#tbt Throwback Thursday

Piece of art entitled "Mandela" By Denise Hughes

Art for Cause..

  Going down Memory Lane today to share photos I took at an artist's exhibition at the Scrap Exchange three years ago. Beauty From Toxicity, by Denise Hughes, was a show created entirely by upcycled plastic and displayed in Durham from Friday, June 19th to Saturday, July 11th, 2015. Hughes creates and shares her work to educate the public about our overproduction and overconsumption of plastic. She invites people to send their used plastic items to her studio instead of disposing them. That way she can use them in her mural projects and artwork while also diverting them from our landfills and waterways.
  This show was a huge inspiration because I was only a few years into my Artist journey at the time and was still exploring the possible ways to create art for a specific purpose, outside of making money. Years later, I now realize that art has been a healing exercise for me and sharing it with others helps to show how they, too can feel relief, hope, freedom, and all types of other good feelings that are often felt through painting.

  In fact, that's what I've enjoyed the most about sharing my love of art with others. IT FEELS GOOD. It also helps to open conversations about deeper topics. I had the pleasure of assisting at a teen's paint session a few weeks ago at StepUp Ministry Raleigh led by my good friend and fellow creative, Nate Key. They discussed identity and reflected on who they are and what makes them them. Art helped me to re-learn that for myself after college and relocating to Durham, NC. I really appreciated their dialogue and the opportunity to engage with such a dynamic bunch of young people. As the months go on and summer approaches, lots more activities and events are planned to happen. It's bound to be a busy, but [God-willing] fruitful summer and I'm very excited for all the good things ahead. I am grateful to God for it all. Stayed tuned!