To Be Here | Lynda Grace Black & Magda Martinez
SHOWTIMES • JUN 11 @ 7PM | JUN 12 @ 7PM | JUN 13 @ 7PM
Christ Church Neighborhood House • 20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
about the project
What does it take to be here? And what does it mean to belong right now, in this moment, in this city?
Artists Lynda Grace Black and Magda Martinez and an ensemble of Philadelphians invite you to TO BE HERE, to immerse yourself in this community-rooted performance and exhibition on June 11, 12, and 13.
TO BE HERE uplifts new stories of peoplehood, finding the extraordinary in our everyday lives. These stories of resilience and growth reflect back the complexities and sacrifices inherent in belonging to many homelands and heartlands, tracing lines along a new map that charts what it means to be here now.
TO BE HERE unfolded over many months of gathering, listening, and making through story gatherings. From these encounters, Black and Martinez wove together an art installation of and by the participants — a textured portrait of collective memory and cultural inheritance. The ensembles’ words and stories come to life as they voice their own performances, with direction by Tanaquil Marquez and filmed pieces from Anula Shetty. TO BE HERE reflects a broader, more inclusive vision of being Philadelphian: one that makes space for everyone’s story.
COMMUNITY ENSEMBLE
Anonymous (2)
Aliyah Gardner
Athena Dugan
Barbara Kigozi
Betty Leacraft
Gerard Silva-Torres
M. Nzadi Keita
Mamadou Moussa Balde
Mamadou Ndiaye
Mar8gold
Mariama Korka Diallo
Marie-Monique Marthol
Philip-Paul Grimes
Rochelle T. Cooks
Tamara Jiménez
about the artists
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about the artists •
Lynda Grace Black's roots are firmly embedded in a community-focused upbringing in northwest Philadelphia, where her family participated in civic and church endeavors. Inspired by her parents and her grandmother, Lynda found creative expression in needlecrafts.
Today, her work primarily manifests as twine, yarn and fabric soft sculptures and collages. Exploring the profound interconnectedness inherent in us, Lynda’s creations delve into narratives of both tragedy and triumph. A significant component of her portfolio is a series of over 70 crocheted vessels paying tribute to victims of state-sanctioned lynchings and other injustices. Several vessels from this collection were placed in public spaces across Philadelphia, St. Helena, Savannah, Berlin, and London.
Venues that have exhibited Lynda’s work include the Colored Girls Museum, Seed on Diamond Gallery, Twelve Gates Arts, Da Vinci Art Alliance, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rush Arts Philly, Trunc, Muse, Pendle Hill, African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, and Pollinator. Beyond needlecraft, Lynda has ventured into printing making, performance, photography, and film. With academic degrees in journalism and education, her education has been enriched by programs at Fleisher Art Memorial, Asian Arts Initiative, The Alternative Art School, Pollinator and through independent study. She is a member of the Sankofa Artisans Guild, Joined Hands Artists Collective, and Fleisher Art Memorial.
You can learn more about Lynda’s art and practice on her Instagram.
Magda Martinez is a poet, vocalist, educator, and arts executive whose work bridges creativity, community, and leadership. She is from a family active in community and politics. A believer in the power of the arts, she draws inspiration from the “cotidiano”—the everyday moments that shape our lives using multiple mediums. She writes and works with others so we can tell our own stories in our own voices. Her original works have been performed and produced nationally and internationally.
Magda’s work artistically and professionally has centered on weaving art and community life, directing nationally recognized diversity and community initiatives at Fleisher Art Memorial to serving as Chief Operating Officer at Mural Arts Philadelphia and The Welcoming Center. Artistically she has been recognized with fellowships and awards from the Independence Foundation, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, and Leeway Foundation for her commitment to using art as a tool for transformation. Currently she serves on the boards of Puentes de Salud and The Barra Foundation.
Stay up to date with Magda’s art and practice on her Instagram.
TO BE HERE has been supported by the William Penn Foundation, the William M. King Foundation, and PECO, Team Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Creative Industries as part of the Powering the Arts Initiative. Additional support has been provided in honor of Lynda Grace Black by the Gifts and Leadings Committee of Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting and the Leeway Foundation.