WRITTEN BY HEATHER STEWART, MARKETING INTERN
The LIFT exhibition showcases the raw talent of local artists, and many of these artists are also involved in other projects in the community and around the state. Check out some of the good press they’ve been receiving!
Dustin Harewood
Dustin Harewood’s artwork fuses his global background with innovative textures; a visual blend of everything he likes. In Springfield his vibrant mural, Main Street Geishas, enlivens the neighborhood, combining traditional Japanese elements with geometric patterns. Along with being a working artist, Dustin is also a professor at FSCJ’s Kent Campus and was recently highlighted in Folio Weekly for his impact on Jacksonville’s local art scene.
Hiromi Moneyhun
Hiromi Moneyhun moved to Jacksonville from her native Japan in 2004. The self-taught artist creates intricate, three-dimensional pieces from cut paper. Melding traditional art forms with a modern feel produces art that is both whimsical and dynamic. If you’re in South Florida, see her work at the Morikami or at the Pierce, Mark, Morph exhibition at the Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum at FIU.
Princess Simpson Rashid
Princess Simpson Rashid wears many hats: painter, printmaker, blogger, art activist, competitive sport-fencer, coach, wife, and mom. Her work explores the relationships between color, perception, and symbolism and can be found at MOSH in the JEA Science Theater and the Pre-K classrooms and other spots around town.
Thony Aiuppy
Thony Auippy is both an artist and educator. With experience teaching elementary art for Duval County Public Schools and drawing classes at Reddi-Arts, and as an adjunct drawing and painting professor at UNF, his newest position seems perfect. The Cummer Museum congratulates Thony on his appointment as the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Educator for Family and Children’s Programs for MOCA.
Chip Southworth
Chip Southworth’s large-scale portraits are a way to use his voice “to sing as loudly as I can for those who have had their rights limited or taken away.” His display for LIFT used the deaths of Jordan Davis, Trayvon Martin, and Tamir Rice as focal points in his art. His newest exhibition Signs of Life is a continuation of his commentary on topics of racism and social justice. The opening reception was held at Brew in Five Points on Thursday, November 17.
