This fall, in both their Ford Family Gallery and online, the White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA) will highlight emerging artists of color. Gallery director Danielle Cézanne is working alongside artist and guest curator Leslie Barlow, who teaches at the University of Minnesota and Carleton College.
Barlow’s own work will appear in WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery alongside the works of other artists of color, including Bris Carbajal, Philipo Dyauli, Sarah Knutson, Jacqueline Nuzzo and Taylan De Johnette.
Although the show was originally meant to take place in June, it seems especially pertinent now. “I would like to say this show was just as important before George Floyd’s murder, but maybe now it is needed more,” says Cézanne.
One of WBCA’s core values is to “build understanding by connecting people,” and Cézanne says this show is meant to address that mission. “Art is a way to generate healing, as well as thought-provoking expression,” she says. “As you see all the public art that has appeared on boarded-up buildings, art becomes a way to process our emotions.”
Due to COVID-19, public viewing of WBCA’s online galleries has more than quadrupled. Beyond this exhibit, WBCA also plans to offer other ways for patrons to get involved online, displaying works from their July online Plein Air Contest on their website, and offering art classes for all age groups.
White Bear Center for the Arts
4971 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Facebook: White Bear Center for the Arts
Instagram: @whitebearcenterforthearts
