black arts freedom school
influenced by the 1960s mississippi freedom schools and Black arts repertory theater, Black arts freedom school is a series of free programs and shared resources for youth, adults, and families.
through workshops, publications, and community discussions, Black arts freedom school cultivates a space of communal care by centering art and healing as tools for self expression.
programs are led by local practicing artists, educators, organizers, farmers, and herbalists. through these teach-ins, participants learn resources, tools, and practices of artmaking and future mapping informed by nature, communal care, and Black feminist traditions.
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archives
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Black Arts Freedom School : Oral Storytelling Traditions with Olivia Hill
11.14.2020
In this workshop, youth explored mask masking using found and gathered natural materials with artist, author, and writer Olivia Hill.
Scholars learned about the herstory of oral storytelling for Black, Brown, and Indigeonous people as a significant tool to carry legacy and document our lives . Miss Olivia shared a traditional African folk story and scholars created vibrant masks based on animals in the story using natural materials gathered on a nature walk.
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Black Arts Freedom School : Fiber Arts with Glyneisha Johnson
11.07.2020
Weaving is distilled down into its most basic elements in this class, so scholars can learn and find satisfaction in the tactile, repetitive nature of "over, under, over, under."
Using a no-fuss portable loom and scraps of bright yarn, scholars created small weavings in a workshop lead by artist, instructor, and cofounder of Strange Fruit Femmes, Glyneisha Johnson.
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Black Arts Freedom School : Sustainable Agriculture with Daniel Robinson
10.31.2020
In this workshop, scholars worked with farmer and reiki caretaker, Daniel Robinson, to learn how to grow and maintain plants all year.
Scholars created milk jug greenhouses and learned how to start seeds. Scholars were also introduced to plant propagation techniques and were able to take home a plant that they will care for using skills learned from class.
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Black Arts Freedom School : Natural Dyeing and Ink Making with Patricia Bordallo Dibildox
10.24.2020
In this workshop, students were introduced to dyeing textiles with natural plants. Under the guidance of a practicing natural dyer, students made indigo vats to produce vibrant colors on fabric using both science and creativity. Scholars also used natural berries to produce their own natural inks to paint with.
Through the practice of natural dyeing, students were able to honor their relationship to the planet and reconnect with ancient textile traditions.
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Black Arts Freedom School : Exploring Visual Arts with Glyneisha Johnson
10.17.2020
Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, scholars discovered the basics of painting, collage, and drawing as a medium.
Within oservational and experimental subject matter including self portraiture and still life drawing, scholars learned tools and techniques like mark making, perspective, and composition to help them complete mixed media paintings and drawings.
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Black Arts Freedom School : The Power of Improv with Tre Coppage
10.03.2020
Using acting and improv techniques, scholars worked with actor and instructor. Robert E. Coppage III (Tre) to develop social skills through fun theaterical warm ups and short active exercises dedicated to quick thinking and problem solving skills.
As this was our first session of Freedom School, we also spent time building collective intentions for the space and learned and sang “Freedom School” songs together.