From curator, AQ -
February being Black History month, it’s usually of time of reflection and honoring the historic activism, revolution, contributions, and sacrifices of Black people – Africans, Black Americans, Caribbeans and West Indians made here locally and beyond. However, those actions all have one foundation – love. Love of self, love of family and community, love of justice, love of a future, love of freedom and liberation. With this understanding, I wanted artists to explore and show that in their work, and really get deep underneath why Black activists, organizers, pasters, revolutionaries, and other community leader- both past and present do what they do. It’s because of love. So we asked our creatives; “What does it mean to be loved? By us, for us, with us? And what does it mean to love us, simply.”
BAAM – Black Alaskan Art Matters is an initiative that seeks to uplift, highlight, and support Black creatives statewide. In partnership with Perseverance Theatre and the initial set of curators - Amble Rosa, MoHogani Magnetek, and Alyssa Quintyne, they sought to create a space specifically for Black creatives that both; supported them in White predominant spaces, and guided how to showcase and highlight Black creatives in equitable ways. BAAM debuted in 2020, and again in 2021 both virtually showcasing works, discussions, storytelling, music videos, and curation talks with over 20 Black creatives across Alaska. In 2023, BAAM held the first ever Tri-City Retrospective in the State, finally showcasing 10 creatives’ work locally in Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage. To date, this initiative has worked with over 30 Black creatives statewide, with various types of mediums, stages, backgrounds, and goals. We strive to both uphold that space with and for Black creatives, and cultivate a space of honor and understanding in the Black community thru art, joy, and community.
Antavia Hamilton
She is an Alaska born artist and designer in Anchorage. She dearly loves her daughter and Cavalier Spaniel as well as her many family and friends throughout the world. She enjoys tea at home and abroad. Her work is inspired by my family, heritage, experiences, travel and more. Da HooDoos are a Black American couple in love who celebrate the beautiful way Hoo Doo Folk Magick works in their lives every day. Da HooDoos often share stories about the unique Magickal gifts and Da Art of Da Roots with the help of their Fairy Godmother.
Brie Mc Zeal
Brie (she/they) is a Black artists from Dallas, Texas and now living in Fairbanks on Lower Tanana Dena Lands for over five years. Brie has received inspiration from their travel all around the world, from the nature and environment surrounding them. They paint more than pictures, capturing the life around them, influenced by love and community.
Dontae Robertson
My stage name is Rob Lucci, and I am a local musician, and director. I’ve been professionally making music and directing short films for a little over 2 years now. My work heavily focuses on relationships, the good sides and not to positive ones. My inspirations come from everyday life and trying to figure out how to make art that’s both relatable, but also interesting enough it stands out.
Ibn Bailey
Hello, My name is Ibn Bailey. I began painting while going through my second stint in rehab in January 2023. I work mostly with acrylics and use my down style of painting: DFD….Drip, Flick and Drag. I chose colors rather than objects to paint depending on how I’m feeling at the time.
JaVeon Brigham
I am J. Brig is a Hip Hop artist originally from Augusta, Georgia and living happily in Fairbanks, Alaska, his second home. I recently received the Rasmuson individual artist award and I am utilizing the grant to create a Hip Hop album called “Stories From The Other Side”, an album that mainly highlights the importance of family, coping with and honoring those who have transitioned to the other side, and deepening my appreciation for Augusta and Fairbanks, the two places I call home.
Jameka Lache Horton
Jameka Lache Horton or Jameka Lache is on a road to rediscovery while walking in relationship with Christ. Growing up as a black military brat she journaled and photographed many experiences. Often times feeling like the oddest person in the room she’s learned how that connects us all in ways Singing her proses is a way for her share what she’s seen and felt through those times. Displaying other’s peculiar talents is her gift and now she wants to share hers. Best of LOVE to you!
Written: January 27, 2021
She is a soldier; my grandmother and mother.
She is my shoulder; my best friend Lauren.
She was my big sister; Kasey.
She was my solution; my great-aunt.
My little sister Shae, someone who protected me when I was sent to protect her.
My best friend Shaniki, The first two are actively living in my life, teaching me that my upbringing as a soldier’s child is a blessing.
I knew I was different to make a difference for those who always adapted to their surroundings; hiding the anxious drownings of forced new beginnings.
My soldiers showed me I could be anything I thought I couldn’t even when I was uncertain. Both my mother and grandmother weren’t always plus-size, but even though I have been, they showed me I was beautiful.
I knew I was, but only believed enough to keep my head up.
Where my insecurities flourished about my height, weight, and glasses at an early age - I’ve learned they’re a part of my purpose.
If I can prove to the plus size in who never wears jeans because she couldn’t find the right fit, My mother discovered her favorite store the same year I met my former best friend. Beautifully petite and plump at some point but as her weight shrank she couldn’t give the mental image up. On her body positivity journey.
She tread on the same sojourner’s background. This has been a strength towards mental freedom even though we don’t speak for now.
I’ve been indecisive and fearful while working to be a self-loved individual. Hope realized. I AM meant to represent the peculiar, armed-forces-reared, black girl with curves.
The final two ladies are now my angels. Their time here was impactful, especially that of Kasey. She would allow me to style her for events.
I am because of the great I am and in all these women. They are my why. These women have been my biggest cheerleaders to pursue my truest self. They share a common thread.
GALLERY WALK
Lance Mitchell
Lance Mitchell is a versatile musician hailing from Juneau, Alaska, known for his exceptional talent in a wide range of music genres. With a passion for creating and performing music that knows no bounds, Lance has become a local sensation in Juneau and a respected figure in the Alaskan music scene. His musical repertoire spans across various genres, from soulful blues and rock to the soothing tunes of folk and country. Lance's soulful voice and skillful instrumentals captivate audiences, making him a sought-after performer in the Last Frontier. Whether it's an acoustic ballad by a bonfire or an electrifying stage performance, Lance Mitchell's music will take you on a captivating journey through the diverse sounds of Alaska's capital city.
Marquita Toney
I grew up with a lot of trauma and unfortunate mishaps and never really learned MY voice and always settled in the background: being okay with not being seen or heard. It was around 1st grade, my art teacher, Mr. Mock discovered I had a gift in art and that’s when I learned to be “heard”. I could express my thoughts and feelings without speaking? And that’s exactly what I’ve done. Now, as a mother and firm believer in Christ, I’ve learned my voice outside of a piece of paper/canvas but without art… I wouldn’t even be… me!
Sean Enfield
Sean Enfield is an essayist, poet, gardener, bassist, and educator from Dallas, TX. His writing attempts to find connection through music and words as reclamation of labor as community care and as resistance to the many forces of white supremacy working against marginalized bodies. You can find his work at seanenfield.com.
Shevonda Kala
I am Shevonda Kala a Mental Health Warrior who writes poetry based on Mental Health. I enjoy inspiring others who can relate to circumstances and that is how I find strength. What inspires me is the love that I receive from God, My husband and my children.
I Love You My Nigerian King
Your love makes me feel brand new
I am beyond blessed having you
The love you give unleashes rays of sunshine in my life
Both of our hearts collides as one
I am so honored in being your wife
Masha Allah, Subhan Allah and Alhamdulilah
For
Our souls connecting with the blessings of Allah
We will forever remain as one in this life
Insha Allah
Working together to complete the other half of our deen to reach Jannah
Aameen
Written By: Shevonda Kala
Written December 2021
Tamara Zenobia Coleman
Artist Info: Tamara Zenobia is an Alaska born Vocal Alchemist, Healer, Medium & Performance Artist. She brings a unique intuitive artistic philosophy to her work and that is to hone the gift of the intuitive and improvisational artist/healer within each of us. Her process combines the elements of Vocal Alchemy, music, dance movement and visual art to create a very organic way of living and being which supports physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing for all aspects of our lives.
Tamara is the founder of Butterfly Jazz Intuitive Arts LLC and Inner Guidance Healing Arts Studio & Gallery. She performs her music & storytelling adventures, teaches workshops and classes in Vocal Alchemy, and provides Psychic Consulting services to individuals, businesses and government locally, and internationally.
Trina Lynch-Jackson
Trina is a decorated community organizer, veteran, and retired Educator currently residing in Juneau, Alaska. She has spent decades supporting local artists and entrepreneurs throughout the community, as well as serving on countless boards and organizers - all to take Black history out of mystery. She continues to push the Legacy of Black History in Alaska.
MORE ABOUT THE MASKS
2012-Present Curator of the Charles Buggs' Estate
The Art of the Paper Mask. The Armature Method.
The late Charles D. Buggs was a Howard University graduate and a Fine Arts major. He developed a technique of paper mask construction as a student. He was a Junior High School teacher for several years before relocating to Juneau, Alaska. In Juneau, he continued to teach his method to children and adults. Although many of his masks are representative of various African Tribes the richness of the Native Alaskan culture led him to create masks using their symbology and legends. His masks have been on display at the Juneau Public Library, Gary Public Libraries, and Lake County Library,