Empathy in Art: The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties Welcomes The Body of Freedom
01/22/2024
The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties in the Riverside Community College District was awarded a generous Creative Corps Inland SoCal Grant to produce The Body of Freedom.
The Body of Freedom is an expansive collaborative project which partners The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties, the Riverside Arts Magnet Program at Ramona High School, Division 9 Gallery, and the Inlandia Institute to support local artists in creating inclusive, community-based art workshops rooted in social justice and equity. Fourteen free 4-week multidisciplinary, community workshops ranging from dance, yoga, visual art, creative writing, fashion, and choir were offered to the public in the Fall of 2023.
The art created in The Body of Freedom workshops have produced many new and exciting works. A permanent community-mural was painted at Ramona High School under the direction of artist Ekaterina Orlovie, who will show a replica of the mural in the exhibition. Visual artists Cosmé Cordova, Edith Motley, Cathy Maxwell, & Erin Maroufkhani created space for the art of dry-point etching and mosaic design. A community choir was conducted by Riverside Arts Magnet teacher Jennifer Phillips. Selena Jane Wilson and James Coats worked to create poetry with their students, whose words adorn beautiful windows and doors. The art of fashion and garment creation was introduced by David Dean Cruz & Selena Jane Wilson, who used recycled materials to inspire their students. Movement makers, Ulises Rodriguez, Maggie Harrison and Missy Townsend helped students find their freedom in drumming, dancing and performing.
Opening on Thursday, February 1, 2024, The Body of Freedom offers a visual body of art and live performance that will illuminate the community’s stories and creativity. The exhibition will run from February 1 - March 16, 2024, at The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties. For more information, contact The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties at socialjustice@rccd.edu.
This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications