Corks, Canvas & Conversations: Artist Talk Brings ‘Free to Be Me’ Exhibition to Life with Wine, Stories, and Creative Insight
Artist Talk: September 6, 2-4 pm
(9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110)
RSVP: https://insidenovatix.com/events/corks-canvas-conversations-free-to-be-me-artist-talk-9-6-2025
Join us for Corks, Canvas & Conversations, an engaging artist talk event spotlighting several featured artists from the Free to Be Me group exhibition, curated by the Black Art Today Foundation in partnership with the ARTfactory. Enjoy wine available for purchase as participating artists share insights into their creative practices, inspirations, and the stories behind their work. The conversation will offer guests a deeper connection to the art and the artists who created it. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience art in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Exhibit Summary
Welcome to “Free to Be Me,” an exhibition curated by the Black Art Today Foundation in partnership with the ARTfactory that celebrates the multifaceted journey of self-discovery and authentic expression. In a world often shaped by expectations and societal pressures, this thoughtfully curated collection invites viewers to pause, reflect, and embrace the profound courage it takes to live genuinely. Through a diverse array of artistic mediums, “Free to Be Me” delves into the intricate tapestry of identity, challenging preconceived notions and championing the power of individuality.
The artists featured in this exhibit explore various facets of personal freedom, from the quiet introspection of self-acceptance to the vibrant declaration of one’s true colors. You’ll encounter works that speak to the liberation found in breaking free from imposed roles, the joy of embracing unique perspectives, and the resilience inherent in overcoming personal struggles to emerge as one’s most authentic self. Each piece serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution of identity, acknowledging that “being me” is not a fixed destination but a continuous, dynamic process.
Featured artists:
Alma Roberts, Andrew Nichols, Anita Henley Carrington, Babacar Pouye, Brittany Wharry, Bryane Broadie, David Amoroso, David W.M. Cassidy, Derrick Vaughn, Dion Pollard, Emery Franklin, Erasto Curtis Matthews, Dr. Harriet Smith, James Murphy Jr., Jamil Burton, Janet B. Waters, Janice MacLean, JaVon Townsend, Karen Y. Buster, Kaylee Daryl, Keiona Clark, Kibibi Ajanku, Kwaku Ofori-Yirenkyi, Larry Poncho Brown, Lauretta Jo McCoy, Levi Robinson, Linda Meadows, Luis Del Valle, Luther Wright, Marie Antoinette, Mary Claggett, Nai Turner, Nikki Brooks, Paul Henry, Qrcky, Ramsey Brisueno, Russell Lewis, Suzette Royster, Tanya Bracey, Tatiana Nelson-Joseph, Thomas Edwin Dade, Dr. Vanessa Chappell-Lee, VILLAGER, Dr. Yemonja Smalls, and Zsudayka Nzinga
Contact
ARTfactory, Gallery Director: Jordan Exum | [email protected]
9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110 | 703-330-2787
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (10 am-5 pm), Sunday (12-5 pm)
VirginiaARTfactory.org