Joy. Fear. Guilt. Generational connection. Grief. Deep love.
These are only a few of the complex emotions experienced by all mothers. Magic, Mirth, and Mortality: Musings on Black Motherhood, a free exhibition that opened at Yellow House March 7, 6-8 p.m., is inspired by the lived experiences of writer, curator, community builder, wife, and mother Shawana Brooks.
Centered in the exhibition are her ‘motherhood musings’, written and shared during her pregnancy, the premature birth of her son, and an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Brooks’ words are shown alongside visual art by Marsha Hatcher, Cheryl McCain and Tatiana Phoenix. Their paintings, drawings, and prints express the courage, delight, vulnerability, and fierce determination that mark their experiences as mothers and views of the universality of this role. The personal views expressed in the art are socially potent considering the unique inequities and challenges faced by Black women from maternity to watching their children become adults in mainstream society. Statistics on mortality rates, inequity in healthcare access, and institutional bias against Black women add to the narratives of the artists. This combined goal of the presentation of memoir, visual art, and data is intended to create a space for healing, awareness building, sharing, and collective action.
The exhibit will run through April 25th and is open Tuesdays, 12 noon-7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Story Slam at Babs’ Lab
Share your story about all aspects of mothering and breathe in the narratives of others.
March 13 | 7-10pm | Babs’ Lab with Pre-event Reception at Yellow House
Artists in the House: A Conversation on Creativity, Family, and Identity
Enjoy a conversation with the artists of Magic, Mirth, and Mortality: Musings on Black
Motherhood. Space is limited to 25 people to ensure an intimate experience.
March 20 | 6-8pm | Yellow House |
Making a Musing: Storytelling Healing
A Workshop Facilitated by Yvette Angelique
April 5 | 11:30am-2:30pm | Yellow House |
Spoken Word and Open Mic: The Mothers We Have, The Mothers We Are
April 9 | 7-9pm | Yellow House | FREE
April 16-18 | Babs’ Lab with Pre-Event at Yellow House |
Family Day – Although everyday is for families at Yellow House, the exhibition will close with a celebration filled with art making, live music, storytelling, and meaning making for visitors of all ages.
The Yellow House is located at 577 King Street in Mixontown. For more information, please call 904-419-9180.
