Talk Artsy to Me
"Celebrating Love and the Contributions of Black Creatives"
February 2025
Well, well, well… February has strutted in like the fabulous diva she is, and here we are in full-scale celebration mode!
It’s the month of LOVE, so grab your cutie (or your cat, your plant, or that book you keep meaning to finish) and soak in all the warm, fuzzy vibes. But more importantly, February is also Black History Month, a time to honor the rich, indelible contributions of African Americans to every single thing that makes the world magical. From music to movement, fashion to food, literature to visual arts, we have shaped and reshaped culture time and time again. And while this month may be the shortest on the calendar, the celebration of Black excellence should be year-round and in full effect. What’s Happening in the Arts? Oh, Just a Whole Lot of Black Brilliance. There are so many ways to experience Black creativity this month, and if you haven’t checked out an exhibit or performance yet, what are you even doing with your life? Here’s where you need to be:
Augusta City Gallery – All month long!
Voices of the Diaspora – Reception at Better World Studios, Graniteville, SC – Feb 15th
Afro-Futurism Art Show with NUBAG Augusta – Feb 22nd
WellStar Men & Women of Color in Leadership Exhibit – Feb 26th
Each of these showcases cultural presence, resilience, and artistic excellence. Consider this your invitation to show up, celebrate, and support.
Four Months In: Trying Not to Eat the Elephant in One Sitting
So here we are, four months into my Executive Director journey, and I am doing my best not to try and do everything all at once. I have so much creative energy (which is both a gift and a caffeine-free high), and I’m pacing myself so I don’t burn out before all my brilliant ideas come to life. My biggest focus? Building on our legacy, Creating new opportunities & collaborations and more transparency, more communication, and way more creative vibes. I’m also manifesting a radio version of this blog because, honestly, I’d love for you to Talk Artsy to Me, and I can talk back!
Speaking of big things, we’ve been rebranding (Our new Umbrella Logo and I can’t wait for y’all to see the new Umbrella Photoshoot, it’s giving ART is the vibe). We’re marketing in fresh, exciting ways, gearing up for so many events, and begging the universe for 24 extra hours in the day. (Still waiting on that miracle.)
Juggling Life Like a Circus Act, But Make It Art.
If you know me, you know I don’t just juggle arts admin duties, I juggle LIFE. In case you missed the rundown, I have a husband who is a creative, THE Baruti Tucker and well let’s say…he is a HAND full (pun intended), I have 5 grandkids, 4 of whom live locally (translation: I see them almost daily). I just spent five days with them while their parents were out of the country, and let me tell you, those tiny humans gave me a run for my money. The two youngest are neurodivergent, and my bonus grandbaby (yep, that makes 6!) is a high school senior who lost her mom last February, so my life is full of love, laughter, and the occasional meltdown. On top of that, I’m also my father’s caregiver. I brought him to Augusta very ill in January 2024, but with proper nutrition, care, and a whole lot of love, he has fully recovered! Today, I took him to the airport to visit his people in LA, and I cried like a mama sending her kid off to college. (Blame it on only child syndrome.) But more than anything, I’m grateful. Between family, community, art, and leadership, I’m balancing a lot, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Finally, The Party I Never Had… So Wet Paint It Is!
One thing I never got? A “Welcome to the Party” party! So, I’m making Wet Paint MY party! And guess what? You’re invited! It’s March 14th at Sacred Heart Cultural Center with 1920s Speakeasy Vibes. Expect Live jazz, food, drinks, and ART, ART, ART! This event is FREE for members (so if you’re not a member yet, fix that for a minimum of just $35 a year-we have memberships that cost more with additional benefits). The goal? This is not a fundraiser, this is all about artists selling art and YOU buying it so they can keep doing what they do best! Because honestly, if you aren’t buying local art, what are you even doing? Oh, and since I’m rocking my new body, I will be decked out in my best Harlem Nights 1920s attire (sans cigarette, because we do not promote smoking; wink). Let’s Keep This Artsy Love Train Rolling.
I just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU. Thank you for welcoming me into this seat, trusting me to lead, and rolling with me on this creative adventure. There’s so much to do, and we’re just getting started!
So until next time…
Talk Artsy to Me.
Denise