Like many around the country, I am back to school this week in what will be the most unique academic year in modern history. As an MFA graduate student in a creative writing program, I will be completely virtual this year, just as I was for the spring. Simultaneously, this…

After a 25-year hiatus, artist Laura Palmer Edwards returned to the studio and art classes in 2002. From there, she has had the opportunity to feature her work at a number of galleries and shows. As an artist, Palmer Edwards is interested in exploring new media and mixes painting and…

Jacob Armstead Lawrence (1917–2000) was an African American painter known for documenting the African American experience through his works. Lawrence was born in 1917 in Atlantic City New Jersey to parents who had migrated there from the rural south. At 13, he moved to New York City and was introduced…

Friday, August 28, 2020 was the anniversary of the murder of Emmett Till. Somehow 1955 feels closer this year. These eight going on nine months of 2020 have felt compressed. I’m having a hard time understanding how, in an instant, time can wrinkle as it has. I scarcely learn to…

The Revolution Could be filmed? Five films I’m thinking about I am back this week with another meditation on art that inspires action and reflection. This week I’m thinking about films. Does anyone else miss actually sitting in a movie theater? Watching a movie from home is cozy, but I…

Last week on vacation, I spent a good majority of my time outside. Even as the tropical storm came and winds blew, I stayed on the porch as long as possible. I thought nothing of this desire at the time. …

While writing the last post, a friend rightly pointed out that I shouldn’t limit protest art to just visual art. Especially since so many other forms of art have come to define certain protests and movements more so than posters. So, I’ve decided to extend the post into a series…

As the Movement for Black Lives continues, I’ve started reflecting on the power for art to inspire folks to act. Black Lives Matter murals on the roads, creative picket signs, and 30-sec TikToks have been just some of the mediums used to inspire action in this moment. Seeing the abundance…

Chicago artist Melrick Steele is known for his vibrant, colorful abstract pieces. Born and raised on the south side of the city, Melrick taught himself to draw at four years old. Melrick has worked to develop a style of that is strongly inspired by everyday life and various cultures. He…