
“It’s 2021 and we still hear stories of I’m the only Black person in, or I’m the first Black person to, and so it talks about the relevance of all the spaces that Black people are not actually in in order for them to think there is a possibility for them to get into this space [of entrepreneurship]. ”
“In communities of color where you don’t have that entrenched wealth, it’s hard to invest, take a step back, work on your art for a few years, and figure out all those questions, and there’s no marketplace to help you. ”
Further Reading:
If you haven’t had a chance, please check out the article last year with Jice Johnson:
'We have to really dig into being uncomfortable': Denver's Black Business Initiative founder on role of business in racial inequities (Denver Business Journal)
Also Brandolon Barnett’s book is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com:
Dreams Deferred: Recession, Struggle, and the Quest for a Better World
Poetry Reading by Local Artist
We were lucky enough to have Marie Thomas open the event with a poem she wrote that discussed issues of harmful gentrification and the erasure of Black communities in the name of progress. Check out more of her writing, and grab a copy of her book. Below is the poem she shared with the community:
Our lassos do not fear RiNos
This tall land has never heard of having a LoHi
Don’t you understand whose land you are dancing off beat on?
Don’t you know that in order to run your fashion meets lifestyle boutique there must first be life?
I cannot blame you new comers for traveling here.
It was first on carriages and now in Kia’s.
Mountain men, hippy counterparts, black cowboys, Mexican politicians mixed with native Americans gathered far and wide to find gold
But now the aura of this city is green, and I’m not talking about weed
Haven’t you seen the end of prohibition? How lustful is liquor now anyway?
Don’t get me wrong you all believe you are pioneering something.
And yes our city may be hidden in clouds, but this is still America.
ain’t nobody ask you to turn my neighborhood in to a LEGO set and call it modern and Chique
Aren’t you all suppose to be eco friendly? Why can’t you at least recycle our brick homes instead of building on top of them. Brick lasts forever, just like my people.
My people are going to last forever
And by the way, gentrification and greed see no color. Birkenstock’s and rough riding broncos. My white ass neighbors have been growing weed in their backyard long before you starting calling this place “ColoRAW-DOUGH” it’s “ColoRAD-Doe” because this place was fucking rad before GQ, Vice, or your cousin who lives on the outskirts of Aurora told you to move to Denver.
In their front yards are signs that reading “Black Lives Matter” except for when they force black families out
I have no doubt that in this house you accept people of color, that you vote in what you believe to be our best interest, that you respect pro-nouns, you just don’t respect our space
But at least there are efforts to preserve are no longer existing presence through painting murals right?
No. Fuck those murals.
Because how can you pay respects to a people that built neighborhoods but are no longer allowed in them
The day will come when you die in what use to be our homes. The jazz will flood your ears. The clear air will fill your lungs. And the weed will only linger near your nostrils. You will close your eyes, and my ancestors will ask where you are, and you won’t know.
But at least you knew the property value.
Art & You
The exhibition will be up at RISE Collaborative Workspace through mid-September and available for viewing during normal business hours Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm. We have also made it a point of supporting local businesses after the events. Here are some of our favorite places:
- Stargazers Chocolate
- Postino 9CO
- HopDoddy Burger Bar
- Swing Thai
- Dae Gee Korean BBQ
- Anthony’s Pizza
Bring the Stories Home
People have asked about ways to add some of the Imperfect Pixels pieces to their own collection. You can purchase either an original work or one of the extremely limited edition prints HERE. All pieces include a glass orb. When you make an purchase of any piece of art, you can direct 20% of the proceeds to one of three local organizations doing work related to racial equity and social justice:
Black Business Initiative -- Equitable Economy
Second Chance Center -- Equitable Justice
Voices on Canvas -- Equitable Future
Buy art. Make an impact. Build capacity. Share the stories.
