About
“Catch the Fire interprets hope, passion and purpose through a variety of mediums. It offers viewers an opportunity to reflect on the themes of Black History Month, African American Arts and the mediums used by black people to resist oppression while simultaneously producing beautiful art.”
- Deborah Hall Worcester Black History Project invited black artists to respond to the theme of Catch the Fire. Viewers will observe how each artist interpreted this theme. Additionally, it will offer viewers the opportunity to reflect on the theme of Black History Month 2024, African American in the Arts and the mediums used by black people to resist oppression while simultaneously producing beautiful art.
VARIOUS MEDIUMS
MIXED STORIES
The exhibition draws on the inspiring words of poet, activist, and educator, Sonia Sanchez.
It is a poem written to her community that both inspires Black folk to remember their history and the historical injustices they experienced.
I say where is your fire? Can’t you smell it coming out of your past, while reminding them to reclaim their beauty…Where is our beautiful fire that gave light to the world? The fire of pyramids; The fire that burned through the holes of slave ships and made us breathe… Ultimately, it encourages hope and living and loving joyously… Catch the fire and burn with eyes that see our souls: WALKING. Hey. Brother/Brotha. Sister/Sista. Here is my hand. Catch the fire…and live.
THE ARTIS
Jennifer Carey
She notes, “Enameling requires patience, precision, and surrender on the part of the artist. Both glass and metal, the key elements of this medium are, by nature, at times malleable and at times unyielding The artist must continually recognize that the creation of a successful piece acknowledges and works with this dichotomy. While I have mastered many techniques, I will always be a student of this medium.”
Jennifer Carey is a graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges with a degree in Psychology. She is the founding Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative, a non-profit that aims to engage the community to ensure that each student in the Worcester Public Schools is preparedforcollege,career, and beyond. As an artist, Carey chooses to focus on creating both decorative and contemporary art pieces, with a particular interestinenameling L
TS
She has exhibited widely, including at the Tianjin Art Museum in China, Provincetown Art Center and Museum, Hunterdon Museum of Art, the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute, Louisiana State University, Rhode Island College, and St. Thomas University. Her work is in numerous public and private collections, among them Brown University and the Worcester Art Museum. Toby Sisson’s home and studio are located in Providence, Rhode Island.
She serves as the curriculum specialist for the Art History program and is credited with the rebirth of the Art History minor and concentration. Dr. Swaidan designed and implemented courses such as African American Art History, Islamic Art, Non-Western Art Traditions, and Art Criticism that greatly diversified the curriculum. Additionally, Dr. Swaidan developed Higher Ed/Higher Ground, an institution-wide educationalbased program aimed at creating safe spaces for difficult conversation and fostering community on campus. She is the cofounder of SANKOFA organization for staff and students of color. Since she arrived at Westfield State in 2005, Dr. Swaidan has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and equity that goes far beyond buzzwords.
A recipient of the 2017 Insight into Diversity Giving Back Award. Dr. Swaidan is a sought-after speaker and has delivered lectures and presentations at The National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (NCORE), the American Association of Schools and Colleges (AASCU), and as well as K-12 institutions. Her expertise in African American Art and culture along with her research on the impact of racism on the identity of Black Academics has made her a valuable voice in the Art community. Christina’s art centers on the beauty and grace of Black women as they bear the burdens of mothering, loss, and abuse.
Kimberly Love Radcliff TS
Kimberly Love Radcliffe is a multifaceted, self-taught artist. Fiber art is her central focus. She sees each quilt as an opportunity to highlight African Americans' beauty, history, and culture. Her process includes stitching abstract portraits embellished with repurposed items
CATCH THEFIRE
Thank you
