Gallery Opening: Art for Change

Art for Change
By artist Terrance Cummings
On view: Jan 10 – Feb 7
Opening: Sat, Jan 10 | 3-5pm

Exhibition Statement:
I have faith in the ability of art to initiate contemplation, foster discussions, and drive change. Through my art, I delve into profound themes inspired by human emotions, societal intricacies, ingrained beliefs, and economic marginalization. While my work often addresses topics such as race and class, the underlying essence always revolves around our shared humanity. Art has the power to shape society and challenge the status quo. By creating work that challenges perceptions and encourages introspection, I hope to contribute to a larger cultural conversation about our relationship with each other. I believe that art has the power to bring people together and foster a sense of community, and I strive to create work that reflects this belief.

The following books will be available for purchase at the Arts Council throughout the duration of the exhibition:

1. We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World
   By Stuart Stotts, Artwork by Terrance Cummings. 2010.
   History of the song from the Civil Rights Movement.
2. In Search of Color Everywhere: A Collection of African-American Poetry
   By Ethelbert Miller, Artwork by Terrance Cummings. 1996
   A collection of African-American poems, with works by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Paul Laurence Dunbar
3. Too Hot to Cool Down
   By Terrance Cummings, 1996
   From the great blues singers and jazz artists of all times this highly charged, sometimes naughty, anthology of lyrics and illustrations by Terrance Cummings, Here, Cummings has gathered together 32 wonderful lyrics from such greats as B.B. King, Ma Rainey, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and many others.

Artist Bio:
Terrance Cummings is a visual artist born in Birmingham, Alabama, whose early life in a working-class household continues to shape his artistic vision. Memories of his aunt gathering coal from railroad tracks to heat their home reflect the resilience and ingenuity that inform his work. After relocating to New York City, Cummings graduated from the High School of Music and Art and earned his BFA from Parsons School of Design. His artwork has since been featured in solo exhibitions, collected by private collectors, and included in projects within the publishing industry. Cummings’s practice centers on uplifting portrayals of marginalized communities, challenging stereotypes through layered color, pattern, and texture. His work aims to spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and create space for empowerment and reflection. To learn more about the artist, visit his website or instagram.