Thu 3/5 @ 6-8PM
Sat 3/14 @ 2-4PM
Akron Soul Train’s latest artist-in-residence is Akronite Shani Richards, a metalsmith who says she’s interested “how people use jewelry, body modifications, shoes and clothing to convey their race, social status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation and class.”
While an undergrad at the University of Akron in the mid ’00s, Richards created jewelry that combined hip hop-style bling with language reflecting racial slurs used to demean black people, commenting on how they play into the commercialization of black culture.
During her month-long residency at Akron Soul Train, she continues to explore the role of racial slurs, extending that to encompass sexual orientation and gender identity. She says that wearing these labels on a necklace helps to neutralize them, and at her exhibit United, which opens with a free, public reception Thu 3/5 @ 6-8pm, visitors will be able to try them on and take selfies for social media.
In addition, Richards will lead workshop in metal stamping techniques at the gallery Sat 3/14 @2-4pm. The show runs through Sat 3/28.
191 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308