In October, 2020, after seeing student’s work on our social media pages, from our From Where we Stand Virtual Exhibit, a curator for The Black Archives of Mid-America Kansas City reached out to invite students to showcase their work in their gallery. While we do not have a permanent student program yet, we reached out to the local students who had participated in our From Where we Stand Virtual Exhibit, and offered them an opportunity to participate. They would have the opportunity to display and sell their work alongside professional artists.

We had three amazing young people take us up on our offer.

Verquell Hardridge, 15
Madisyn Washington, 12
Jasmine Wilson, 17

In order to support them in creating some new works, and refreshing their art materials, we gave each participant a $100 Micheal’s gift card to get the supplies that they needed. And with supplies in hand, they got to work.

Together they submitted 15 amazing pieces for the exhibit. On November 6th, the exhibit opened, with the art displayed in the Kauffman Exhibition Hall at the Black Archives. With a great turn out, for the girls and their families, this was an amazing experience and opportunity. Each girl sold at least two of their original pieces, and their art remained on display for over a month, for family, friends, and the community to enjoy.

Click an image to enlarge!

How does it feel, having your art in an exhibit?

M: Honestly, it felt good that I was able to make pieces of art that I honestly want to make myself, because it shows the feelings that I have for different subjects, and overall, just how I feel on the inside because it helps me not have to keep my emotions up, or try to speak them because sometimes it’s so much easier to say it in the form of art.
J: Honestly, I kinda feel a bit amazing, but also a bit nervous and scared. I did something similar like an art fair back in 7th grade, but other than that, no, so it feels a bit weird, but I’m still really happy.
V: It feels good, so people know what I work on, and how hard I try to do good artwork.

How did you feel about how people responded to your art?

M: I was honestly really happy, because I don't really have much faith in myself on my own, so whenever I see people smiling, calling my work good, pointing out the details, or storylines that I had for them were amazing that it makes me feel better, knowing that my art is actually appreciated instead of just being like, oh, they're just saying that. I’m just some kid, they’re just trying to support me. But then I realize it’s that they actually care for what I do because they want to motivate me, and to keep doing what I love doing.
V: It’s pretty cool. It’s crazy.

How long have you been creating art?

J: Since I was a toddler. I really love putting ideas down on paper, but not as words, more as drawing
V: Since 6th grade. One of my friends were drawing during lunch, and she taught me how to draw an eye, and I’ve just been practicing since, and stared drawing more stuff.