As Black History Month approaches, a major art exhibition at
the chapel at Dorothea Dix Park is highlighting artists of color from across
North Carolina to tell stories of identity, leadership and self-expression.
The Living in Color exhibition features work from
more than 40 artists and performers and is curated by the Raleigh Film and Art
Festival in partnership with Dix Park. The monthlong show blends visual art,
live music, spoken word and dance, highlighting both emerging and established
voices from across the state.
Illuminated by sunlight shining through the stained glass of
the chapel, student musicians warmed up on violin and cello ahead of the
opening reception, using music as a form of expression and connection.
“It’s the way that I can express myself without anger, or
without screaming or all that stuff,” said violinist Alissa Rountree. “I can
really just let everything out when I’m playing, and it’s just so beautiful.”
Rountree and fellow student performers are part of the Raleigh
Music Collective, a tuition-free music education organization founded by Sara
Maria Blanton. The program provides students with instruments, instruction and
performance opportunities, with a focus on community connection.
“It’s amazing to see people really grooving and moving
with our music,” said student celloist Diego Ramirez. “Seeing that
makes performing and practicing really rewarding.”
Visual artists featured in the exhibition say their work
reflects deeply personal stories while also speaking to shared cultural
experiences.
“I feel like this is a really good space for me, myself, and
other artists of color, to just express themselves how they feel best,” said
Kyndall Owens, a visual artist featured in the exhibit.
Organizers say the goal of Living in Color is to create a
platform where artists can tell their stories without restriction.
“It’s important because a lot of people are in spaces where
they’re not able to fully share their experiences and their stories,” said Nia
Potter, social media and community outreach coordinator for the Raleigh Film and Art Festival.
“We made it our goal for people to feel heard in a safe space.”
Artist and painter Jermaine Powell said his work is rooted
in a concept he calls “leadership reimagined,” shaped by his travels and lived
experiences.
“Your natural leadership skills come from your experiences —
how you were raised, the people you’re around, even negative experiences that
build resilience,” Powell said. “All of that goes into my art.”
Now in its fourth year, Living in Color has grown
into one of the largest Black History Month–focused arts exhibitions in the
region, showcasing artists at every stage of their creative journey. Organizers
say the opening reception scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, will include live
performances and special recognition from Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, though
details may change due to weather.
Living in Color will be on display throughout February at
the Dix Park chapel. The exhibit is free and open to the public, thanks to Dix
Park Conservancy donors. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
