ArtVenture: Fade - An Active Writing Workshop with Rell Be Free

In this time where so many things in our lives are fluid and shifting, our memories have the potential to keep us grounded. Although images may fade, our emotions stick with us. Do you hold memories of places that look completely different than they used to? Have you reminisced about an energy that you wish you could reencounter? Inspired by Gary Simmons: The Engine Room and in partnership with LANGSTON and the Frye Art Museum, hip-hop artist and community organizer Rell Be Free will facilitate an in-person workshop that dives into the relationship between our bodies and our memories—using both to ground us in the midst of an ever-changing world. We will use examples of gentrification, childhood, and light physical activity to draw connections.   

Space is limited for this program and registration is required. All ages are welcome; younger participants should bring adult collaborators to help out. This workshop will take place outdoors at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and all materials will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the activity will be moved to Langston’s Grand Hall. Please reserve one ticket for each person in your group. We will email participants prior to the event with directions and required safety guidelines. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born and raised in South Seattle, Jerrell “Rell Be Free” Davis is at the intersection of hip-hop and grassroots organizing. Rell organizes with a number of collectives, including the Seattle Peoples’ Party, George Jackson Freedom Coalition, and Rainier Beach Action Coalition. All of his music is available on streaming platforms, including his most recent project “SOLEDAD,” which releases on April 30 on Bandcamp and will be available on streaming platforms on May 11. Check out www.rellbefree.art for more!

Gary Simmons: The Engine Room programs are co-organized by the Henry and LANGSTON, an arts & culture organization that guides generative programs and community partnerships that center Black art, artists, and audiences and honors the ongoing legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area. This ArtVenture is in collaboration with Frye Art Museum and their Community Weekend programs and in conversation with the Frye’s Black Refractions: Highlights from The Studio Museum in Harlem exhibition.