Activist Art by ARTivists is 'justice' work. It gives voice to the silenced, or marginalized, to better understand our collective humanity and the earth we share. Its public presence provides an opportunity for conversation and compassionate change. Few artists claim this space beyond the protest signs and posters. For them and their work, we offer our brave, safe creative space in Nelson's honor.
Nelson 'Carty' Ford Memorial Gallery, to be dedicated on April 30th, is an integrated gallery in the gathering spaces and walkways of WPAA-TV and Community Media Center. Nelson served on the Board of Directors from 2015-17. Subsequently, he served as the arts ambassador. His fine art series 'Bricks in Search of Words' graced our space until his passing in Dec 2023, said Artistic Director Josiah Houston. He influenced the use of public art to solve problems. The organization’s journey into #MoreThanTV began as a #PowerfulWildFree4Arts Project a.k.a. tiger mural to resolve a blight problem on the north side of their renovated 1924 cow barn. The tiger now called Hercules was a literal stretch for Ryan Christenson #Arcy who is now an internationally renowned muralist.
Nelson supported the permanent installation of #StreetshotZ by photographer Charles Buzinsky. This remains the featured installation of photographs, a book, and a digital display which actively engages viewers to support programs for their housing and food insecure neighbors.
Flipped from the 1960s Civil Rights headlines "We Are Not Like You" series by Brother Iyaba Ibo Mandingo will provoke necessary discussion of our shared 'differently' history. It was acquired this month. Source materials will be part of the installation.
The sculpture 'Conversation' by Ann Lehman, ' Mission in Mosaic' by Gallery53 artists, Wally political cartoons by Kevin Markowski are in the collection. Musicians may appreciate the reflective take on Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” Album Cover on loan from photographer and music man Robert Sims.
More about Carty: A 1963 graduate of Paier Art School he held day jobs as a graphic designer and pursued fine arts and his interest in history. His fine art was exhibited from 1991 until his passing. He began his major work The Awakening in a scroll 2 ft. by more than 500 ft. It explored the evolution of One Race with many faces, colors, cultures, and nations.
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