Creating Spaces: Conversation on Reflections & Reckonings Exhibition
Posted: May 03, 2024
Creating Spaces | May 13, 2024 | 5-6 PM | Anderson Brickler Gallery
Launched in 2023, Creating Spaces is a series of arts-based discussions aimed to empower a more just, equitable and diverse community. Discussion themes range from growing inclusivity in artistic practice to how diversity intersects with artistic programming and events.
At the core of Creating Spaces are two fundamental questions:
- As arts, culture & heritage grows in our community, what does inclusivity mean to your organization and artistic practice?
- How should diversity intersect with artistic programming and events throughout our community?
This month’s conversation explores these themes as they relate to the exhibition Reflections and Reckonings: Brown vs. Board of Education at 70, currently on display at Anderson Brickler Gallery.
Join the discussion with panelists Tavani Williams, local artist; Ted Ellis, artist and director of the FSU Civil Rights Institute; Dr. Celeste Hart, owner and director of the Anderson Brickler Gallery; Josh Johnson, President, Board of Directors, 621 Gallery; and moderated by Brinda Pamulapati, artist and owner of Venvi Gallery.
Light refreshments will be served
RSVP for Creating Spaces
Directions & parking | 1747 S. Adams Street – Lower Level, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 | Free parking behind the gallery
Learn more about the Panelists below:
Dr Celeste Hart is the founding director of the Anderson Brickler Gallery. Founded in 2017, the gallery is among Tallahassee’s premier venues for the exhibition of African American art. Our inaugural exhibition featured works by Romare Bearden and was introduced by Bearden Foundation director, Diedre Harris-Kelley. Subsequent exhibitions have featured original work by internationally known artists including Beauford Delaney, Sam Gilliam, Wifredo Lam, Willie Cole and others. A sixty-year career retrospective by noted local artist and art professor, Ken Falana, was accompanied by a full color catalog published by the gallery. We collaborated with the Riley Museum, our local African American History Museum to present “Making Do”, a display of Gullah art, history and artifacts. We have hosted and co-promoted events with both local universities - Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Florida State University. Press highlights include having been featured in the Tallahassee Democrat, Tallassee Magazine and on local CBS affiliate, WCTV.
Josh Johnson is a virtual jack of all trades. This 6th generation Tallahassean is known around town as a politician, a teacher and the president and CEO of 621 Art Gallery in Railroad Square. His urge to help his community drew him to politics and activism.
Tavani Williams is a self-taught Tallahassee artist whose work is inspired by love, peace and beauty. His peace-centered work is his response to what is often a fast, turbulent & abusive world, causing much undo stress. He’s exhibited locally at COCA’s Creative Tallahassee exhibition and Anderson Brickler Gallery as part of Reflections and Reckonings: Brown vs. Board of Education at 70.
Ted Ellis is a historian, artist, director of the Florida State University’s Civil Rights Institute, chair of The 400 Years of African-American History Commission and owner of T. Ellis Art, LLC. Ellis holds Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Dillard University and a Master’s in Museum Studies from Southern University in New Orleans. His work, including portraits of civil rights icons such as Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, has been showcased in the halls of Congress. Ellis is also a featured artist in the Reflections and Reckonings: Brown vs. Board of Education at 70 exhibition at Anderson Brickler Gallery, Tallahassee.
Brinda Pamulapati is the owner and managing director of Venvi Art Gallery, and has the pleasure of curating renowned artists for the gallery’s shows. After earning her baccalaureate and master’s degree in mathematics at Florida State University, Brinda works as a math faculty for online universities. Unusual shapes and textures paired with pure, vibrant colors are key characteristics of Brinda’s work. The values in color and the emotions they evoke inspire her to explore different hues. Not only are these shades inspirational, but so is the intentional selection. Brinda selects colors that aim to shock or surprise the viewer. She loves the excitement she experiences while thinking about new ideas, compositions, and creating art. Brinda finds there are infinite things to learn from art; one cannot master art in one lifetime. An artist’s life is constantly learning and always realizing something new. Ms. Pamulapati has served on the COCA Board of Directors since 2023.
Photo credits:
Dr. Celeste Hart, courtesy of Dr. Hart
Josh Johnson, courtesy of WFSU
Tavani Williams, courtesy of Tavani Williams
Ted Ellis, courtesy of FSU
Brinda Pamulapati, courtesy of COCA