Hey All! So this semester in school I am finally able to take the classes I want and am taking IT & Journalism. Both are fun classes and will both will hopefully help me get farther in the two possible careers I want to pursue (Journalism & Web Development/Design). Anyway our first assignment in Journalism class was to go to an event and report about it. So I attended fellow Ecohermanas sister Caryl Henry-Alexander’s art exhibit opening at the Pyramid Atlantic in Silver Spring, MD on Georgia Ave with 3 other artist. Check out my article bellow:

Although it was pouring rain on opening night, it did not stop people from attending. If you are driving, bring money for the meter or take the Metro and walk the two blocks. Pyramid Atlantic is located on Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring, nestled in the restaurant district, which reflects a variety of cultures and flavors. Then will go up a small flight of stairs to a small second story loft space that has several rooms divided amongst the four artist. The Atlantic is an artist house where its primary goal is to build communities that give life to printmaking, papermaking, and book art. It is a 501c3 that has been around since 1981.

Every so often an artist comes along that is doing good for the community and empowering young and old to use their creative spirit to make art that can change the world. As people walk in they will see on the left where Caryl has her art displayed on the walls which is a visual treat for the eyes and tells people a story through words and images of community building, teamwork, culture and togetherness. Caryl, says “this exhibition has given me opportunity to share the JuJu Charms and mixed media Mandalas that I have created in the last couple of years. The work is in honor of our natural world and seeks to engage the viewer in creative response.” says Henry-Alexander.

Caryl is a visual, public and community artist and educator born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and spent many years in the Bay Area of California before moving to the DC area. She works with many multigenerational, multicultural and interfaith communities in diverse settings. Caryl has worked with many different partners and organizations throughout the DC area, including Ecohermanas, the Unitarian Church and Groundworks Anacostia. She is also the owner of Big Bang Banners, where she makes banners for different social justice groups and other organizations throughout the country. Her art has been on display in many galleries across America. “Caryl’s art appeals to all ages and inspires the imagination through her artful imagery using mermaids, turtles, beads and jewels and vibrant colors that make you want to tell a story of your own,” said Rabiah Al Nur, head of the organization Spring of Light.

Once you turn the corner towards the back vistors will see Tunde Odunlade who came all the way from Nigeria that day to display his art. In the style of traditional African artist, Tunde uses painted fabrics to tell a story. Turtles were a big theme throughout his art and he uses a mixture of abstract, literal and impressionist work to tell the story of the sea. He used a lot of fiber art and pressed paper and ranged from large to medium wall size pictures. Most of his art was in more muted tones of brown, black, dark green and was a contrasted with Carly’s vibrant colorful art. Tunde has developed a unique batik applique that builds on traditional textile print techniques. His images draw from the rich history of Yoruba art and culture, modern-day life in Nigeria and his passion for music. He has had his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of African Art and throughout other parts of the United States, London and Nigeria.

Rounding the corner into the main space, visitors will find the works of Carlos Uribe who was on hand to discuss as to interpret for the audience his vision of his contemporary prints. Carlos practices the art of print making and says that “Printing in general has always reflected the cutting edge of industrial and technological innovation and many processes have been left behind for more efficient and flexible methods. I have grown up to see most everything I ever learned about the trade and art form become obsolete in practice but not in basic premise.”

The last artist seen in the gallery is eighteen year old artist Bradford Spady, the youngest artist at the gallery. He is a cartoonist whose art is very colorful. He has been privileged to have the opportunity to work with artist from Disney when they saw his drawing of Stich from “Leo and Stich.” His work might seem a little abstract to some, as he draws girls who turn into aliens and have bumps on their face. He also writes a lot of stories on bullying and hazing like “ShoozyQ and the ABCrew” and “7 Days to Tell”. He also has his own business called “B’artful” which promotes emerging authors and artists through workshops, exhibitions and events that provide networking opportunities with other professional artists and authors.

This event went well, and with the diverse amount of artists exhibiting it was a cultural night of fun. People mingled and ate wine and cheese while exploring the stories each artist put on display.