Isaiah Robinson with "Obamessiah" by Penny Sisto

Fiber Art goddess, Penny Sisto finished this piece titled “Obamessiah” in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday, right before the opening Friday, Dec 5th.

As a person that likes to hang out in the realm of possibilities and hope, even when things seem a bit dire, I was excited that any person in the country, if they wanted to, could be a part of grassroots change and host or attend a “change is coming” house meeting. Check out www.barackobama.com.

Also, I found the format to be amazingly feminine.  Go Obama!  What a smart man.

The president-elect is encouraging small groups of real people all over the country to get together informally over a cup of tea or java this weekend to discuss issues that concern them and to plan some concrete action.  Imagine, then, anyone–ANYONE–can actually have a voice and and a means to provide immediate feedback to the “powers that be.”

Wow.

Sounds very organic and like a process that might inspire and spark real community action.  I have to say, I am sincerely impressed.

As President-Elect Barack Obama reminded us election night,

“This victory alone is not the change we seek; it is only the chance for us to make that change.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m itching to do my part.  And I absolutely believe “we” can do it.

Stop by uzoMa Sunday, December 15 if you’d like to be a part of a grass roots movement for change in this country.   Following Penny Sisto’s artist talk (2-4pm) there will be some time to view art and socialize a bit, then the House meeting will go from 5-6pm.

uzoMa is a great venue and I am happy to do what I can to get some word out to the community through the website, press, and other gallery events.   I’d love to connect with some local folks that would like to join me.  If you’d love to “do something” but don’t know what to do…please come.  If you’re an artist and would like to have a creative voice, or a woman that is ready to roar a little on behalf of her children, the planet, and our future…stop by.

You know what they say,

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Sunday will be a chance to get to know each other and to take the first steps toward creating a service project that will help our community right now.

And do stop by 2-4pm to hear Penny Sisto’s gallery talk if you can.  That will certainly be a treat!

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela Ramsey Robinson, uzoMa’s founder

A special thanks goes to John Nation.   He stuck around late opening night to take this, & other photos for uzoMa.

Photo:  courtesy of John Nation and Lou Mag, © 2008.

HAPPENING NOW…

DECEMBER  5 – JANUARY 23, 2009

Frida and the Frog Prince, Penny Sisto, 2008.

OPENING RECEPTION Friday, December 5, 6-8pm

CLOSING RECEPTION Friday, January 23, 6-8pm

ARTIST TALK     Sunday, December 14, 2-4pm, Free, open to public

“Change is Coming” House Meeting at uzoMa,  Sunday, December 14,  5-6pm

ARTIST WORKSHOP Sunday, January 11, 2-4pm, $25

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to watch Penny work live in the studio! Sign up early to hold your spot!

FAT FRIDAY Trolley Hop December 26,  6-9 pm

Film Screening: “Strange Fruit” by Joel Katz, Thursday, Jan 15, 7pm, free, donations welcome

Discussion Groups led by founder, Angela Ramsey Robinson Thurs. Eves, Jan 8 and 22 at 7pm.

Special Hours and Post-Inaugural Celebration, view “ObaMessiah” Tuesday, Jan 20, 6-9pm.

Internationally known local fiber art goddess Penny Sisto explores a range of important historical events and societal injustices including those of sex, race and class.  This show  includes her newest work “Obamessiah”  juxtaposed with “Strange Fruit 5″ based on the song made famous by Billie Holiday in 1939 about the horrors of lynchings  in the south.  This exhibit  features over 20 of Sisto’s  signature expressions revisiting  themes she has bravely explored over several decades. Sisto chose the title, using the labels critics have sometimes placed on her work.

If you haven’t yet experienced this visionary artist’s work, these portraits rendered with hand-stitched details and  sparkling–often haunting eyes–are not to be missed.

For more info about the exhibition, related events, or to sign-up for the Penny Sisto workshop, please contact founder, art therapist, Angela Ramsey Robinson.

e.explore.uzoma@gmail.com

p.502.895.9805

uzoMa 1813 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206

hours: wed 12-6, thurs 4-7, sat 2-5, and by appt.