A Mirror Image: The Village Reflects

press release:

What has been called a  landmark exhibit has been installed in ARTspace Gallery in the Municipal Building atrium.  Entitled on Itself, the traveling exhibit consists of the art covers of UMOJA magazine in connection with the magazine’s 25 years of publishing positive news. The Exhibit has been extended through July 30!

An opening ceremony will be held on May 13, 2015 from 11:30-1 pm in ARTspace Gallery. People from the community will speak and do dance or vocal performance.

UMOJA  magazine’s flagship has been a frontispiece of stunning, original art created by local and international artists.  A Mirror Image displays about 100 of the 250 covers, professionally framed and mounted and accompanied by the original art of selected pieces. Art forms include paintings, metal and wood sculptures, ceramics, fiber art, collages and photographs. 

Sponsored by the city of Madison’s Multicultural Affairs Commission (MAC) and nine other organizations, the Mirror Image Exhibit covers important parts of the Black experience that matter to Black people rather than the narrow focus of prejudice and struggles.  Themes prominent in the Exhibit and important to the Black community include education and graduation, musicians and writers, individual achievements, public service, family, children, Kwanzaa, spiritual reinforcements, family, African roots, President Barack Obama and the beauty of ourselves.  

In its news coverage, UMOJA magazine focused on these same themes which is radically different than the usual media coverage typically confined to Black athletes, Black crime,  racism and disparities.  The magazine’s slogan started with Delivering positive news to your doorstep and changed over the years to Delivering positive news with an art attitude to emphasize its artistic approach.

Given the tension prevailing in the city pending the DA’s decision, Mirror Image is a temporary relief.

Karin Wolf, Arts Coordinator for the city of Madison says “The Multicultural Affairs Committee is raising the bar on what it means to install an exhibition in a do-it-yourself community gallery space.”  

Lurlie Richardson, a member of MAC, helped to install the exhibit.  Before she could finish, she received this email. “The lobby is beautiful!  I know you were involved.  Kudos to you and the others for an excellent job.  The wrapping of the posts and all the artwork makes the lobby feel warm, inviting and spectacular.”  John Neiss said “The display you put up is awesome.”  These are typical of the comments made from people walking through the Gallery as the Exhibit was being installed. 

Coli McNair, chair of MAC, says “UMOJA has been an important source of information and encouragement acknowledging the accomplishments, leadership, history and positive news for African Americans in Madison.  This exhibit represents the 25th anniversary of UMOJA and the hard work and dedication it has taken to continually capture news that is relevant and positive for the African American community.”

Joseph Roy, president of the Madison Black Chamber which is one of the sponsors, has this to say “For 25 years Publisher Milele Chikasa Anana has worked diligently to provide a positive and inspiring look into the African American community. Through her monthly publication of UMOJA  Magazine, she encourages us to reach our full potential--mentally, physically and spiritually.  It is with great pleasure that we join as a sponsor for the Exhibit of covers Mirror Image: The Village Reflects on Itself and the work of this most amazing woman.”  

Hundreds of testimonials for the cover artwork have been recorded.  The Exhibit is especially inviting for teachers and camp counselors for field trips.  Interactive materials are available on request.  After ARTspace, Mirror Image will travel to UW Hospital, the Overture Center and local libraries and churches.

ARTspace Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 6 am-5:15 pm and Saturday from 8 am- 12:15 pm.