SWAN Spoken Soul Showcase Vol. 10 - SWAN Day Miami at Adrienne Arsht Center

Niki Lopez with mixed media sculpture "Home Grown" at 'Home Grown' shown in the exhibit Girl's School: a Political Disregard of a Gender at ActivistArtistA Gallery, FL

HONORED to be one of the 2017 featured artists of #SWANDAYMIAMI - Spoken Soul Festival.  A weekend of the arts, community outreach and sisterhood! Spoken Soul Festival is one of the top five SWAN DAY celebrations in the world.  I'm a Spoken Soul Festival Alumni from 2011.  Read more here. 

SWAN Day/Support Women Artists Now Day is an international holiday designed to showcase the power and diversity of women’s creativity. Be a part of SWAN Day by creating or participating in a local event or online activity that celebrates women artists!  Read more here.

This year the three day festival will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida.  I'll have a few pieces of my work as a part of the showcase. 

Join me THIS Saturday in Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (Peacock Foundation Studio).

Spoken Soul Festivals: A three day festival nurturing and fostering women artists to inspire and educate our community of the importance of the arts in our daily lives.

Meet 2017 Featured Artist Niki Lopez Niki Lopez Fine Art Niki Lopez #SWANDayMiami #Celebrating10yrs #SSF http://ow.ly/FzIp309yZeG

FREE RSVP: http://www.arshtcenter.org/reserve/index.aspx?performanceNumber=23272 

SWAN Day Miami Schedule of Events
SWAN COMMUNITY PROGRAM – “Speak Your Soul” FRIDAY March 24 | 3 PM – 8 PM
This open to the public event will feature a spoken word open mic, interactive visual arts activities, DJs, and more. Engage with various local youth, arts and women’s organizations; and enjoy arts and women-based panel discussions and Q&As with local vendors. 
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts 1300 Biscayne Blvd. - Peacock Foundation Studio  Admission FREE 
SWAN SPOKEN SOUL SHOWCASE VOL 10: SWAN DAY MIAMI   An Evening Celebrating Women Artists  SATURDAY March 25 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Take in performances by vocalists and spoken word artists, and explore the work of photographers and visual artists—15 featured women artists in total. Hosted By Chanel Gonzalez
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts 1300 Biscayne Blvd. - Peacock Foundation Studio  Admission FREE  
VANESSA BAEZ MEMORIAL WOMEN'S BRUNCH SUNDAY March 30 | 11 AM – 2 PM
The official closing event of SSF, the Women's Brunch celebrates everyday women with extraordinary courage, in memory of Vanessa Baez.  Guest Speaker: Felecia Hatcher LIVE auction, raffle prizes, and complimentary  swag bags for attendees.  Visit spokensoulfestival.com for more info & to buy tickets (click here) 
Soyka Restaurant 5556 NE 4th Court  Admission $45 to $60 per person  RSVP required

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

 

The Ellen Art Show at The Terrell Moore Gallery LA

Three more days left until The Ellen Art Show that is happening at The Terrell Moore Gallery in Los Angelas California.  Poet and creator of WeMerge Talent Magazine Renda Writter his second birthday party in honor of Ellen DeGeneres with proceeds going to The Trevor Project - a non profit that Ellen Degeneres heavily supports and raises awareness about the anti-bullying cause. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.  Find out more about them on their site here.

Possibility, Opportunity, & Dreams for All by Niki Lopez

I am so excited to be contributing to this event for a second time around.  There are over 54 artists from LA, NYC, Miami, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Ohio, and South Carolina.  Last year's original portrait of Ellen Degeneres ended up going on a plane with Renda and given along with other artwork, an photo album of the last birthday event done in her honor- to her office.  Read more about last years painting here.

"The 2nd Annual Ellen Art Show," is a charity fund raiser event for The Trevor Project, a national group art show, and a birthday party for Ellen Degeneres and will feature music by DJ MASEO of DE LA SOUL.  Free gift bags will be given to the first 75 attendees.

To find out more about these events and Renda Writters quest to get on the Ellen Degeneres show to perform his poem "Half Hearted"  Check out some of the links below.  If you are in LA- stop by this is going to be an amazing event!

The Terrell Moore Gallery
1221 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015 
(213) 744-1999

RSVP Facebook event
Facebook Page
EllenArtShow.org

New Artwork at GAB Studios Wynwood Miami -Jan 22nd

I have been following/fan/known Renda Writer since Myspace and his petition to get on the "Ellen Show" since 2007 so when I heard of his dedication show "The Ellen Art Show" I knew I had to get to the drawing board and get involved. Renda is so dedicated to not only his craft but local artists and WeMerge Magazine that its always a pleasure to work with him and be involved.

There will be at least 30 artists (including myself :-) donating original artwork created specifically for the show to help raise money to send Renda to LA to go to the Ellen Show. Silent auctions for artwork starts at $20.

The piece created for the show is a little bit different from my current work, and I had such a great time creating it. Not meant to be a duplicate of Ellen, but a whimsical representational piece. Hope you enjoy it.

"The Ellen Show" will take place at the wonderful Gab Studios. 105 NW 23rd St, in Wynwood Miami Art District.

I first came across Gab Studios during a show "Exquisite Corpse" Where I had some new and first ever collaboration artwork piece, and so I am excited to be 'back there'.

This event is FREE and open to the public, so take advantage of this great opportunity to mingle, snag some original artwork, and just have a great time!

More info: Facebook event