Reclaiming Personhood through Portraiture

Images help shape how we understand each other - both as individuals and groups. Portraiture can be a practice of crafting a narrative of a person within a specific context. It can also be used to communicate deeper messages to address social, cultural, and political issues.

This conversation between two friends explores portraiture as a tool for understanding self and others, and healing for people who experience oppression. It centers the perspectives of an artist, JaVon L. Townsend, and an inspiration for an artwork, Blair Mikaela.

We will discuss:

• experiences with gender identity,
• the role of spirituality in the creation of a portrait as a reflection of a person,
• and a process for creating images that honor the humanity of the people represented.

Details:

• Doors: 5:45, Discussion: 6:00 pm
• Free entry. Donations encouraged for JaVon’s portrait project fund
• Refreshments will be provided
• Parking Please reference the map and info below