By Gina Martinez
After the success of last year’s exhibit, Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) will host the second annual Social Justice Art Show, which will be extended to a two-week event.
The art show is set to open on Sept. 15 and run through Sept. 29 at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning.
According to Lancman, the Social Justice Art Show will present original works of art highlighting social justice issues and racial discrepancies in the criminal justice system. Artists featured in the Social Justice Art Show include Wanda Best, Phyllis Miner, Carlton Williams, Winston Huggins, Crystal Ife Sekhem, Reginal Rousseau, and the Rochdale Village Art Class.
Last year Lancman teamed up with Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans), state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaica), and artist Wanda Best to organize a Social Justice Art Exhibit for one night at King Manor Museum. The art exhibit featured more than 30 pieces of art, all focused on social justice issues and criminal justice reform. Lancman said that due to the overwhelming success of last year’s event, this year’s exhibit has expanded into a two-week engagement.
“Art has the power to tell stories in ways that words and statistics cannot,” Lancman said. “The artwork featured at The Social Justice Art Show will shine a light on the discrepancies that currently exist in our justice system, and highlight the need for reform. I am pleased to work with Wanda Best, the team at JCAL, and all of the outstanding artists to again bring this impactful event to our local community.”
The Social Justice Art Show is organized in cooperation with Miller, state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans_, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-Jamaica), Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook (D-Jamaica), Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens), the Greater Jamaica Development Corp, Jamaica Center BID and Art Transforms.
Hyndman said she looks forward to seeing the exhibits and speaking with constituents about reforming our justice system.
“Visual arts provide a medium for artists to express and communicate the social justice issues New Yorkers face every day, whether the issues are gun violence, domestic violence, homelessness, or foster care,” she said. “Art can be the outlet.”
Miller said it is a pleasure to bring social justice and art together at one of downtown Jamaica’s premier facilities, the Jamaica Center for Performing Arts.
“This new exhibition showcases what many in the community face, putting a light on issues which directly affect our communities,” he said. Food at the event will be provided by the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill.
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
