Awardee: Karen Smith

Primary Artistic Medium: Multidisciplinary

Idea

“Wade in The Water, Women” is a multidisciplinary crafts workshop and performance project that will engage women from various social justice and support organizations–such as Why Not Prosper, I’m FREE, Women In Transition, and Philadelphia FIGHT–in the production of individual art pieces, during a series of events to take place at women-owned businesses in Philadelphia. Attendees will be provided with pint-sized bottles on site, which they will fill and decorate with coins, recycled jewelry, and fabric, as well as write an Acrostic Poem using their first name. The writing will be facilitated by members of the collective. The pint bottles are symbolic of freedom and the fight for women’s rights as referenced in formerly enslaved woman activist Sojourner Truth’s speech, “Ain’t I A Women?.” The performance will feature members of Sistahs Laying Down Hands, a percussion/poetry/storytelling/dance/vocal ensemble from Philadelphia. Attendees will also be invited to share their poems as well as accompany the ensemble in performing using a variety of percussion instruments provided by the collective.