We’d like to introduce you to Black Girls In Art Spaces and Founder, Kaci Merriwether-Hawkins
Founded in July 2022, Black Girls in Art Spaces is a community where our love for Black women and art meet. We offer events and art-sourcing services and work as a directory for finding Black art everywhere. Our founder, Kaci Merriwether-Hawkins, is a visual artist and storyteller who has a passion for all art forms. Her journey with art spaces started in 2020 when she first experienced an exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art titled “Black Is Beautiful” by portrait photographer Kwame Brathwaite. Kaci was simply there to photograph a dancer for a passion project. Since then, visiting art spaces has become a part of her life. She had experienced many art spaces growing up, but none that showcased the beauty and power of Black people. Kwame Brathwaite’s exhibition was her first indicator that there was more out there to see, and she never stopped exploring. The Black Girls in Art Spaces community is dedicated to other Black women and artists who once believed the feeling of belonging could never exist for them in art spaces.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The amount of support this community has seen within less than a month is unbelievable. There has been a consistent outpouring of love and transparency regarding people’s own experiences with the art world and how they’re finding belonging through this space. Our community has made it clear that what we’re doing is necessary, and we will continue to push on. The journey has been a dream.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
This community is for the art-lovers. That includes all art forms. I wanted to present an online community specifically for Black women to bond over our common interest, as well as share ways to explore more art (by Black artists). I’m so proud to see how quickly this community is growing and the support we’ve received. We recently held our first event in Dallas, TX at the Daisha Board Gallery, a Black-woman-owned contemporary art space. We only had about three days to promote this event and still had a wonderful turnout. That’s when I knew that Black Girls in Art Spaces is important, and people find belonging in it. There are other communities out here doing the work to advocate for Black artists, and I’m truly inspired by them all. I don’t honestly look for Black Girls in Art Spaces to be “set apart” from those other communities because we’re all working towards the same goal. We may have different names, but we’re all Black folks just looking to uplift other Black folks.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Black Girls in Art Spaces offers events and art sourcing. We’re always open to collaborating with artists, lovers of art, cultural workers, etc. who are passionate about what we’re doing. More events, more sourcing of Black art, more community, more people in art spaces…that’s what we’re working towards. Anyone who wants to support or help out is welcome to join us on this journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @blackgirlsinartspaces & @kacimerriwetherhawkins
- Twitter: @bgiartspaces
- Other: TikTok: @blackgirlsinartspaces & @kacimerriwetherhawkins
Image Credits
Daisha Board is responsible for all of the photos that are NOT the first one.
Clanesha M. is responsible for the first photo.
Nina Chanel Abney’s artwork is in the first photo.
Reuben Cheatem’s artwork is in all of the other photos.
