DRIPPING WITH CREATIVITYRHYTHM + PAINT 2023

March 18, 2023 Event Coverage

Written by SWT

Wet Paint, smooth energy, and drippy rhymes illustrated this special occasion. Vison26, an event production company, hosted a modern yet cultured Sip and Paint. Trent L. Holmes, also known as Bigg Trent, had the 2-6 experience art on a new level. Trent stated,

“

I created Rhythm & Paint two years ago in 2019. It was my way of twisting the regular Sip & Paint. I love Sip and Paints but I wanted to elevate it to a new level of culture and blacktivity.”

He laughed kindly as the aroma of food danced around us.

Host of the night, Narciso Bowman, beamed and stated,

“First of all, shout out to my good brother Bigg Trent from Vision26 creative productions Rhythm & Paint is a vibe! It takes a spin on the Sip and Paint experience Coming into a gallery and experiencing creativity high energy, and true engagement is beautiful. I am so proud of him. I love what Trent is doing for the city of Fayetteville.”

In the atmosphere, you could feel a strong sense of rich art wrapped in an evening of joy. Blank canvases sat beautifully on the tables, waiting for their painter. Pallets filled with blues, whites, and purples drew in curiosity. What will the painting be of? The room filled as the attendees entered into a Vision26 experience.

The Main Event Let’s get into the waviest moment of the evening

You ask, what was the night’s choice of illustration? Take a guess! Okay, okay, I will tell you. The attendees painted the ocean—an ocean with serene purples, greens, and warm sand. Reddick, also known as Kognoscenti, led the painting course.

He took the gallery’s floor. Dressed relaxed yet cool as a diamond, he began.

“

I am Kognoscenti, signifying a carnosaur of all arts.”

His canvas stood before the audience. It held divisions of horizons, separating and setting the painting’s background.

He explained the paint basics, the foundation of brush direction, and the passion for seeing a vision. Going deeper into the waters, Kognoscenti dove into the principles of highlights and shadows.

Dripping blues, splashes of paint water, and artistry grew each minute. By the night’s end, you could have called us all Leonardo da Vinci and Claude Monet! Witnessing the rhythm of paint in everyone was as deep as the sea.

Overall, Rhythm & Paint’s instructor Kognoscenti was an incredible teacher overflowing with zeal and creative instruction.

Rhythm & Paint Vendors

Drip Drip Oooo

A pleasing touch to Rhythm & Paint was a feature of all arts, including fine clothing. Accordingly, the Rhythm & Paint vendors exhibited fantastic creativity in high fashion and artistry. Around the gallery space stood Kids That Still Dream, Faith Over Fear, Visionaries Clothing, and Christina Nicole Designs

Kornball, a Fayetteville native, founded KTSD - Kids That Still Dream. His rack held some sick designs. Kornball stated, “My clothes mean a lot to me. I am very passionate about it. I started young, and seeing it come to fruition feels good. It’s tangible now; it is no longer a dream.” My favorite piece from his rack was his off-the-shoulder varsity bomber-style jacket. I could see myself in it! With locs and thoughtful thoughts, Kornball said,

“IT TAKES A LOT OF HARD WORK, PUSHING THROUGH FRUSTRATION, AND A LOT OF CREATIVITY.”

He continued,

“I GUESS IT’S CLICHE TO SAY, BUT NEVER GIVE UP. THE NAME OF MY BRAND IS KIDS THAT STILL DREAM, AND IT SUPPORTS THE NOTION OF CHASING YOUR DREAMS, NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU GET. JUST CONTINUE TO GRIND AND WORK HARD, AND IT WILL WORK OUT FOR YOU.”

Following, Jeremy, founder of Faith Over Fear, expressed his love for fashion in a different sense.

“I AM A COLLECTOR I BINGE VINTAGE AND THRIFT I PARTICIPATE IN MANY VINTAGE POP-UP EVENTS AND ART SCENES LIKE THIS.”

At his table were some dope forces, one-of-a-kind wrangler jeans, and additional apparel that always stays in style. Jeremy expressed,

“I AM A CURATOR. I FIND COOL NICHES. WHETHER IT BE MUSIC T-SHIRTS OR SOMETHING WE GREW UP ON LIKE SPONGEBOB, ED ED & EDDY, OR JUST THE CLASSICS, I CURATE THAT THROUGH FASHION AND APPAREL.”

His style is one for the books, and I just remembered I didn’t ask him for the lookout! Yo Jeremy! If you are reading this, ya girl needs some vintage forces! I want a pair that no one has. Can you help ya girl out? I know you got the hookup!

Lastly, Nicolas Crecy, founder of Visionaries Clothing, had swag down from the bags to affirmative t’s. Nicolas articulated,

“YOU ARE HERE WITH VISIONARIES CLOTHING WE ARE A BRAND THAT PUSHES FOR SELFAWARENESS. WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO SEE BEYOND WHAT THEY SEE.”

This concept of vision caught my eye. Nicolas said,

“A VISIONARY IS SOMEONE WHO SEES FURTHER THAN WHAT IS PHYSICALLY IN FRONT OF THEM. THUS, WE BRING THAT TO WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING TO YOUR EVERYDAY WEAR.”

I asked Nicolas to leave some gems for the community, and he responded,

“YOU GOTTA SEE BEFORE YOU SEE IT, OR YOU WILL NEVER SEE IT. KEEP GOING, DON’T STOP. YOU KNOW WHAT I’M SAYING? THINGS MAY GET DISCOURAGING, AND SOMETIMES IT MAY GET CHALLENGING. BUT JUST KEEP GOING! AND KEEP SEEING YOUR VISION.”

In addition to fashion, another vendor had me stop dead in my tracks! Stargazing into the painting of a black woman, I felt God stretching in her skin. Visual artist Christina Miles, founder of Christina Nicole Designs, radiated and spoke gently,

“THE ARTWORK IS NAMED “AFTER ALL, WE THRIVE. ”

The painting was a triptych, portraying the black feminine experience inside cultural controls and outside bounding labels. Christina stood beside the set and explained,

“THE PIECES ARE “ALTHOUGH SEXUALIZED WE ARE BEAUTIFUL,” “EVEN BOXED IN WE SHINE,” & “AFTER ALL, WE THRIVE.” THIS COLLECTION IS AN ODE TO BLACK WOMEN AND HOW, REGARDLESS OF THE BOXES OTHER PEOPLE TRY TO PUT US IN, ‘WE STILL THRIVE AFTER ALL.’”

Wow. That was all I could say because, at that moment, every black woman I loved stood in her painting. Furthermore, Christina Miles had a variety of illustrations for all ages and a range of creative designs.

BETWEEN THE FASHION KINGS AND THE QUEEN OF VISUAL ART, YA GIRL FELT LIKE SHE WAS IN ART HEAVEN! WHY? BECAUSE EVERY ASPECT OF ART IN RHYTHM & PAINT WAS BEYOND THE ORDINARY.

Rhythm & Paint Performances

Big Dreams, Big Waves, & Big Boss Energy

Trent, the creator of Rhythm & Paint, spoke with me about one highlight he was particularly excited about. Bigg Trent noted,

“I look forward to the performances. I am a singer myself; I love music, eclectic sounds, and mainly all genres of music. So tonight, I am excited to see the performers and how they will take the stage.”

The opening singer was the beautiful Carolina Dream. She sang to an Aaliyah beat dressed in ruched green threads. Her song was titled Fancy, and it orbited throughout the gallery.

The evening didn’t stop there. Stealing the night away, Ianna Rene, an NC artist, took the gallery by storm with the confidence of the galaxy. Her pen was immaculate, and her lyrics were electrifying. With two beautiful dancers, the three women charged up the crowd. The choreography was top-notch, the vocals were clean, and the vibe was right. Ianna Rene came and showed out, leaving the night on a high note!

Collectively, Rhythm & Paint was the embodiment of its name, the art of rhythm, and the beauty of paint. Attendees left with oceanic pieces that resembled a night of creativity soaked in soul. With creators like Trent, Kognoscenti, and Ianna Rene, alongside KTSD, Faith Over Fear, and Visionaries Clothing and Christina Nicole Designs, the 2-6 remains dripping with originality and great possibilities.

Who knew Fayetteville had such brilliant people and events? Baby, don’t worry. We did and always will! So stay locked in because FAYNC has got you covered. That’s a wrap! Peace and Love! You already know, it’s ya girl SWT, updating you with the real, the beautiful, and the hottest talk of the Ville. You heard it from us first! Rhythm & Paint, by the legendary Bigg Trent.