Helping Artists Thrive and Communities Flourish: Highlights from 2025 |
This year, with your support, the Harrison Center created platforms where artists thrive and communities flourish.
- 400+ artists were empowered
- Community connections were nurtured
- 65,000+ people were exposed to art
- Bridges were built through creativity
At the Harrison Center, we connect art and community, building relationships one story at a time. Your support makes it possible. Donate today: https://www.harrisoncenter.org/donate |
Celebrating Martindale-Brightwood Through Art
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Cierra Johnson is an artist, advocate, and culture worker deeply rooted in the Martindale-Brightwood community.
Her Underground Gallery exhibition, Circle City Made, draws inspiration from her neighborhood’s history and her own lived experiences, blending illustration, painting, collage, and graphic design to tell stories that honor and amplify marginalized voices. “I feel like the work can’t help but reflect the artist,” says Johnson, “Circle City Made is less of a portrait and more of a mirror.”
Click to read the full blog and visit the Online Gallery.
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| Welcome New Staff Member, Elise |
"I'm the new Office Manager for the Harrison Center. I was a creative placemaking intern in 2020, and I am excited to be back full-time! In my free time, I enjoy learning new things, creating elaborate pen-and-ink drawings, and making detailed recipes like potato gnocchi from scratch. I look forward to utilizing my detail-oriented skills and love of research, organization, and community to strengthen the Harrison Center’s team."
We're so excited to have her on our team! Learn more about Elise here. |
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Meet the Greatriarch: Mr. Bobby |
Bobby Hinton was born in Martindale-Brightwood and has proudly never left. Known for his warm personality and contagious smile, he cherishes memories of growing up on N. Arsenal Ave.
In 1988, he became the first Black HVAC Service Technician to graduate from Local 440, breaking the color barrier despite obstacles. A proud father and a devoted member of St. Rita Catholic Church, Bobby hopes to see his community continue to care for one another. Keep an eye out for more Greatriarchs in the 2026 calendar! Portrait by Tashema Davis |
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Explore the Art of Forgiveness and Reflection |
Join us next week for FORgiving Tuesday, a free community event offering a creative and reflective alternative to Giving Tuesday. Taking place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, open-house style from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event invites participants to explore forgiveness through hands-on experiences led by local artists and practitioners.
This year's activities include painting with Kenny Mason, printmaking with LorieLee Andrews, the Forgiving Sea Project with Carolyn Springer, and yoga focused on reflection and release with LaDonna Goshow. This event is open to all ages and stages of life.
Listen to original music and poetry dedicated to forgiveness by past Harrison Center interns. |
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