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GRACE happily sings the blues
The Greater Reston Arts Center’s (GRACE) newest exhibit – “The Chittlin Circuit Review: Narrative Paintings on the History of the Blues” by Washington, D.C., artist and muralist Rik Freeman – drew rave reviews from the opening reception crowd May 9. Through a sweeping series of vivid, action-packed paintings, the artist follows an imaginary character through the history of blues music and the turbulent social conditions surrounding him, beginning in the 1880s when Jim Crow laws were enacted throughout the South.
Barred from whites-only venues, blacks developed alternative places to perform and enjoy music, a network of clubs and juke joints called the Chittlin Circuit.
Rather than giving the traditional gallery talk at the reception, Freeman, who describes himself as working in the tradition of political muralists, charmed reception guests with a passionate recitation of his spoken-word poem, “The Ballad of the Grit Gal,” in front of his painting on the same subject.
Freeman will repeat this special performance during “An Evening with Rik Freeman” at GRACE on Wednesday, May 21, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant added to the flavor of the opening by providing a delicious culinary accompaniment to the show that included barbecued ribs and pulled pork.
The exhibit continues through June 14. Call GRACE at 703-471-9242 or visit www.restonarts.org for more information about the show.
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