City Council Member Rory I. Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica), local artists and social justice advocates this past weekend celebrated the opening of the third annual Social Justice Art Exhibit at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) in Jamaica.
The Social Justice Art Exhibit, hosted by Lancman and artist Wanda Best, features more than forty original works of art, from more than a dozen local artists, focused on social justice issues and racial discrepancies within the criminal justice system.
“What makes the Social Justice Art Exhibit so powerful is that local artists are using their remarkable skills to shine a light on our badly broken criminal justice system and how it has harmed individuals and communities,” said Lancman. “I encourage everyone to stop by the Social Justice Art Exhibit, observe the impactful works of art on display, and then demand reform that will make our justice system fairer for all.”
“Art takes raw materials and transforms them into something Beautiful. It is through art lives can be empowered to understand and face issues too difficult to Express in words,” said Best.
The Social Justice Art Exhibit began in 2016 as a one-night only event at King Manor Museum, and expanded to a two-week engagement last year at JCAL. In response to the overwhelming success of the two events, the Social Justice Art Exhibit will be open for three weeks in 2018.
Other lawmakers in volved in organizing the exhibit include U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, State Sen. Leroy Comrie, Assemblywomen Vivian E. Cook and Alicia Hyndman, and City Council Member I. Daneek Miller.
“Jamaica is home to countless young, socially conscious, and remarkably talented artists,” said Comrie. “The Social Justice Art Show has become a great tradition of Council Member Lancman’s office, and I am honored and proud to be a part of it. I look forward to the positive reactions we will see and hear from all those who plan on viewing this exhibit.”
“JCAL is proud to be the anchor for local artists. Thanks to Councilman Lancman’s support that enables us to continuing our services by making our space available to local artists,” said Cathy Hung, Executive Director with JCAL.
Artwork included in the Exhibit will be on display until Thursday, October 4. Members of the public can visit the Social Justice Art Exhibit free of charge. No tickets are required.
