Hank WIllis Thomas

The Arts, Public Engagement, and Social Change Discussion

Presented by Henry Art Gallery


Date & Time:

Saturday, July 27, 2024
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location:

Seattle Art Fair Christie's Theater


Where Do We Go from Here? A Conversation with Josué Rivas and Elisheba Johnson, Moderated by Michelle Woo

Presented by theHenryArtGalleryat the University of Washington in conjunction with the exhibitionHank Willis Thomas: LOVERULESFrom the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,this thought-provoking panelbrings together the voices ofartists Josué Rivas and Elisheba Johnson, moderated by Michelle Woo of For Freedoms. Together, these dynamic speakers will delve into the pressing issues posed by the question, “Where do we go from here?” connectingart, civic engagement, and community in the United States today. 
 
ABOUT THEARTISTS 
Josué Rivasis an Indigenous Futurist and multi-disciplinary storyteller who challenges mainstream narratives about Indigenous peoples. His work connectsart, technology, journalism, and decolonization, aiming to co-create with communities and serve as a vehicle for collective healing. 
 
Elisheba Johnson, co-founder and curator of Wa Na Wari, drives cultural place-making through her conceptualart. Influenced by the Fluxus movement, she emphasizes accessibility andart’s role in civic life. Johnson’s work fosters equity and engagement within communities.  
 
Michelle Woo is a co-founder ofFor Freedomswith Hank Willis Thomas, Eric Gottesman, and WyattGallery, anartist-led organization that centersartas a catalyst for creative civic engagement, discourse, and direct action. 
 
ABOUT THEHENRY 
TheHenryis at the forefront of advancing contemporaryartand ideas. As Washington State’s firstartmuseum, theHenryhas a long history of championingartists at every level of creation and stage in their career. Exhibitions range from intimate photography presentations drawn from the museum’s vast collection to large-scale, commissioned installations by some of today’s most prolificartists. Creative experimentation, diversity of voices, and a rich visitor experience are core values of theHenry. Learn morehenryart.org.

Hank Willis Thomas, At the Twilight’s Last Gleaming?, 2021, Courtesy of Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation and Aaron Wessling