Raven and Shana Harper have dedicated themselves to their art practice for decades. During their time in the NIAD Studio, they have moved fluidly through different medium to create bodies of work that explore a wide breadth of themes. From flora and fauna, family, sisterhood, pop culture icons and civil rights leaders, this exhibition highlights the multi-disciplinary practices of Raven and Shana Harper.
All of the artists in the show, We Make Art in Richmond, really do exactly that. There are twenty artists here who work in a wide range of disciplines, from bookmaking, textiles, ceramics, printmaking, poetry, and painting.
Half of the artists work out of NIAD’s 23rd Street Studio and the other half work out of their homes or studios scattered throughout Richmond. There are artists who have put in decades making art and some that are just getting started.
In putting together this show, I wanted to shine a light on artists working in Richmond. I wanted this show to feel inspiring and exciting for future and present artists in our community. There are twenty artists in this show, but there could easily have been four times as many artists who are excelling at their craft, sharing their work globally, giving back to their communities, and making it happen here in Richmond.