In April, Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) hosted a residency with artist, abolitionist, and writer, Patrisse Cullors, who shared the stage with Nikitta Oliver for a discussion about being an abolitionist and also installed a neon artwork in the VCA Breezeway.
The fiery red, attention-grabbing installation is meant to encourage viewers to reflect on what this word means both individually and collectively. The ellipsis is a call to action, reminding viewers that “Abolition is” … an invitation for joy, transformation, and possibility.
The exploration of what “Abolition is…” is now continuing at VCA.
Lelavision’s Leah Mann has coordinated a panel discussion with the Atlanta-based collective, Dream Keepers, on restorative justice — a free event at the VCA theater at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10.
VCA has also put out a call for participation in Cullors’ public art installation in the VCA breezeway, inviting all who visit the arts center to contribute their experiences and perspectives and to add to the installation in person and online.
Islanders are invited to add their voices, by finishing the sentence “Abolition is…” in short or long form.
Contributions will be accepted throughout the summer, with the hope that all contributions will reflect a variety of experiences and perspectives. The arts center will post all contributions except for those deemed to be potentially insensitive or hurtful.
Islanders have two ways to participate:
Write a one-sentence, creative response to “Abolition is…” on the panels below the neon installation in the VCA Breezeway on two occasions: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5 — the night of the VCA’s Maijah Sanson Frey concert; or from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 10 — the night of the Dream Keepers panel.
Or, write short or long-form creative responses and submit them via vashoncenterforthearts.org. Titles or quotes from longer format pieces will be added to the art installation panels, with a QR code link to the full piece, which will be hosted on VCA’s website.
The Dream Keepers Panel
At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, islanders will have the opportunity to meet three members of The Dream Keepers, an Atlanta-based group of Black women scientists, recovery specialists and therapists who are reframing wellness for all with an infusion of somatics and the creative arts.
Inspired by the efforts of the African American Health Board of Seattle and sponsored by the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership at Morehouse College, this group was formed in 2021 to work with the neuroscience of hope, creating restorative justice through health and wellness initiatives in communities most impacted by systemic oppressions.
Joining the Dream Keepers for their tour of the area will be Vashon child mental health and education specialist, Betty Peralta, of Alta (Alternative Learning and Therapeutic Avenues).
The Dream Keepers appearing on Vashon are Dr. Sinead Younge, health scientist and director of Social Justice Inquiry and Praxis at the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership; Dr. Charne Furcron, program director for Moving in the Spirit and MDC Board Chair for the American Dance Therapy Association; and Alexia Jones, founder and director of the creative recovery program, R2ise.
The Dream Keepers panel is a free event. Masks are required while not consuming concessions. For more information, visit vashoncenterforthearts.org.
