October 14, 2023 — November 18, 2023
Opening Reception October 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Our Votes, Our Stories. reflects on historical barriers and voter suppression. The exhibition is the result of collaboration and partnership between Golden Artist Colors and the Cooperstown Graduate Program of SUNY Oneonta.
Our Votes, Our Stories. is an exhibition of paintings, sculptures and installations to be held at the Sam and Adele Golden Gallery, 188 Bell Road, New Berlin, N.Y. opening with a public reception on Saturday, October 14, 2023 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The selection of artists’ works was curated by Jimmy Nunn Jr., a graduate of the program. He shared, “Exhibitions like this and the conversations that they bring about are needed now more than ever. I am grateful for all the people in our country, specifically the incredible artists in this show, who continue to speak up and fight for justice. I truly believe that our voices, united with the echoes of those who have come before us, are powerful enough to bring about positive systematic change.” Nunn is currently Project Coordinator at DVDL, a cultural strategy agency that helps guide the work of cultural institutions, cities and organizations towards people, and the issues that they hold dear.
Gretchen Sullivan Sorin, Director and Distinguished Professor of the Cooperstown Graduate Program, said, “This exhibition invites young African American artists and artist activists to share their ideas about voting rights and to inspire us to renew our commitment to being active rather than passive citizens. We hope that their work will inspire individuals to learn more about the history of voting and to encourage others to make participatory democracy a priority.”
GOLDEN Co-Founder and CEO, Mark Golden shared, “It is probably too often, at times like this, that we ask artists to help us make the invisible, visible and the unspoken, shouted out loud. We are so grateful to be hosting this exhibition.”
The eight artists whose artwork is featured in the exhibition are Harper Bella, Greta Chapin-McGill, Sandra Charles, Brianna Harlan, Carla Rae Johnson, Lorie Novak, Taylor Sanders, and Vitus Shell.
According to the Cooperstown Graduation Program of SUNY Oneonta website (https://sites.google.com/view/ourvotesourstories/home) showcasing Our Votes, Our Stories., “We believe in the power of art to spur dialogue – to inspire action! When words are not enough, we lean on the propensity of art to engage people in critical conversations about issues that matter in their lives. In the midst of two
controversial, divisive elections and increasing legislative efforts around the country to disenfranchise people of color, we believe that the time to act is now. This exhibition reminds Americans of the relentless struggle for voting rights and the need, in a democracy, to be vigilant watchdogs of civil rights.”
Additional information about Our Votes, Our Stories. is available on the Sam & Adele Golden website (thesagg.org). The exhibition catalog will also available on the site for those who are interested in learning more about each of the featured artists and their work. If you have any questions, please call GOLDEN Public Relations Manager, Jodi O’Dell, at 607-847-6154.
COVID Protocol at GOLDEN: Wearing of masks is currently left to personal preference. Masks are available on site for those who need or want them.
