On Saturday, May 11th, the Arthur Ross Gallery will host The Illuminated Body: A Community Celebration of Creativity. Inspired by Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body, an exhibition in which Thomas celebrates creativity and uses portraiture to uplift the people who are a part of her artistic community. A Community Celebration of Creativity will similarly look towards local artists and performers and will provide a space for families and creatives to connect with each other. Visitors will witness an outdoor percussive procession, marvel at the Children’s Ballet Stilt Walkers, engage in family-friendly craft making activities and party with DJ Oluwafemi. Special catering from Wawa will be available throughout the day!

A Community Celebration of Creativity will feature local poets, performers, and dancers who will share commissioned responses to the work on view in Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body. Barbara Earl Thomas will participate in a virtual artist talk in which guests can learn more about her 40+ years as an artist, writer and organizer. A Community Celebration of Creativity will be free to attend and is programmed by the Arthur Ross Gallery’s inaugural Community Advisory Group. The gallery would like to thank Glenn Bryan, Maori Karmael Holmes, Elaine Smith Holton, Terri Lyons, LaNeshe Miller-White, Nasheli J. Ortiz González, Elijah Pringle, Laurel Raczka, Jasmine Jahwula Seapoe, Karen Smith, and Andrea Walls for their dedication and leadership.

Major support for Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation.