Violence Transformed visits the Harriet Tubman House

Local Artists Confront and Challenge Violence

BOSTON, Mass.- United South End Settlements’ Harriet Tubman Gallery is pleased to host the Violence Transformed art exhibition. This annual series of visual and performing arts events celebrate the power of art, artists and art-making to confront, challenge and mediate violence. The exhibit is on view from March 4 – April 26, 2013 and will kick off with an opening reception on Thursday March 7^th from 6 – 8 PM. The reception is free and open to the public, located at 566 Columbus Ave in Boston’s South End, which will feature light refreshments, entertainment and an opportunity to meet some of the talented local artists exhibited in the show. 

Based primarily in the center and surrounding neighborhoods of Greater Boston and drawing upon the creative energies of artists throughout New England, Violence Transformed documents the ways in which our diverse communities harness art’s potential to effect social change and materially transform our environments. Violence Transformed also represents a unique collaboration among artists, activists, museum professionals, academics, and community service providers from diverse segments of the greater Boston area. We share the conviction that art and art-making are essential to the well-being and vibrancy of our communities.

Gail Bos, a participating artist and coordinator for Violence Transformed exclaims: “Being in Peace Corps was a gift…to live in the rich culture of Mali, West Africa and to see the diverse ways people coped with life’s challenges. The subject of my art is about choices…what Americans value, what we turn away from.” Bos’ work takes on a naive sensitivity through the use of contour lines and earthy tones. Photographer Walter Crump uses the lens as a way in which he has “…witnessed time and again the sustained birth and decay of cultures and place, the constant flux of cities. Many of the places I have photographed over time have been altered. These places could have declined or they could have been completely replaced with something new.  I like to think of my photographs as visual memories, existing in a parallel world.” Crumps’ imagery takes on a ghostly encounter through the use of bleaches and unconventional toner methods that creates wonderfully rich layers of character filled with ambiguous emotions.

Violence Transformed began in 2007 as a community initiative of the Victims of Violence Program of the Cambridge Health Alliance in an effort to draw attention to the transformative possibilities of art. It blossomed into an exhibit at the Massachusetts Statehouse curated by members of diverse arts, education and community service organizations and highlighted by an unforgettable evening of live performances. More than 3,000 children, families, students, legislators and their constituents visited the exhibit or attended the opening event. Each year since 2007, Violence Transformed has expanded beyond the Statehouse to include exhibitions of visual and performing arts in a variety of other venues such as United South End Settlements’ Harriet Tubman Gallery.

As a result of Violence Transformed, a wide range of visual and performing artists at different stages in their careers have had the opportunity to create new works and present existing pieces to diverse audiences. Arts organizations and community service providers have raised awareness of their activities through participation in the project. By celebrating the range of art and art-making projects that confront, challenge and imagine alternatives to violence, stronger ties across professional, geographic, generational and ethnic margins have been forged, generating new partnerships and collaborative opportunities.

Silent art auction supports Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship

BOSTON, Mass.- Sisal, raffia, twine, rope, jute and wool are just some of the materials that the late artist Theresa-India Young utilized in her creative process. Young created many of her major pieces by weaving, quilting and on occasion using macramé, plaiting, and braiding techniques to achieve textures and depth in her exquisite, nature themed fiber arts work. Since her passing in 2008 after a brief battle with cancer, the Theresa-India Young Scholarship Committee has carried on her life work and final wishes to preserve the art, history and diverse culture of weaving through the ongoing efforts of the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship established at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

On January 24, 2013, United South End Settlements (USES) co-sponsored a Silent Art Auction and Opening Reception  in honor of Theresa-India Young to highlight and celebrate her dedication and devotion to the South End community. 

 “Theresa was a wonderful person with a non-judgmental spirit, community activist, and a prolific artist.” After a long career as a lecturer, teacher, activist and artist, Young left behind a legacy in each institution she touched from the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) to Harvard University and as co-founder of the Kush Club, a youth organization dedicated to studying and promoting public awareness about the history, culture and artistic achievements of Africa in antiquity. “Theresa was an artist who created not only with textiles but with the inspiration she provided to the young people in the community…When it came to art and her beloved community, Theresa’s energy was boundless and she was a force in getting others involved” reflects Francisco Mendez-Diez, Manager of Community Arts at the MFA.

The Theresa Show, on view at the Harriet Tubman Gallery through January 17 – February 22, 2013 features 14 emerging artists in a variety of 2D art forms such as watercolors, photography, oil, acrylic, and various multi-media works who are donating proceeds from the sale of their art work to be evenly split between the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship at Massachusetts Art & Design. Fundraising is ongoing, and donations can be made to the United South End Artists, P.O. Box 18114, Boston, 02118.

You are invited to share this in-depth perspective to further acknowledge the diversity of weaving as a means of transmitting culture, language, and literacy to thrive in the forefront of an educational arena.