“What Is America . . . My Arkansas” Accepted in National Art Competition
Close up of What Is America . . . My Arkansas
I’m excited to share that my piece, What Is America . . . My Arkansas, from the America Is . . . series of weavings, has been accepted into the prestigious Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild’s juried competition and exhibition, Every Picture Tells A Story. The exhibition will be held from June 10 to August 31, 2024, and I’m honored to be part of this remarkable showcase of talent and storytelling through art.
About My Accepted Piece: What Is America . . . My Arkansas
What Is America . . . My Arkansas is a 20 x 20 mixed media weaving created from shredded pages of Maya Angelou’s poems. This piece is part of my ongoing America Is . . . series, where I explore the complex, layered meaning of America through the words of its literary icons. Maya Angelou’s poetry has been a source of inspiration and reflection for me, especially as her voice offers a profound perspective on race, identity, and resilience in America.
This weaving, created in 2023, is a tribute to Angelou’s legacy and her deep connection to Arkansas, the state where she grew up and where much of her early life experiences unfolded. It’s a personal meditation on what Arkansas represents within the broader American narrative—an intersection of history, culture, and struggle.
About the America Is . . . Series
The America Is . . . weaving series is a contemplative exploration of what America means through the voices of its authors. Using shredded pages from books by Walt Whitman, Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Bishop, and others, I’ve woven together the words of these literary giants, creating intricate tapestries that capture the multifaceted nature of America. Each piece in the series is both a tribute to the authors whose works have shaped our understanding of this country, and a personal reflection on what America represents to me.
The exercise of weaving their words together invites viewers to consider how these writers have grappled with the American identity in their writings and how their words continue to resonate in today’s social and political landscape. From Whitman’s expansive view of democracy to Angelou’s reflections on race and resilience, these works offer a diverse array of perspectives on what America is—and what it could be.
About the Exhibition: Every Picture Tells A Story
The Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild’s exhibition, Every Picture Tells A Story, brings together artists from across the country to showcase works that encapsulate the art of storytelling. Each artist is invited to explore storytelling through their chosen medium, and I’m thrilled to have my work exhibited alongside so many talented individuals.
Curated by juror Seung Lee, the exhibition highlights pieces that challenge viewers to see beyond the surface, encouraging reflection on the narratives embedded within each work. Having What Is America . . . My Arkansas featured in this collection is a powerful moment for me, as it allows my work to engage with a broader audience, sharing my vision of America through the lens of literature and art.
Thank you to everyone supporting this piece, and a special thanks to the Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild for creating a space for artists to share their stories and perspectives.
