THRIVE: FORWARD

Closing out the 33rd annual Residence program, Taft museum of Art and ELEMENTZ bring you an evening of captivating stories through film, spoken word and music. The themes of the night will go over the trials of life and loss. Artists in attendance are Jamie-Lee Morris, Aziza Love and Ya’Ke Smith. ELEMENTZ artist Jamie-Lee is an aspiring writer and spoken word artist. She believes storytelling provides the strength to survive day to day. Aziza Love, former member of activist and performing group Triiibe, is multi-talented. She is a dancer, musician, and now director of short film, Phoenix Rising: Ashes to Ashes. She wants to share her life and love to the world.  Also joining us is acclaimed film director, and Duncanson Artist in Residence: Ya’Ke Smith. Smith writes and directs television content for REELZ Network and AMS Production, and is a film professor at the University of Texas. His film work has won him screenings and awards from over 90 film festivals. His films have also been picked up by Insecure creator, Issa Rae, production company for Short Film Sundays. The Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Program was established in 1986 to honor the achievements of contemporary African American artists working in a variety of disciplines. The program honors the relationship between African American painter Robert S. Duncanson and his patron, Nicholas Longworth, who commissioned Duncanson to paint landscape murals in the foyer of his home, now the Taft Museum of Art. The breadth of talent featured throughout the history of the residency has been matched by its depth of programming and outreach to the Cincinnati community. This night is sure to ignite emotions, and stir your thoughts. The event is free, however be sure to reserve your tickets (taftmuseum.org) and arrive early. Forward is from 7:30pm-9pm at Union Hall