Many of Winthrop’s student-run clubs and organizations hosted events throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month. Recently, A. Bevy and Collegiate Curls, in conjunction with Hip-Hop Matters and The NAACP, hosted Trap Art in Richardson Ballroom. The event featured displays and performances by local African American artists.
Charity Moore is a dance education major and member of A. Bevy. She explained what her organization is all about. “A. Bevy helps members figure out their passion, purpose and path in life.” Her organization, along with the aforementioned others, hosted the event and also provided materials for students to create their own art. Students were given the opportunity to paint a canvas or a mug while enjoying other artists paintings and performances.
One of the artists featured was junior biology major Shayvone Harvin. “I always loved art,” Harvin said. “Painting brings me peace.” Harvin has been painting for two years now and she stated that all of her paintings represent women and feminist values. “I was inspired by Vladmire Kush after a trip to Vegas,” Harvin said.
Another artist present was English major Joshua Wiley. “I was inspired by this event to work on my craft,” Wiley said. “It helps me show my appreciation for black history.” Wiley enjoys the expressiveness of art. “Drawing is an expression of myself,” Wiley said. “I live for expression through drawing.”
Antonio Washington is a fine arts major who loves drawing portraits and had several on display at the event. Washington has been drawing since high school and likes to show fashion and feelings such as “getting a broken heart and thinking of past lovers” through art.
Daisha Finley is an artist and local entrepreneur. She runs her own shirt shop and has incorporated her art into her business. “The drawings are inspired by my personal life,” Finley said. Finley specializes in photo and film, as well as art. She sells her shirts on her website: visualsbydaishafinley.com.
One artist not only displayed his art, he started creating his own portrait on the spot. Devon Ford is an art grad student who has been painting his whole life. “I live for it,” Ford said. “My painting tonight is inspired by the culture.”
The event included a few performances throughout the night by local African American performing artists. Local student rapper Jo Pastel made an appearance and performed some of his music. He took time to talk to the audience and reminded them to “embrace what you’re doing and enjoy being together.”
Trap Art was a successful event and gave students the opportunity to view, display and create art. The event also celebrated African American art and culture. Several artists were able to get more exposure for their art and share their passion with others. A. Bevy, Collegiate Curls and Hip-Hop Matters each have weekly meetings and hold events like this throughout the semester. For those who may be interested in joining, more information can be found on Winthrop’s website.
