FRIDAY THOUGHTS: FLASHBACK: AN ARTISTIC RESTART

The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center is one of many casualties of the global pandemic and state of emergency in Maryland. Reading that it’s doors are closed to the public indefinitely, was disappointing but hardly surprising. 

I can’t help but recall what a joy it was to find and become a part of. I’ve learned it’s Director/Lead Curator has moved on to, I hope, greener pastures, as have several of the enthusiastic, hard-working staff members and volunteers I met and worked with. Through their collective effort, one of the best kept secrets in PG County began to shine. Kudos, Monica, Treston, Valencia, Khadia, Synatra, Danielle, Gabriel, Marifel, Ameer, and Mthoh. Hopefully, when life gets back to normal, or better, the museum, under new leadership, will continue to be a viable part of the community. 
It certainly was a cool place to create. 
It occurred to me that some things are temporary— a shot in the arm; motivation, but not a resting or nesting place. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to support PGAAMCC. The timing was divine, and the lessons were priceless.

From the website:

“This is where I’ve come to feel safe, comfortable, and free to do what I want—within reason— not rushed, not forced. I can just be me in an artist’s capacity,” says Vanessa R. Williams of her new post as artist-in-residence of the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center in North Brentwood, MD. As she sits before an easel adding the finishing strokes of a portrait of the late South African president, Nelson Mandela, the Prince George’s County resident is in her element. “I just like making art. If someone wants to come and sit, create, and watch, that’s great.” And watch they do – students and adults alike approach to watch and ask her questions.

Holding conversations is just what the Howard University graduate, children’s book illustrator, and former elementary school art teacher envisions for the residency. “I want it to be meaningful. I see children and students here; teachers and historians.  It is a place where I can share my love of reading aloud, too. It’s a welcoming place. In the same vein I was welcomed here I want to welcome others.”

“I have two ways to speak, and do it freely and unapologetically: singing or painting.”  As a gospel singer, Williams has toured with Richard Smallwood and Vision from the group’s inception, and the Black church figures prominently in her work. Having painted for years, Williams wrestled with having enough creative confidence to think her paintings worthy of display. That all changed on March14, 2019 when she came to an “Art of Business” event featuring artist and educator Quest Skinner. “I expected a very left-brained, math and accounting heavy conversation. I had always used Shutterfly to create photo books of my art. I’d considered making the latest one available for sale, and struggled with what would be a fair, reasonable price. I thought for sure I’d be engaged in a dollars and cents presentation, but it was like church!  Quest was the preacher/teacher. It was as if she could see everyone’s hearts. When she was done encouraging everyone to believe in ourselves, know our worth, work for ourselves with the same enthusiasm we have when working for others, be firm about what we required, lose the fear of hearing “No”, and know that people exist who will appreciate and purchase our art, there were few dry eyes in the place. It was as if everyone assembled cane with a similar story— we love art, love to create, but weren’t sure if we’d missed our window of opportunity to share.”

The exhibition Catharsis: Spirit Leaves a Mark, running through the Fall at PGAAMCC, features her vibrant work in all its glory, celebrating Black women, motherhood, the Black church, Music, and Adinkra symbols. 

“The opening of Catharsis was really special. Prince George’s County is home to some really great, talented, culturally relevant people,” says Williams, before she names some of the Prince George’s County residents who attended the opening, including composer and pianist Richard Smallwood, piano manufacturer Warren Shadd, music director Vince Evans, and songwriter Raymond Reeder.

Of PGAAMCC, Williams is clear – “I felt at home immediately. Prior to March, I didn’t know it existed and I’ve been in PG County a long time. I am determined that people know it’s here. I want it to be a place where people know doors are open for them to come in and be inspired, listen, create, explore, learn, study, and chill. It is my hope that it becomes a creative home away from home for other people. I want the next artist to know if you are a resident or native of Prince George’s County, PGAAMCC wants to see you or hear from you.”