The Niki Nikki Art Show: July 19th 2019

#NikiLopezPresents:

RSVP:  https://thenikinikkiartshow.eventbrite.com

The Niki Nikki Art Show: Metal & Masks

July 19th - August 7th, 2019 Location: 1310 Gallery, Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts

Opening Night + OPEN MIC: Friday, July 19th | 1310 Gallery | 6pm-10pm

Admission:  FREE & Open to the Public Step right up into the provocative world of Niki Lopez & Nikki Detourbutterfly to experience this duo art exhibition featuring new masks and metal works.   Niki Lopez and Nikki ‘Detourbutterfly’ are both South Florida artists and filmmakers. Their many similarities inspired them to explore this unique duo exhibition.  Both artists will be showcasing various works including new work from a collaboration with photographer Ethan Dangerwing of Vulture Image. This will be Niki Lopez’s 11th annual exhibition at the 1310 Gallery - Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts.  

Music by : Kulcha Shok + Open Mic

Complimentary cupcakes courtesy of Sweet Tower Novelty Cakes & Confections. Donation cash bar.

  Admission is free and open to the public. 

Behind the scenes Instagram stories by

This exhibition is brought to you by:

Niki Lopez Creative, Detourbutterfly, What's Your Elephant and 1310 Bandits

Special THANKS to:

G of Very G TV, Dangerwing Photography and Pure Honey Magazine

------ 1310 Gallery ------
1310 Gallery is an artist-run collective that offers over 2400 square feet of exhibition space split into 3 levels, and housed within ArtSpace’s live/work facility, Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts. 1310 Gallery rotates art exhibitions monthly and also hosts performances and workshops. 2013 Broward New Times “Best Art Gallery of the Year”.   The gallery is open by appointment in addition to the Opening & Closing receptions. For further information please call 305-975-6262.

  Opening exhibition RSVP: https://thenikinikkiartshow.eventbrite.com  

--------- What's Your Elephant Exhibition will be in August ---------
WYE workshops are ongoing.  Check Facebook or Instagram for future dates.

 JOIN THE MOVEMENT #whatsyourelephant

Creating provocative conversations around the unspoken.

A human experience project by Niki Lopez.

Submit your elephant:

Facebook

Instagram

Stay tuned for updates on podcast, workshop, and online panel discussions.

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For further information please call 305-975-6262

1310 Gallery: 1310 SW 2nd Court, Fort Lauderdale FL 33312 - map

1310 Gallery recognized in the Broward New Times as "The Best of Art Gallery of 2013

This will be the 11th annual exhibition produced by Niki Lopez, some clips from previous events include:

• August 18, 2018 - What's Your Elephant
• July 15, 2017 - What's Your Elephant
• 2016 - What's Your Elephant
• July 18, 2015 - What's Your Elephant
• July 19, 2014 - L’éléphant dans la Salle (the elephant in the room)
• July 20, 2013 - Parallels
• July 21,  2012- Culture Clash
• July 16, 2011- Into The Rabbit Hole
• July 17, - 2010 - Space, Art + Love
• August 15, 2009 - Colors, Lines & Soul-

2016

2012

2010 2009  

About the producer: Niki Lopez is a multi-disciplined Visual Artist, Activist, an award-winning Filmmaker and Graphic Designer as well as a resident member of the Sailboat Bend Artist Community.

Affiliations include: Thou Art Woman, Spoken Soul Festival Alumni.

About 1310 Gallery: A 37 unit live/work art community housing multi-disciplinary visual & performing artist.  The Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts hosts monthly shows since 2008. 

What’s Your Elephant Art Exhibition: August 18 - September 29th, 2018 at the 1310 Gallery

What’s Your Elephant Art Exhibit to Opens with Compelling Art and Performances

Opening Night + Performance: Saturday, August 18th | 1310 Gallery | 6pm-10pm
Artist Niki Lopez will be curating her 10th Annual Art Show at Fort Lauderdale’s 1310 Gallery. She was recently featured on the People Magazine Investigates Cults series on the Investigation Discovery channel. There, Lopez shared her story of being raised in an abusive cult that thrived on secrecy, until she and other survivors broke their silence, which ultimately brought down the cult and its leader.

This experience inspired her to create a space in her art to share her "elephant" (an obvious truth that is being ignored or otherwise unaddressed) and to passionately provide opportunities for others to do the same. What’s Your Elephant uses a combination of art exhibits, interactive installations, and workshops to provoke and facilitate discussions unveiling issues like gender, discrimination, and abuse.

Visual Artists:

• Adewale Adenle
• Artists for Black Lives Matter #a4blm
• Cathleen Dean
• Cindy Shaw
• Jose Silva
• Mary Catello
• Naomi Lauren Ross
• Natalya Kochak - Niki Lopez
• Rene Gordon
• Robbi Potter
• Stonewall National Museum & Archives (COMMUNITY PARTNER)
• Susan Buzzi
• Tabatha Mudra
• Talora Michaels
• Teepop
• Tina La Porta
• Victoria Sheridan
• #whatsyourelephant workshop artwork
• Wilbert Simpson

Visual artists of the 2018 opening night of the 'What's Your Elephant' art exhibition

Attendees are invited to participate with an interactive installation to share their “elephant.” Lopez will also host a "What’s Your Elephant” workshop at the location of this exhibition’s community partner - Stonewall National Museum & Archives on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Participants will use creative arts in a safe space to reveal individual or societal “elephants” impacting their lives. “It’s about acknowledging it [the elephant] owning it so that it doesn’t define you,” says Lopez.

Admission is free and open to the public. This exhibition presents materials of a sensitive nature. Viewer discretion is advised.


Opening night will be hosted by poet Rachel 'Flow Diva' Finely and include performances by Inez Barlatier, Venus Rising, Mystic Mantra Band, May Reign, Dillon, Morgyn Danae, G. Winston James, Charnell Richards and Chelsea Ward. Music DJ Bumi.

Sponsors: AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Niki Lopez Creative, 1310 Bandits Collective, Very GTV, Panku Literary and Arts Magazine, TBA, and the 1310 Gallery.

For more info on the arts project: http://nikiartstudio.com/whats-your-elephant/

Funding for this project is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and from the Community Foundation of Broward: Fonda, and H. Wayne Huizenga, Jr. Family Trust Fund, Gary J. Scotto Fun and Mary and Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund

Sponsor:

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

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2018 Community Partner:

Stonewall National Museum & Archives: Stonewall, our 2018 Community Partner, is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(3) that promotes understanding through preserving and sharing the proud culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their significant role in society.

Special thanks to:

The Strawbridge Family and all who contributed to the Facebook fundraiser campaign!

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Exhibition: August 18 - September 29th, 2018
Dates:

• August 2  - What’s Your Elephant workshop at Stonewall National Museum & Archives
• August 18 What’s Your Elephant - Opening night & performance
• Sept 6 - Ignite Women South Florida / 1310 Bandits Short Film Screening
• Sept 18 - Artists Co-Lab Music Mixer
• Sept 29 - Artists Talk / Open Mic Closing

Cash bar provided by

Click to view some photos from the opening night here,

Did you attend this opening?  Fill out this questionnaire for your chance to WIN a FREE What's Your Elephant T-shirt!

Press

Artist and Activist Niki Lopez Helps Trauma Survivors Through Art - Miami New Times, read it here

Broward Arts Calendar: Speaking Out About the Elephant in the Room,  Read it here

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What's Your Elephant t-shirts are in stock!


YOUR t-shirt purchase helps to support this art movement & it's growth!
Click here to order

Meditation for Creatives

Something I've been working towards: incorporating meditation when ever possible. My goals is to make it a daily ritual for myself and my son.  This morning,  I need to take 10... Came across this really wonderful #Youtube "10 Minute Guided Meditation On Unblocking and Expanding Creativity | Epic - Uplifting - Healing". It was exactly what I was looking for! It was a guided mediation and a journey into the desert to play in this magical box.   Got so inspired, I had to take 10 more minutes for some creative play with a line I got from the meditation: "This is our box to decorate as if we never grew up."

 Digital art doodle by Niki Lopez - Original desert image appropriated from messynessychic.com

I wanted to find a desert image on the web to mediate to and came across this one.  I enjoyed taking a few moments for some creative play of my own to set the tone for the day.  Feel free to use, share & re-post.  Whether you are looking for a general 10 minute meditation, having a creative block, or having a moment where creative play would be a great impact to your day, I highly recommend checking out this video and adding it to your mediation play list.  (I have).

It just keeps getting better. Logging on to my Facebook today, an Artist & DJ - dj ffloodi posted a 'Happy Birthday Grace Jones - Love You to Life' redub tribute he made in honor of Grace Jones turning 67. Jones also shares her born day with Malcolm & Yuri Kochiyama.

Some updates with me & this personal art blog: I've been experiencing a wonderful metamorphosis of sorts over the past year.  It's great to feel that so many around me are also on this path of awakening, realizations, creative growth & progress in what ever journeys they are up to in life.

As a Mom, Creative & Social Media manager - I'm juggling may things, but love it.  I'm prepping for my annual month long exhibit, and assisting in a few passion project including poetry, art, design & social media.  Co-working with creative co-conspirator & artist Alana DaCosta on a couple of community engagement & public art project that I will be sharing later on in the year.  We are still in incubation mode with "What's Your Elephant", so much in store, I can't wait to share!  As for this blog, check back next week as I have a few new "Creative Circle Tuesday's" scheduled to post.

So stay tuned family!


- Niki Lopez
Connect with me:
Facebook Art Page
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Creative Circle Tuesdays - Artists Interviews

Living within an artist community since 2008 as well as participating in the local art scene, I have crossed paths with so many creative people.  Some I have collaborated with, exhibited with, had their  work in some of my previous art exhibits, or just simple appreciate their work..  Utilizing my blog as a platform, I will be sharing their art as well as some questions to get to know the artist.  Often times in exhibits,  people will come to view the work, but seldom do they get the opportunity to meet the artist, find out meaning behind their work, as well as the ability to connect to the artist.  I am hoping to change that, one artist at a time.

Introducing: "Creative Circle Tuesdays" A series of artists interviews to be postedTuesday starting with the artists from the current exhibit L’éléphant dans la Salle (the elephant in the room) Art Exhibit. A month long art exhibit created by Niki Lopez & Alana DaCosta at the 1310 Gallery, where each artist took on issues and topics that are normally hidden from public view.  Using visual & performing arts as a medium.  

Have suggestions for interview questions?  Want to recommend a visual or performing artist to be interviewed? Send me a message here.

Six times a charm - L’éléphant dans la Salle (The elephant in the room) art exhibit.

In the midst of my self inflicted whirlwind, I realized the only place I haven't covered my 6th annual art exhibit is on my own blog.  Within the art community that I have had the pleasure of residing since 2008, each month we have a month long art exhibit - curated and produced by various resident artists. A different artist is able to take charge of our 3 floor, 2500 square feet gallery space and create an art exhibit that can explore various art forms, local and national artists, themes, and partnerships.  We have also have non-themed community group shows that showcases all of the talent within out building.  

This year is my 6th year creating a month long exhibit and my second time teaming up with singer/songwriter Alana DaCosta.  We have worked on various projects and workshops together and it was just a beautiful experience when you have a kindred spirit with similar passions to create something magical with.

Photo courtesy Patricia Zapata
Co-creators of the L’éléphant dans la Salle art exhibit & #WhatsYourElephant movement
Niki Lopez and Alana DaCosta

As with previous exhibits, L’éléphant dans la Salle (the elephant in the room) is a month long art exhibit that combines local art, performance, & outreach.

Flyer for  L’éléphant dans la Salle art exhibit.

L'éléphant dans la Salle- (The Elephant in the Room) is an idiom for an obvious truth that is either being ignored, or otherwise unaddressed. The purpose of this exhibit is to provide a safe  place for issues and topics that are normally hidden from public view. Through visual and performance art, the artists participating in this event  will share secrets and taboos, discussing openly to find solutions for our own individual and collective emancipation. Viewers are invited to enter the 'Confessional', an interactive safe space installation to share their ‘elephant’.

Featured artists include: 

• Louis Davis
• Judy Leeson Polstra
• Allison Kotzig
• Kimberly Heise
• Sonia Baez-Hernandez
• T.J. Brow
• Niki Lopez
• Alana DaCosta
• Omilani
• Klodi Lemoine
• Gregory Dirr
• Corbett Fogue
• Michael D. Colanero (of Uncommon Gallery with photo series .. Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project.

Community partners include: Community Partners: Drag It Out-(501c3), 2014 DaDa National Poetry Slam Team , Boys & Girls Club, local lawyers Ghenete Wright Muir, PJ Hitchins and Shenika "Nik" Harris, Dr. Sketchy's South Florida, Flagler Village Art Walk, and private donors.

Photo from the opening night of L’éléphant dans la Salle.
Performance by poet Maru

For more information on the exhibit as well as opening dates, click here

Included in this month long art exhibit was an opening night with performances by: Chaos Theory, DJ Onestar, Alana DaCosta, Maru, DaDa National Poetry Slam Team, Omilani and Melissa 'Moonchild' Stokes.  As well as five totally different openings:

• Opening night with performance, song & Poetry
• Thou Art Woman LGBT & friends poetry night 
• Dr. Sketchy South Florida (drink & draw) that was a part of the Flagler Village Art Walk
• What's Your Elephant Community Outreach Workshop & panel discussion
• Closing: Performance, Open Mic & Live art, hosted by Alana DaCosta.

Some of the things we are doing with this exhibit or have in store for you:

#whatsyourelephant movement.  Creating provocative conversations around the unspoken.  A human experience project by Niki Lopez & Alana DaCosta. What’s Your Elephant? Community Outreach Project.  This community outreach project will provide a safe place for participants to share and heal as a community around issues that are normally hidden or uncomfortable. Participants will create a mixed media collage during this hands-on art experience. Workshop will demonstrate how expressive creative arts can not only help to heal self, it can also reconnect and strengthen communities. Through visual arts, poetry and dialogue, this community outreach project will be a safe platform for participants to explore uncomfortable issues that are oftentimes overlooked yet easier to received when revealed through the arts.

What’s Your Elephant? Panel Discussion- Professional artists and therapists will discuss the following focus topics: How can the creative arts help to heal self and reconnect and strengthen communities?

To participate in the #whatsyourelephant project, submit via: whatsyourelephant.tumblr.com or instagram.com/whatsyourelephant.  You can submit under your name or anonymously.  You can also send a direct message or email for us to post.

During the closing event, we will have some of the creations from the "What's Your Elephant Workshop" on display.  Stay tuned as we take the panel discussions online with periodic online panel discussions as well as pop-up on location workshops.

Creative Circle Tuesday's - starting with the artist and performers for L’éléphant dans la Salle art exhibit, I will be posting short artist interviews.  Sharing links, personal responses to the call "Elephant in the Room" as well as shearing some of the artwork on display.

Event video & photos.  We have a ton of images people have shared with us during one of the many events as well as the opening.

Are you on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram?  Look up the hastags: #lelephantartexhibit #whatsyourelephant for some images & sentiments behind the exhibit.

Photos and details on my new piece titled "Home Grown" a mixed media sculpture and installation dealing with child molestation within religious groups, organizations & cults.   One of my more personal 'elephants'.

One of the beauties of this exhibit in particular, is that we are being drawn in the path of many kindred spirits.  People wanting to share their 'elephants', acknowledging the importance and impact of this movement, and simply lots of smiles, tears & hugs.

I'm reminded of two of my favorite quotes"

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." -Kahlil Gibran

We welcome you to join us in this journey.

#staytuned

One Love
Niki

Culture Clash

The past couple of weeks/months have been a roller coaster for me.  Culture Clash, my fourth major curated show at 1310 Gallery in the Sailboat Bend Artists Lofts of which I have had the pleasure of being one of the original members.  Finally getting certified as a working artists within my county. Ton of great information from the Broward Cultural Division.  This year, i've teemed up with new member Asanyah Davidson of Circa24, and over 10 talented artists, and tons of local collaborations and sponsorships.  As well as a first piece in a new series for me which is a big step from being locked away in my sketch book for ever 3 years.  

I really tried to have fun and be more intentional with my art, directions, and creations.  One of the artist from the show and I had a phone interview and write up with the Sun-Sentinel.  So just a ton of great energy surrounding the show.

Asanyah Davidson & Niki Lopez

Each week has a different theme and focus so its been an interesting ride.  Opening night we had a 2 designer fashion show by Circa24 and Adjanie, my super talented cousin Profound Breadth out of Atlanta joined us, as well as special performance by life mother alien singer, host DellaCamera of Nakedown , and over 200 art patrons, artists, and friends.  The following week we had a day tour with some young adults who was talking about creativity in school.  They were able to tour the gallery, walk through some open studios, participate in a demo by resident photographer Tabatha Mudra, as well as get some critique of their work by working artists.  Sunday there was a Tea & Fashion panel discussion and clothing swap.

If you are local and reading this, we have two more events Saturday, August 4th at 7-10pm we have Dr. Sketchy South Florida with Betty Pickle with Charlotte Sundquist of South Florida Artist Association.  The closing will be August 11th at 7-11pm.  We will have a open with along with some performance and spoke word by a youth dance group, Alana DeCosta, Mr. Rigz, DellaCamera, Vibez, and  Mori.

Below is some of the info from the show:

Facebook RSVP

Facebook RSVP

Video clip from opening night of Culture Clash: Art, Fashion, Aliens - Niki Art Studio + Circa24

Profound Breadth

Circa24



Niki Art Studio & Circa24 presents: Culture ClashArtists transform cultural expectations with unexpected artat 1310 Gallery: 1310 SW 2nd Court, Fort Lauderdale FL 33312 - map

Visual Artists Include: Niki Lopez Greg Gibbs Greg Dubois Kareem Piper Yudelka Tavera Courtney Mason Detourbutterfly Andrew Ackermen Tatiana Castaneda Simone De Bernard Mas Micheal Anthony Clark

Dates: Sat 7/21 - 7pm-11pm Opening Sun. 7/29 3PM- 6pm - Tea & Fashion Panel and Clothing Swap Sat. 8/4 - 7pm-11pm - *Dr. Sketchy South Florida* Sat. 8/11- 7pm-11pm -Closing Betty Pickle at Dr. Sketchy - 1310 Gallery/Sailboat Bend RSVP on facebook

Thank You Sponsors & Contributors

 

Culture Clash explores how modern influences affect our perspective of unexplored truths and ancient tradition. Art, fashion and aliens. What else do you need?    “Culture Clash gives us a platform to bring diverse groups together and cultivate positive energy,” says Lopez. “I have a different way of approaching art shows and pick art that reflects the vibrancy and energetic aesthetics not always seen in galleries.”  Lopez (Artist & Designer) is also known for exploring the concept of “alien” in her work. To her, alien isn’t just about the cosmos. “We’re all aliens in some way, not just feeling out of place in this new economy, but being transplanted in new surroundings and having new frames of mind. At our root, our ancient knowledge is alien to us, and it’s my job to help people rediscover it.”   Her co-curator, Asanyah Davidson, creative director of the apparel company Circa24 LLC, found a synergy with Lopez’s mission. Her fashion line is described as fierce sophistication, and she’ll reveal her new Grace Jones-inspired evening line on opening night.  Opening night performances include Live Art by: Atde Crossroadz Edible delights sponsored by Raw Fusion Catering, Divine Cupcakery and Meatless Lasagna		Sign up for Niki Art Studio's mailing list here Sailboat Bend Artists Community's mailing list here Facebook for Nik Art Studio here Facebook for Circa 24 here
Ask anyone who knows Niki Lopez and the first word they use to describe her is “community”. A founding member of the 1310 Gallery in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, her studio is a meeting place for church pastors, youth workers, LGBT activists, artists, entrepreneurs, singers, poets, and folks just looking to have a good time. Saturday, July 21, she brings all those interests together in “Culture Clash”, the 4th show she has curated at 1310 Gallery. Lopez (Artist & Designer) is also known for exploring the concept of “alien” in her work. To her, alien isn’t just about the cosmos. “We’re all aliens in some way, not just feeling out of place in this new economy, but being transplanted in new surroundings and having new frames of mind. At our root, our ancient knowledge is alien to us, and it’s my job to help people rediscover it.” Davidson also teaches fashion design, and encourages her students to be leaders in the field. “Fashion is a vehicle to communicate culture and change a person’s perspective about themselves,” says Davidson. “Sometimes expressing culture leaves people feeling alien from the collective, but being apart also means standing out.”  About the curators: Niki Lopez is a multi-disciplinary visual artist, graphic designer, and art teacher. Her often 'other-worldly' art has been featured in local and national publications, as well as exhibited across South Florida. She is an Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Alumni, member of the Broward Arts Guild, and Artspace’s Sailboat Bend Artists Lofts. Asanyah Davidson is a Fashion Designer born in Clarendon, Jamaica, is owner of Circa24 LLC. as well as Adjunct professor at Ai Miami (Fashion Dept) and Broward College (Continuing Education Dept). Circa24 promises the convergence of simplicity, lush-sophistication and feminine lines that deliver distinction and command attention.  Check for links in City Link, & Newtimes  Arterpiller South Florida Times Some images shall be posted here on facebook

 

Love Thy Neighbor

Last weekend was great!  This month is jam packed with things to do and prepare for.  I'm currently a resident artists in a very unique and small art community with our own three level gallery.  This month is our first resident only group show in over two year.  Since 2008 members have been taking on month to curate, collaborate, and produce shows.  Every third Saturday of the month we have a new show opening up.  The beauty and the pain of it is that each artist who chooses (from the prior year via a voting system) a month must come up with the concept for the event, what type of event, opening nights, workshops, as well as build promotional materials and printed marketing materials for that show as well.  It has given me the great opportunity to collaborate with not only other resident artists, but as well as other local artists.  For a listing of some of my exhibits as well as curated shows, click here.  This is also the centennial of my historic neighborhood of which I'm a bored member so there are events being planned there as well.

Our community has a few groups of volunteers for events, artists reviews, etc.  Its all resident artists run so  we work and learn through trial and error how to work together or not, and just build.  Thus far, its been an interesting ride, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  Last year we have had over 45 events, workshops, art exhibits, screenings, and life drawings classes as well as food drives and fundraisers for both local and international non-profit groups.

For more info click here

Love Thy Neighbor is the group show that consists of 28 of the Sailboat Bend Artists Lofts resident visual and performing artists.  Three major chances to see the exhibit with an opening night, afternoon opening, and a closing.  There is also a food drived to collect canned and boxed goods to be donated to LifeNet4Families with a raffle for small works of art donated by a few of the resident artist.

Love Thy Neighbor in local Arts blog Arterpillar

Opening night went great, it was such great energy!   We had about three separate raffles opening night for visitors bringing three items or more.  Music by hubby DJ Onestar.

A LifeNet4Life volunteer at the drop of table.

Then Thursday Feb 23, three neighboring associations had a District 4 City Commissioner Candidate's Debate and had the reception at our gallery afterwards.  So it was a great opportunity for some of the locals areas to view the art as well as a light social with neighbors and some really good carrot cake.  

District 4 City Commissioner Candidates Romney Rogers and Jacquelyn at 1310 Gallery
 with Sailboat Bend, Riverside Park, Tarpon River presidents, artwork: Claudia Polzer

Sounds On the Bend

If you are local there are only two more chances to see the eclectic collection of art and installation.  Sunday Feb 26 1pm-4pm during the Sounds on the Bend free music concert, which is happening along with a SBCA Walking Tour.

So lots lots going on.  Join us!  

If you would like to keep up with events, exhibits, as well as updates about my art and design- please join my mailing list by clicking here.