Harvesting the Fruits of our labor
Cultured Seeds Inc. hosted yet another Backyard Gems art showcase on September 15th. Each person was tasked with creating their version of a masterpiece relating to the theme, ‘ Happiness & Peace’. Whatever that meant for people, we encouraged the expression of self & ingenuity. During the creation stage, we introduced a new art form for individuals to experiment with. Usually, we provide paint and canvases, however; in the spirit of shared community offerings, this time around we also offered oil pastels and construction paper, an added suggestion from community members and teachers. We allotted a total time of 1.5 hours to individuals in order for them to establish a piece to be showcased during our Gallery walk. The “Gallery Walk”, is our most prominent component of the showcase. Not only are members able to witness the amazing contributions from the community, but participants get the opportunity to interact with artists and engage in our, ‘ Giving Back Alter’ which allows the top 3 artists of the night to receive cash rewards as a token of our gratitude and approach to cultivating generational wealth for communities of color.
Top 3 Artist of the night:
Elvia Olea (Lead Organizer, Mother & Community Advocate) She/Her
Satoinee Jackson (Student leader, Sister & Community Advocate) She/They
Tajanae Smith (Director of Strategic Initiatives, Wife & Community Advocate) She/Her
Each of these amazing women provided undeniable masterpieces for our Gallery Walk and shared more about what inspired their final product. The remaining participants are not left completely out of the wealth creations, as each member who attends the showcase and contributes an offering for the gallery walk, receives a personalized jar that will be filled with coins on a regular basis which is associated with our CHANGE lab, as a way to pay homage, restore and put resources back into our community. We’ve had our land stripped, money pulled from our communities, experienced redlining, and continue to be dehumanized and exploited for our labor, contributions, resources, and authentic existence. Cultured Seeds Inc., is coming for what’s rightfully owed to marginalized communities of color one program at a time. Backyard Gems, because it’s time we invest in ourselves and honor the legacy of the land in which the fruits of our labor are harvested. Backyard Gems, because we owe it to ourselves to prioritize mental health and end the cycle of generational trauma.