Madera Exhibit Highlights Black Artists' Histories Through Their Stories

MADERA, Calif. (
KSEE/KGPE
– An art exhibit in Madera is showcasing Black artists and sharing the narratives behind their creations.

The Madera County Arts Council’s exhibition titled “Foundry: Honoring Histories and Envisioning Futures” aims to foster dialogue, learning, and contemplation leading up to Juneteenth.

The exhibition showcases paintings, photographs, sculptures, and 3D artworks that Areej Latif, who serves as the Director of Programs and Operations for the Madera County Arts Council, believes can resonate with everybody.

Art is a universal language that unites people,” Latif stated. “It amplifies voices, yet it also conveys messages and teaches us that we are all identical.

Latif, a Palestinian-American who spent her formative years in the Middle East, admits she had minimal knowledge of Juneteenth before assisting with the organization of the inaugural local celebration in the previous year.

I had no clue until we organized our first Juneteenth showcase,” Latif stated. “There are numerous artists in the Central Valley who do not frequently display their personal interpretation of what Juneteeth means to them and the community. After everything came together, I gained a deeper understanding.

Tonyce Givens assisted in organizing the inaugural Juneteenth exhibition in Madera back in 2024. Serving as both a historian and an associate curator for this year’s event, Givens notes that many Americans continue to misunderstand Juneteenth.

The Emancipation Proclamation solely liberated slaves who remained enslaved within Confederate territories,” explained Givens. “Thus, Juneteenth commemorates the moment when enslaved individuals in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation two years after it was issued.

It marks the second consecutive year that Madera has organized a Juneteenth-inspired art show. According to Givens, this year’s theme encourages participants to contemplate history while envisioning a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.

There’s a significant amount of overlooking disasters that have occurred,” Givens stated. “I believe we won’t achieve the outcome we profess to desire unless we address all these disasters.

The other curator of the exhibition, Kambyra Bailey, is also among the featured artists.

“I primarily work as a painter; that’s my main medium. However, I’m also involved in collage and textiles,” Bailey stated.

Bailey, as an artist, mentions that she grasps the extensive hours of effort required for each creation and the exposure involved in presenting her work openly.

She wishes guests depart with an enhanced respect not only for the artwork, but also for the individuals and narratives they encounter.

I hope that through this exhibition, visitors will gain a greater sense of community and a better understanding of the person beside them,” she stated. “I believe we share far more similarities than differences.

The exhibition will be accessible to the public until July 4 at the Madera County Arts Council building. For more details, please refer to the provided information.
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