SHOWCASE & SPARKSHOP: Words & Walls: An Ekphrastic Writing Journey with ArtfullWalls Gallery, Harlem $30
Take a multi-sensory journey into Harlem's rich cultural tapestry through creative writing and the visual arts. Our unique SHOWCASE & SPARKSHOP, "Words & Walls" is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the history and artistic vibrancy of ArtfullWalls, a gallery deeply rooted in the narrative of Black America.
Housed within a majestic Harlem townhouse, replete with oversized rooms, elegant fireplaces, and an abundance of natural light, the gallery itself is a work of art.
Participants will explore a SHOWCASE of the gallery’s diverse collection, including works by Harlem's own fine arts masters, current artists-in-residence Ms. Grace Williams and Mr. Ademola Olugebefola, alongside the owner's treasured pieces. The tour will also highlight current female artists & their exhibitions curated by Robert L. Newman III, a self-taught Black American multidisciplinary artist, renowned for his expressionist portraits and his focus on narratives of Black Americans through a post-Civil War Reconstruction lens.
Newman's vision, rooted in his own life experiences and studies at Morehouse College, aims to create art that fosters healing and growth, giving voice to his community and honoring his ancestors.
Following this inspiring exploration, Sister Storytellers Toni Short and Joni Daidone will guide participants through an engaging Ekphrastic Writing SPARKSHOP. Here, amidst the very art that ignites their imagination, attendees will learn to transform visual observations and emotional responses into compelling poetry or evocative prose. Through this process, they'll give voice to the art through their inner narratives, connecting personally with the gallery's powerful visual stories.
This workshop is an ideal blend of cultural immersion and creative expression, perfect for aspiring writers and art lovers seeking a truly unique and enriching experience in the heart of Harlem.
BONUS: Share your work from our SPARKSHOP in an open mic that follows and mingle with other gallery guests as the evening opens into a celebration of music, voices and the power of art to transform.
Toni Short, a creative curator, artist, and healer, is dedicated to helping individuals uncover their personal truth through creativity and play. With over 25 years as a global explorer, creative maven, and event producer (including extensive work with the BBC), Toni founded "The Camp" and "Spirit Sister Stories" following her own transformative journey. She creates safe environments for artistic expression, empowering adults to reconnect with their inner freedom and rewrite their stories, particularly supporting womxn in finding their voice and fostering personal metamorphosis
Joni Daidone is a Harlem/Hamilton Heights-based creative activist, writer, and curator. She utilizes storytelling to build community and connection, often focusing on the divine and the silenced feminine spirit through her plays, fiction, and prose poems. Joni's diverse background spans roles from Global Creative Director to Art Gallery Owner. As a dedicated mentor and ESL Writing Tutor, she passionately supports immigrants and at-risk youth, drawing on her own experiences to facilitate healing and self-discovery through creative expression and community activism.
Together, Toni and Joni, as "The Storytelling Sisters," bring a wealth of diverse experiences, creative expertise, and a shared passion for transformation, guiding participants through an enriching journey of self-discovery and artistic expression.