Ellis Angel at Newark Arts Festival: Radical Reimagining Through Art
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been accepted into this year’s Newark Arts Festival, happening from October 9 - 13, 2024! This year’s theme, Radical Reimagining, feels particularly close to my heart, as it challenges us to reimagine a world where creativity fuels our systems, lifestyles, and beliefs, building towards a more just and equitable society.
For this festival, I’ll be showcasing three of my most politically charged weavings, all of which reflect on themes of power, protest, and accountability:
Article I, Section 9, Clause 8: This weaving is made from U.S. currency and the Constitution, focusing on the Emoluments Clause. It’s my way of highlighting how conflicts of interest can erode the trust between leaders and the people they serve. The act of weaving money and the Constitution together symbolizes how intertwined these issues can be — and serves as a protest against the manipulation of political power for personal gain.
Presidential Records (44 U.S.C. Chapter 22): This weaving uses toilet paper and 44 U.S.C. Chapter 22 to address the mishandling of presidential records. The combination of these materials highlights the absurdity and disrespect toward public records that belong to the American people. It’s a humorous yet critical commentary on the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
I couldn’t be more excited to share these pieces with you during this incredible festival. Opening night, October 9, will feature the vibrant Pink Ball at the Newark Museum of Art, where my work will be part of the Radical Reimagining Signature Exhibition. You’ll also find brilliant performances, amazing food, and, of course, the energetic spirit that makes Newark a creative powerhouse.
If you're in the area, I’d love for you to come experience these works in person. The festival is filled with events, from the Citywide Gallery Crawl to the Night Market at Mulberry Commons. This is not just about viewing art — it’s about engaging with ideas that challenge us to rethink how we live, work, and create as a community.
Event Details:
October 9: Reimagining Newark Arts
Event: The Pink Ball at the Newark Museum of Art
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Description: Celebrate the opening of the Newark Arts Festival with a vibrant Pink Ball that kicks off the Radical Reimagining Signature Exhibition. Enjoy food, performances, and of course, stunning artwork from emerging and established artists, including my political paper weavings.
October 10: Reimagining Open Spaces
Event: Citywide Gallery Crawl
Time: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Description: Explore Newark’s art scene with the Citywide Gallery Crawl, where you'll have the chance to visit different galleries across the city and discover incredible artwork in unconventional spaces.
October 11: Reimagining the Urban Marketplace
Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Description: Immerse yourself in the creativity and culture of the Night Market, featuring art, performances, and artisan vendors at Mulberry Commons. This cultural crawl through Newark's downtown promises to be a night to remember.
October 12: Reimagining Legacy
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: Dive into family-friendly activities and enjoy the Sensory-Friendly Tour. These events offer an inclusive way to engage with art, culture, and community building.
October 13: Reimagining Community
Event: BCRC Morning Run & Open Studio Tour
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: Experience Newark’s creative community with the Open Studio Tour and get involved with the Brick City Run Club Morning Run, where art and physical activity merge for a reimagined approach to engagement.
I’m honored to be part of this festival, where art intersects with activism, and I hope to see you there! Let’s reimagine together.
