
May 19th, 2018 marked the 2nd annual Black Magic Live Art Museum Event. This event was created and put together by the Tiffney Funches and Chelsey Pough of Isupportdreams Inc. group—an organization that creates an atmosphere for creative expression for the youth and young adults in Jacksonville, Florida.
Tiffany Funches spends the bulk of her day working with the
city of Jacksonville youth at the Leadership Academy formally Eugene Butler
Middle school. During this time she is
instructing her students on the importance of peer to peer learning and
teaching valuable skills such as using context clues, how to define words, how
to look up words. She also instills in
them cell skills such as personal accountability, self-management, and
attendance. She works with students that
are just out of high school on up to 25 years of age.
Children live in a world ran by adults who often forget that
they were once children. I step into
their lives as a mentor or advocate when needed. I try to empower them by teaching them how to
advocate for themselves as well as leading by example. I don’t hide my imperfections from the kids
that I work with. They see me make
mistakes, come back and apologize. This
is important because they need to know that in life you mess up, but it’s all
about how you recover from what you’ve done.”
Business partner and best friend Chelsey Pough also plays a significant role in the isupportdreams
inc. organization. They're both two phenomenal young women brought together by their passion for their communities, their crafts and the youth.
Isupportdreams inc. was birthed about five years ago in a small room in a Moncrief apartments called Palm Terrace. Pough and Funchess along with two others wondered how far they would be in life if they'd had positive reinforcements pushing them towards greatness in their creative lives. At the time the adults in their lives wanted them to do the regular-- finish high school, go to college, and start a career--there's nothing wrong with those goals but they all realized that their passions were not being molded as they should've been.
It was a conversation that would birth an organization that created a space for them to explore their creativity and empower the youth of Jacksonville, Florida to do the same. It was also how the Black Magic Live Art Museum came into fruition. The BMLAM is an event held each year in Jacksonville to showcase and show support to local black artists.
Business partner and best friend Chelsey Pough also plays a significant role in the isupportdreams
inc. organization. They're both two phenomenal young women brought together by their passion for their communities, their crafts and the youth.
Isupportdreams inc. was birthed about five years ago in a small room in a Moncrief apartments called Palm Terrace. Pough and Funchess along with two others wondered how far they would be in life if they'd had positive reinforcements pushing them towards greatness in their creative lives. At the time the adults in their lives wanted them to do the regular-- finish high school, go to college, and start a career--there's nothing wrong with those goals but they all realized that their passions were not being molded as they should've been.
It was a conversation that would birth an organization that created a space for them to explore their creativity and empower the youth of Jacksonville, Florida to do the same. It was also how the Black Magic Live Art Museum came into fruition. The BMLAM is an event held each year in Jacksonville to showcase and show support to local black artists.
Black Magic 2 Live Art Museum Event 2018
This year’s event took place in Jacksonville’s very own
somewhat hidden treasure WonderlandJax—an establishment that was specifically
created for the artists in Jacksonville, Florida. Attendees of the Black Magic 2 Live Art
Museum gave positive remarks about this year’s location, stating that the
experience began when you first arrive.
Driving up to the location the first thing you see is a
warehouse with different compartments. You climb a few steps strategically
placed along a long wooded platform.
Guests have the choice of climbing steps or taking the lift which is an
experience not all Jacksonville natives are used to but definitely adds to the
whole artistic experience.
Music could be heard from outside building, and if the HoneyDripper House and Hazelnut Grill food trucks didn’t keep you outside the
vibrations from the beat lulled you inside.
High Fashion models from Jacksonville’s very own Ione Fashion ModelAgency greeted every guest upon arrival and gracefully collected tickets.
From there guests were free to explore an open space filled
to the brim with black expression.
Immediately to the left were hanging works from photographer AlfonsoJarrod. His collection included “lady in Red” series-- a tribute to strong black women that he feels magnifies their beauty-- and a fan favorite “Infinity Waters” a moment he captured while at the beach during sunrise. Jarrod admits that he loves sharing his perspective of the world through his camera lens and hopes to start conversations with his works.
Immediately to the left were hanging works from photographer AlfonsoJarrod. His collection included “lady in Red” series-- a tribute to strong black women that he feels magnifies their beauty-- and a fan favorite “Infinity Waters” a moment he captured while at the beach during sunrise. Jarrod admits that he loves sharing his perspective of the world through his camera lens and hopes to start conversations with his works.
Dominic Haynes better known as Rex-D, a designer who
provided the audience with some live art using only trash bags and duct
tape. He was inspired by episodes of
project Runway and various YouTube videos.
Rex-D admits that he was nervous but definitely up for the challenge. Last year’s event he presented a full
collection of his designs but stated he wanted to do something a little
different this year. He really wowed the
crowd with how quickly he was able to construct a two piece gown together. He’s looking forward to the day when he can
see his brand everywhere and dress his
favorite muse Rihanna for one of her many glamorous events.
favorite muse Rihanna for one of her many glamorous events.
Alexis Harley debuted her collection of paintings named “TheMind of A”. She admits that all of her
paintings are inspired by her imagination.
Her series of paintings are filled with vibrant colors but are layered
with so much meaning. Some of her
paintings speak about fear and control.
Harley’s been in the art world for 4 years. She started her journey after taking an art
class during her freshman year in college.
Since then she has developed a great love for artistic expression. She stated that she doesn’t really have a
style just yet but rather, just paints whatever makes her happy. She admits that she is still developing as an
artist. Harley is an artist to keep up
with because in a few years she will be more developed and will have a lot to
say with her art.
Jacksonville native, Aset is a self-taught artist who
showcases her artistry through painting.
She has works that are now featured and can be purchased at Zsa Zsa
Lapree Art Gallery in Jacksonville, Florida.
Aset admits that she’s only been painting for two years. Her first works were debuted at last year’s
event but since then she’s created a whole new collection that was featured at
this year’s show. Aset has a unique
artistic voice that speaks volumes about the beauty, sensuality and complexity
of the Black woman.
Attendees of the BMLAM constantly admired the works of
Kiations “Adam and Eve” three-piece set.
Kiations admits that what she ended up with was not her initial vision
but the end results speak volumes about her skills.
Other artists that featured their works included
photographer Larry Key, Sonye Locksmith, Dante Jennings, FOXX, and Tavian Teage
.
The “House of Xhaos Dance & Co.” presented art in the form of dance, Share and Seed Academy blessed the audience with their artistic expression through song and Ebonie, Keisha and Johnakesha presented a fashion runway show like you’ve never seen before. Most runways shows send their models down the catwalk while blasting house or techno music, these ladies sent their fashions down with their voices. It was a great experience that allowed you to enjoy fashion with a message.
The “House of Xhaos Dance & Co.” presented art in the form of dance, Share and Seed Academy blessed the audience with their artistic expression through song and Ebonie, Keisha and Johnakesha presented a fashion runway show like you’ve never seen before. Most runways shows send their models down the catwalk while blasting house or techno music, these ladies sent their fashions down with their voices. It was a great experience that allowed you to enjoy fashion with a message.
The hosts of the evening were none other than iOne Fashion
model Takerra and Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood.
LoveReigns is a poet that has been performing for over 10 years and is
the cofounder of “The Cypher” and open mic poetry event.
Along with the art and entertainment were vendors that
offered a taste of Jacksonville’s hidden treasures. Unapologetically Single is definitely one of
those treasures that celebrate the single black woman. This organization brought an array of items
that included buttons with clever slogans, journals, natural soaps, apparel,
and beauty products that are very affordable.
The Elite Group which is a company that specializes in event
management, marketing and promotions for small business clients came to show
support as well.
Many attendees had nothing but positive remarks about the
event. First time attendee Sharletta
Stephens stated that the BMLAM2 “was the best event she’s attended in a very
long time” and she was happy to have been invited.
Writer, Producer and Rap artist RIZM attended and thought
that it was awesome that black artists got together to support each other. “It was good to see that black people were
able to get together and showcase their artistry in a positive
environment. This doesn’t happen enough
here in Jacksonville. The artwork was phenomenal.”
Photo: Edward Denson
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