OCT 1ST 2020

Community is what is needed.

The people coming together with love is the most powerful way we can speak and act for progress.

“In these current times, the intersection of art, community and social change are more important than ever. And some of these changes can start at the local level, with your own two hands, creating in more ways than one, whether creatively or socially. Art has always been a form of self expression, it can be a reflection of time, or the tones of the unique experience of the artist. It can also act as a bridge to gather people and move them towards something, something bigger, something better, something equal, something just. Art can do many things, and hopefully it can move you to do the right thing.”

I had the opportunity to create a Black Lives Matter mural with some very talented individuals. A’Kailah Byrd-Greene, Jay McCray, & Yulissa Mendoza. These amazing artists banned together knowing there might be backlash towards their work.

June 15th of this year, we met at Artlands Gallery to discuss the details of the BLM content. The idea came soon after the out cry from our nation after George Floyd was killed in the streets of Minneapolis by Derek Michael Chauvin.

Getting out in the street during the summer heat waves we had no idea what the response would be. We are in Redlands, CA, a much divided city in social equality. Yet, we would say as the mural progressed there was more love for the painting than any negative reactions. I’ve watched first hand a positive outcome from coming together as creatives and using that as a voice for peace. I am so proud of these artists.

Left - A’kailah Byrd-Greene // Right - Yulissa Mendoza

This Saturday October 3rd we will be revealing the finished mural located at Parliament Chocolate. Alongside the mural there will be countless of other original artworks displayed from other amazing artists in the area. Open gate will be from 6PM to 9PM.

I will have one of my newest paintings “Vote For Your Life” included in the show.

We hope you can join us to celebrate a step to Take Action during the 2020 election.

Photograph by Dusty Ferguson