1708 Gallery presents 3x2: Transformative Capsules led by our Royall Family Curator: Ra-Twoine Fields. We invite you to join us through each of these activations and engage the artists throughout their process of birthing and catalyzing longitudinal projects that will continue to address select issues within our city. Three artists and organizations will activate the gallery for two weeks each, individually, collectively, and creatively addressing ongoing concerns in the city of Richmond.

Through “Richmond Futurism”, Ricky Parker will initiate the overlapping conversations by creating a space presenting the need for cultural equity, sustainability, and creative freedom. What can Richmond actually become? How can we get there? Immersive space will be offered to answer these overarching questions.

The exchange of compounded solutions continues through “Connection Choreography”, led by Selamawit Hailu of The Human Connection and their concentration on social connectivity and responsibility to engage mental health through creative integration of new connective practices within the community.

Lastly, anchoring the 3x2 project will be the intersecting frameworks of Suzanne Proulx and Brandon Lovee via “Everybody E.A.T.S.”. The integration of food scarcity, community violence, and holistic health will assist with cementing the scope of all three projects.

3x2: Transformative Capsules is the latest version of a community engagement series that 1708 hosted from 2015 to 2017 - 10x10 (Richmond Takes the Gallery); 5x5 (Summer Studio Sessions); and 3x3 (Community) - for which artists and organizations used the time and the space to try something different, test an idea, experiment with a project, and engage with new audiences. The series was inspired by “We Are”, a program hosted at Nurture Art in New York that envisioned the gallery as a communal space.

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CAPSULE 1: June 26 - July 10

Richmond Futurism is an art activation by Ricky Parker that showcases a transformative vision for the future of Richmond, one that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. Through a diverse range of artistic expressions and immersive experiences the exhibition will inspire dialogue, challenge assumptions, and ignite imaginations about what Richmond could become. The mission is to highlight the work of local artists and community organizations amplifying their voices and visons for a vibrant and inclusive future for all residents. 

EVENTS:

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Gift Shop Experience @ 6pm

Curated by Rotate, Wash Ave SB & Shockoe Wine

Artist Talk @7pm

Moderated by Reginald Carter

 

FRIDAY, JULY 7

Gift Shop Experience @ 6pm

Curated by Charged Up Entertainment, Random Object Gallery & Shockoe Wine

Community Panel @ 7pm

Featuring Enjoli Moon, James Warren, Dr. Cleve Tinsley IV & Dean Browell

 

My art is an extension of my passion for social justice and a medium through which I can communicate challenging ideas and topics surrounding race and self-esteem. I believe that African American history is American history, and the two cannot be mentioned separately. Through my art, I seek to explore the complexities of identity and the intersections of race, history, and culture.

 

As an artist, I consider myself a "servant," and I view my art practice as a ministry. My work is rooted in the belief that art has the power to effect social change and create meaningful conversations about issues that matter. I am committed to using my creative talents to uplift and inspire others, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.

 

My art is not just about aesthetics but rather, it is a tool for education and transformation. Through my work, I aim to challenge prevailing notions of beauty, race, and identity and create new narratives that honor the richness and complexity of African American culture. I believe that art has the power to heal, and my hope is that my work will inspire others to engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that affect us all.

 

In short, my art is a reflection of my commitment to social justice and my belief in the transformative power of creativity. I hope that my work will inspire others to think critically about the world around them and to engage in the important work of creating a more just and equitable society.

 

Ricky Parker is a highly accomplished creative professional and community activist with a strong focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) advocacy. As the Vice President, Community Manager for Chase, Parker is responsible for cultivating relationships with community leaders and stakeholders to promote the bank's initiatives and drive positive change. With extensive experience in branding, marketing, and higher education, his work has allowed him to understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities and develop strategies to address them. Parker's entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding Shockoe Wine, have given him firsthand knowledge of the obstacles that small business owners face. His commitment to community activism is evident by his service on the Board of Directors for Art 180, The Poe Museum, and Firehouse Theatre. Parker's expertise, coupled with his passion for DEI advocacy, makes him a valuable asset to any organization committed to promoting equity and inclusion.

 

garagebyricky.com

instagram.com/iamrickyparker 

instagram.com/garagebyricky

 

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CAPSULE 2: July 10 - 23

Connection Choreography is our second 3x2: Transformative Capsules activation, led by Selam Hailu with The Human Connection. Connection Choreography is the philosophy that everything we need is within us, both at the individual and community levels. Connection Choreography states that through connectivity across siloed disciplines and resources, we can accomplish seemingly undoable things.

The Human Connection is a think tank and connection company committed to tackling disconnection at personal, social, and environmental levels. Through their dynamic approach, they aim to create meaningful solutions that foster genuine connections and inspire positive change through increased connection to self, connection to others, and connection to earth. 

PROGRAMMING:

Week 1: Eco Futurism

This focus is on contextualizing the "meta-crisis" that we are currently facing and approaches to solutions.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

LIV @ 4pm

Corporate Purpose Project @ 6pm

Eco-Friendly Fundraiser @ 7pm

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Think Tank Day

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Bad Thursdays Pre-show @ 6pm

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Capsoul @ 6pm

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Collect Worldwide @ 8pm

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Writing Our Way Out ft. BK Fulton and Radio B @ 12pm

Week 2: Love Land

This focus is on contextualizing us in the "meta-crisis" of the self and its impact on holistic wellness.

MONDAY, JULY 17

Eat Pray Love Noire @ 6pm

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

THC Think Tank: Curated Culture x Circles @ 6pm

FRIDAY, JULY 21

Buna Kurs @ 4pm

GG Hair Installation x Jonathan Kirven @ 6pm

SATURDAY, JULY 22

THC x EPLN x Workshop x BLovee

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Capsule 3: July 24 - August 7

Everybody E.A.T.S., our third and final 3x2: Transformative Capsules activation, is led by Brandon Lovee and Suzanne Proulx. 

Everybody E.A.T.S is a two week activation using art, nature, researched information, and conversations to highlight holistic food prisons, how they impact the community, and where are the resources that are fighting against it.

Through Everybody E.A.T.S., Brandon and Suzanne will spark conversation through impactful installations to ultimately create longevity and sustainability within our community that directly addresses these civic issues. Everybody deserves the elements of Empowerment, Access, Transformation, and Sustainability.

PLANNED PROGRAMMING:

JULY 22 - 23:

Community Clean Up

JULY 25 - 28:

Hands-on Happy Hour, 12 - 3pm

JULY 28

Bridge the Gap Panel, 5:30 - 7pm

AUGUST 7

Poetry Night and Artist Reflection Q&A, 6 - 8:30pm