Everyday Activists featuring several Austin residents will be featured in an exhibit starting May 4th at the Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave.
Part of a larger “Intersection: Art & Word” exhibit, the photography and interview-driven project highlights the work of 19 Austin and Oak Park residents.
Tameka Wilson, the project’s photographer and one of its interviewers, is using a collection of portraits and interviews with participants to show the positive change community members are making.
Some of the issues the activists explore include environmental sustainability, immigration reform, voting rights and youth mentorship, among other things.
Liz Abunaw, food justice advocate and owner of Forty Acres Fresh Market, is featured in the project as is Leroy Duncan, a community activist who’s lived in Austin for nearly 50 years.
Other Austin staples portrayed in the exhibit include artist Vanessa Stokes, Jeremy Mercado of BUILD and the Northwest Austin Council.
While the exhibit opens May 4th, the reception will be held May 14th, then there will be a panel discussion featuring four of the participants on May 20th; it will be streamed on YouTube.
The exhibit ends May 26th.
Susan Stall, president of the nonprofit Arbor West Neighbors and one of the creators of “Everyday Activists,” is in the process of solidifying a date and venue for the Austin exhibit.
Stall said it will likely take place in June or July, and she is hoping it can be held at the Austin Main Library.
Stall said since starting the project last August, she’s rediscovered the richness of Austin.
“I feel more like I’m getting close to learning how we can strengthen relationships through communities and who’s dedicated to doing it.”
The gallery is open to in-person viewing and will offer a virtual option as well be available at arborwestneighbors.org once launched.