Dreams in Full View A Black History Month Experience

In celebration of Black History Month, the Stamford Art Association invites the community to the opening of Dreams in Full View at the Ferguson Library. I had an opportunity to view the Show the day after the artwork was hung. I walked around the gallery eager to experience the diverse media, artistic styles, and genres. The viewer is invited to interpret his or her own meaning.

Dreams in Full View, curated by artist Tara Blackwell, features works by regional artists of color. Across different media, styles, and perspectives, the artists share personal narratives and collective hopes, honoring everyday moments and visions for the future.

Tara’s pop-art and cartoon inspired paintings that possess a deeper message and give the viewer a glimmer of hope and encouragement to persevere. Lila Malone’s expressive portraits of Pharrell (above) evoke feelings of nostalgia.
Haitian-American Artist Jean Benoit’s Moon Goddess is one of my favorite artworks. I enjoy how he includes spiritual and cultural symbols into his artwork for deeper meaning.

“Together, these works remind us that dreaming is not only about what lies ahead, but also hopes carried forward from the past that continue to live in the present”. – Tara Blackwell

Featured artists include:

Kristin Armani Hill, Mike Bazelais, Jean Benoit, Tara Blackwell, Lauren Clayton, Lila Malone, Aisha Nailah, Sain’t Phifer, Laurie Rivera, Sherron Robinson, Sharon Smalls, Remy Sosa, Chardel Studio, and Tiara Trent.

The opening reception will take place on Wednesday, February 11, from 5:30–7:00 PM, and will feature a spoken word performance by Sahmra Sawyer, Founder of We’ve Got Something to Say, a creative platform that promotes mental health and well-being through poetry by creating safe spaces for diverse voices to be heard.

The exhibition will be on view through March 26.

Stay tuned for Art Critic in 1 Minute videos on YouTube  and Instagram discussing the artwork of Greatness.