The group show combines poetry, written by Ashley Richardson, with visual art responses. The intention is to spark conversations about violence against Black bodies, both verbally and physically, from microaggressions to police brutality; as well as violence against trans bodies, women’s bodies, and other intersections of the Black identity.
“Blood on the Pavement” aims to help Minnesota communities think, discuss, and disrupt.
The exhibit is scheduled to have Opening Night activities on First Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at the Northrup King Building third floor gallery (studio 332). There will be a themed writers Open Mic starting at 5:00 PM, followed by a short talk lead by a noted artist. At 7:00 PM there will be a Poetry Reading featuring local MN poets.
Poet and curator, Ashley Richardson, began constructing ideas and poetry for this exhibit in May 2020 after George Floyd’s murder. In the wake of another Minnesota police killing, Rest In Power Amir Locke, and another family unnecessarily grieving the loss of a child, she is angered and deeply pained that the exhibit remains relevant. But despite the Black lives taken too soon, despite the attack on Black and minority voting rights, despite the war against women’s bodily autonomy, and despite efforts to erase certain books and histories, Richardson believes Black individuals and communities will continue to stand together in pursuit of justice and change.
Richardson hopes people outside the Black community show up too. “Show up and look at the legacy and continued reality of this country in the face. Show up and take part in the hard conversations. Just show up.”
“Blood on the Pavement” will be participating in Art-A-Whirl 2022 from May 20-22.
Closing Night is May 28. At 6:30 PM the silent auction for noted painter, Owen Brown, and his response to the George Floyd murder titled Today’s Decisions (George Floyd) will end. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Northside Achievement Zone. There will also be opportunities to vote on a second organization or charity to receive funds.
The show will feature the following local artists responding to Richardson’s poems. They will be providing remarks on May 28 at 7:00 PM: Drew Hammond, Azania Tripp, Briauna Williams, Lyle Ferguson, Sebastian Rivera Cintron, Ariana Carbajal, and Cory Favre, with unique appearances of works by Nikki McComb and Owen Brown.
“Blood on the Pavement” is meant to be an act of resistance and resilience. With a deep belief that Black lives, voices, and narratives matter, Ashley Richardson has intentionally organized a month-long exhibit (May 5 – May 28). “It is imperative Black stories take up space. Not just for a night. We deserve a persistent and loud presence.”
The upcoming exhibit is supported by local non-profit, Art To Change The World (ACW), and the assistance of team members Dominique Zellmer, Senior Scientist, and Deacon Warner, educator and filmmaker.
Gallery Hours
Opening:
Thursday, May 5th (5:00 – 9:00 pm)
Saturday, May 7th (Noon-4:00pm)
Saturday, May 14th (noon-4:00pm)
Friday, May 20th (5:00-9:00pm)
Saturday, May 21st (noon-4:00pm)
Sunday, May 22nd, (Noon to 4:00 PM)
Closing:
Saturday, May 28th, (5:00 – 8:00 PM)
Blood on the Pavement is an Art to Change the World project funded by: Metro Regional Arts Council $15,000.00, Mike Vennewitz $2,000.00, ACW $1,550, Mary Wilson $1,000.00, Mojo Coffee Fundraiser $1,000, Layl McDill $1,000.00, Katie Palmer $150.00, Arts Midwest $2,500.00, and WARM $5,800.00.
