Art fair ‘expresses soul,’ raises money

The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Grand Hall echoed with slaps, thuds and chants Wednesday when four dancers in rubber rain boots fixed with loose bottle caps led a crowd in a traditional African Gumboot Dance.

The dance was just one part of the eighth-annual Black History Month Art Fair sponsored by the FASE Mentoring Program, the African American Arts Institute and the Office of Multicultural Initiatives.

The event also included paintings, poetry readings, songs and other expressive dances. The works of art were displayed on the walls, while a stage was set for the performances.

IU football Coach Bill Lynch opened by discussing the events other goal – raising money for the Monore County Red Cross for local and Haitian relief efforts.

“We’ve all seen the sadness of what’s taking place down in Haiti the last month and how involved the international Red Cross has been, so we’re going to try to do our small part here in Monroe County,” Lynch said.

The performance aspect of the fair opened when graduate student Caroline Diggins read a portion of Don Belton’s essay “Voodoo for Charles,” as tribute to the late IU assistant English professor.

After several more songs and dances from other local artists, an “Open Session” began, allowing each painter a chance to talk about their exhibited pieces.

Dr. Audrey McCluskey, director of the Neal Marshall center, discussed her photographs, “Nigeria at Work,”  which  feature a stark contrast of colorful clothing and activity against the somewhat barren environment of the country.

McClusky said many of the people of Nigeria may be poor, “but are not poor in spirit.”
Senior Dion Northern, a FASE member, said the art displayed truly represented the theme of the art fair, “Expressions of the Soul.”

“A lot of people’s opinions and different things are expressed through art,” he said. “It’s a great way to communicate, to lay your ideas and opinions down.”

The spoken word group “Eclectic Poetic,” showcased several original compositions while in costume.

During the performance, the group deliberately shed their masks and other pieces while reciting and singing. The act was met with a standing ovation.

The headlining artist of the night was local resident and IMU custodian Joel Washington. His large, colorful pop-art rendition of President Obama loomed large over the rest of the pieces on display.

The work, titled “Countdown to Inauguration,” is unfinished, Washington said, and is an attempt at capturing the excitement of the first black President and the ”rock-star feel” of his candidacy.

While explaining his works and their theme, Washington became visibly emotional.
“It kind of reminded me of being six years old during the Bobby Kennedy thing,” Washington said. “Even as a kid you knew how electric and moving the Kennedys were. I remember one night standing on my porch, I had just went outside late at night, and Bobby Kennedy drove by in a campaign truck and waved at me.”

The evening ended with a musical selection by “For Reign,” as well as gospel selections by the headlining group, the African American Chorale Ensemble.

Sophomore Crystal Velez, another FASE member, said she found the performances and work moving.

“Great food, great performances, great people, Velez said. “Just a great way to celebrate Black History Month and multiculturalism for anyone.”