long live the RITZ

The Ritz Theatre and Museum in Jacksonville, Florida has a long and rich history in the historic African-American community of La Villa. Built in 1929, Ritz Theatre movie house was renovated in 1999 where it was renamed and transformed into a community museum to celebrate and showcase African American artists from North Florida. Formally called the "Harlem of the South", The Ritz Theatre and Museum has served as a constant reminder and as an emblem of African-American contributions to the Arts and history of America.

THE ARTS
Events such as the Black History film series, Amateur Poetry Night,  and the Ritz Jazz Orchestra have infused Jacksonville with an eclectic mix of innovation and tradition. Natives and visitors alike can enjoy local and national artists in a theatre which intimately seats 426 art lovers. In addition, the rich and diverse legacy of music within the African-American community is constantly displayed with influential  programs such as Ritz Jazz Society, Ritz Voices, and Along This Way.

Along with it's permanent collection, Ritz Theatre and Museum also exhibits visiting collections, most notably, For Women and Men of Color: The Art of Relationships, Jacksonville's longest running exhibit featuring works by African-Americans. The gallery's current exhibit is entitled, More Than A Game African-American Sports in Jacksonville, 1900-1975, a collection of sports photographs and memorabilia which examines the contributions of African-Americans in the North Florida sports arena.

WHAT'S NEW
New to the venue this year is Ritz Youth Institute, a 4 week educational and historical workshop for teenagers between grades 9 and 12. The program infuses several forms of media, such as film, art, and museum collections to inspire and  inform future generations of artists, educators, historians, and art connoisseurs. Professionals in the fields of art, business, law, and other fields engage students with live performances, lectures, and hands on experience. The history and contributions of African-Americans is explored as students gain a better understanding of their identity and their place on a global scale.

THE FUTURE

The Ritz Theatre and Museum has a rich historical legacy that continually contributes to the evolution of Jacksonville. In June 2011, the city witnessed the inauguration of its first African-American mayor. Perhaps more community, corporate, and youth involvement programs would enable The Ritz Theatre and Museum to offer more platforms and create an environment where all members are equally recognized for their contributions and transformed for the better. As the history of the Ritz Theatre and Museum continues to inform and inspire us, it is also a reminder that nothing is impossible and every one of us has something to offer for the greater good of humanity. The future of the Ritz Theatre and Museum is dependent upon the residents of Jacksonville and if nothing else, these residents have proved that anything and any dream is possible.

Long live the Ritz.  

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Ritz Theatre and Museum
829 North Davis Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202
http://www.ritzjacksonville.com/

global ART

Today I was introduced to the art photography of Tseng Kwong Chi (1950-1990) while exploring identity in American life. Chi was an Asian photographer best known for his East Meets West self-portrait series in which he dressed in a Mao styled suit and sunglasses in front of iconic Western architecture and landscapes. Chi challenged the constucts of identity with his images and this critique also encouraged me to define who I have become through imagery and creative influences. In my eyes, Chi was an 80's trendsetter and an iconic artist whose visual imagery will forever stand the test of time.

MANGA

One word: AWESOME. All images but they each say 1,000 words all at once. I have to thank my 7 year old for introducing me to a whole new world of imagery. It's proof that one is NEVER too old to learn something from anyone...but, only if you're open to the massive possibilities.

icons who ROCK

I'm settling in for the night and preparing to watch Black Girls Rock on BET. Thus, the inspiration for my list of the top 5 females who have rocked my life and still continue to be great inspirations for me as a writer. Each of these icons is either a writer or an artist, each represent an essential piece of my philosophical make up and all are at the top of their chosen fields. With that being said, here's my top 5:

1. Nikki Giovanni: Poet, Activist, Author and English Professor at Virginia Tech.


2. Veronica Webb: Supermodel, Journalist, Actress, Author.

3. Halle Berry: Actress, Model, 1st African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.


4. Vanessa Williams: Actress, Singer, Model, 1st African American crowned Miss America.

5. Toni Morrison: Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning Author, Humanities Professor at Princeton (r. 2006).

My list could go on and on. 

it's all in the MIX

Affectation

What I like most about the work of graphic artist Marumiyan is his mixture of color, nature and illusion. His attention to detail is so precise, it demands more than just a glance; it requires a long intense stare. Like traditional Japanese advertising, Marumiyan is saying more than a million things - all at once - and it works for me. It's the perfect backdrop to any space designed with a minimalist approach in mind. A design by Marumiyan is guaranteed to keep the spotlight and the conversation flowing.

Toki2

 Marumiyan

HINDSIGHT is 20/20

Lorna Simpson and daughter Zora



I've admired Lorna Simpson since I was introduced to her work in one of my Art classes during undergrad at Clayton State University. Simpson's work instinctively breaks down the anatomy of the black female body (in my examples), labeling each section with a purpose or a reason for existence; similar to the way in which slave owners categorized their slaves for property appraisals. It's a practice that still digs its claws in to the 21st century. Simpson will always be relevant because she questions the necessity of labels by using them to define who we are. If that's not a stroke of genius, then I don't know what is...

From PARIS with love

Sophie Griotto - Londongirl


Right now I'm heavy into illustration so it wasn't unusual for me to almost lose my breath when I came upon the work of French artist, Sophie Griotto. In my head, I could see her work framed on my walls, covering my designer purses, adorning the tshirts that I wear daily. Yes, discovering her work was just that intoxicating. Sophie Griotto is every artist's dream come true because she puts every ounce of who she is into her work. The streets of Europe are there. The strong sense of femininity is there. Her individuality is there. And of course, fashion is there. There is no denying that Griotto loves what she does...it shows.



Paris



Urban Girl



My Beach

Sophie Griotto

a PICTURE is worth 1,000 words

I Me Mine

There's something about Stella Im Hultberg (circa 2008) that I can't get away from...

http://www.stellaimhultberg.com/