For ChrisLynn Washington-Hardy, it’s all about the small moments.
During a visit to Eastern Market, the 17-year-old noticed three children helping their mother sell children’s books under one of the sheds. Washington-Hardy decided to capture the moment with her camera.
“It was a really sweet moment,” Washington-Hardy said.
The photograph, titled “Detroit Kid’s,” is now part of a Black History Month exhibit downtown.
The showcase, “Celebrating Black Artists,” hosted by Bedrock and The Carr Center, features 23 student artists from 10 Detroit schools as well as work from 10 emerging and established Detroit artists. The free show is on display inside Bedrock’s 1001 Woodward building through Feb. 29.
Oliver Ragsdale, president and CEO of The Carr Center, said the art organization was invited by Bedrock to put together the project which allowed for creative freedom.
“The space is really significant because there’s a lot of walk around traffic in the neighborhood,” he said. “There’s a significant investment on (Bedrock’s) part and we weren’t limited in what we were able to do in terms of one discipline.”
The exhibit also hosts events throughout the month, such as spoken word, quiltmaking, film and music and dance performances. In addition, the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan is highlighting the “House of New Detroit” collection from its Fashion Industry Club.
‘Nurturing God’s gifts’
The Carr Center put out a call for student art submissions in December and had a jury of professional artists look through the artwork and select the pieces featured in the exhibit, Ragsdale said. The work was selected into two categories–a junior division for grades 6-8 and a senior division for grades 9-12. Top prizes in the two categories will be announced Feb. 29.
Works from both the student and adult artists had to fit the exhibit’s theme: “Awakening: How will you shape, change and reimagine our future?” The Carr Center, Ragsdale added, is always looking to nurture young talent and will continue to do so after the exhibit.
“They’ll get invitations to participate in upcoming art exhibitions as they grow,” he said. “We’re looking for ways that create unique educational opportunities for young people to participate in. Nurturing God’s gifts is what I call it.”
Washington-Hardy learned of the exhibit through Instagram and said she was nervous when she found out she would appear in her first art show.
“The photo I have; I never had it printed so I was kinda panicking,” she said.
Luckily, the high school junior was able to print out the black and white image at her school, University Prep of Arts and Design High School.
Washington-Hardy said she has been getting positive feedback from exhibit guests about “Detroit Kid’s.”
“It’s important for me to know that other people like it,” she said.
Washington-Hardy said she is looking at art colleges in Ohio and Texas and wants to eventually become an art therapist.
“I want to help kids who may be nonverbal or people who are struggling and don’t know how to express themselves,” she said.
Finding a second home in Detroit
Robert O’Banner’s piece, “Palm,” was inspired by a previous relationship. The spray painting depicts a blue person holding a giant red heart against a pink background. The 39-year-old west side resident said the painting is about feeling vulnerable and safe in a relationship.
“I was told by somebody that I just give my soul to folks when I’m in love,” he said. “That’s why I named the piece ‘Palm.’”
O’Banner moved to Detroit from Compton, California, about five years ago and shortly after, decided to share his art with the world instead of keeping it a secret hobby. His work has been featured a couple of times at The Carr Center.
The artist found support in the Detroit arts scene and said the city feels like home. O’Banner said when he first moved here, he had no idea how large the arts community was. He believes Detroit has a better scene than other big cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta.
“We all support each other, give each other opportunities. It’s not this dog eat dog game. We’re all trying to win,” O’Banner said.
“I’ll always be a Compton guy, but I want to become part of the tapestry of the city,” he added. “Detroit is an amazing place and I love having my name associated with the city.”
O’Banner said he enjoys being part of an exhibit with student artists, noting some of them are more advanced than he is.
“This is generational,” he said. “I want to see them win. In this city where it’s just so rich in art, I want that to also be available to them.”
Exhibit hours are 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays; and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.