Viewfinder: Art Exhibit and Opening Reception at Skylight Gallery

Last night, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation held the opening reception for the art exhibit, "Sex Crimes Against Black Girls," in the Skylight Gallery.

The show's curator, Shantrelle Lewis, along with Colvin Grannum, BSRC president and CEO, Art Consultant and Curator Jacqui Woods, Mike Rafferty, executive director of BedSTuyGateway BID and BSRC economic development officer and Tracey Capers, BSRC's senior vp for programs and organizational development greeted about 200 guests throughout the night.

Also in attendance were Danny Simmons, Chair of New York State Council on the Arts and Laurie Cumbo, executive director of MoCADA.

Sex Crimes Against Black Girls investigates the various levels of sexual exploitation and oppression that is suffered by young Black girls across the African Diaspora.

Sexual exploitation stemmed in gender oppression is a phenomenon that is generally hidden under a blanket of reticence due to the challenge of addressing issues of sexism under a larger context of racism. This compelling exhibit, gives voices to women who have beared witness to a multitude of sex crimes that have occurred within the global Black community.

Artists in attendance last night were Noelle Lorraine Williams, Kimberly Becoat, Alexandria Smith, Frances Bradley, Tracee Worley, Nyoka Acevedo, Delphine Fawundu Buford and and Monique Schubert.

The exhibit runs from February 5, 2011, through April 2, 2011. A discussion with the artists will be held next Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 6:30 pm in the Skylight Gallery.