my underground railroad and how I got through

Dr. Myrah Brown Green

Dr. Myrah Brown Green, professional quilt maker, curator, writer and teacher, presents a mixed-media exhibition of quilt forms and photography, in special collaboration with Summer-Zaire Bell, Sannii Crespina-Flores and Cheryl Thomas.

“We all have an Underground Railroad. A route of escape leading us from the captivity of fear and mental bondage to the freedom of self-confidence and creative self-expression.

I have taken this journey a multitude of times to rid moments of second guessing myself artistically, thinking that my work is not enough or just wanting to try something new without worrying that it will not be accepted or understood by others. The Underground Railroad is not a one-time journey. The road is always at our discretion and lays dormant until we acknowledge that we have its access. We just have to make the decision to use it and know that we can get to the freedom of whatever we choose as long as we put in the work.

My Underground Railroad and How I Got Through is a collection of works that I have manifested at the end of each journey while paying homage to my maternal lineage. As a lover of fiber and a self-taught quilter, I use the juxtaposition of pieced patterns and quilting designs to tell stories of my life, my thoughts and symbols both visual and subliminal that I have collected consciously. I have also included linoleum cut images on paper and fabric along with photographs and mixed media installations. Spirit as Metaphysical exploration is a great part of how I gather and disseminate the images that are shared.

Collaborations are always a part of my journey. These special collaborations include a media presentation with my granddaughter, Summer-Zaire Bell; produced by Sannii Crespina Flores, music by Bobby Flowers, edited by Richard Walkes. Cheryl Thomas’s beaded rattles and Richard E. Green’s care for furniture becomes a part of this journey too. Inspired by African royalty and the love that my Mother had for mobiles, I have organized a space where I imagine a seated Power resting underneath another Power serving as the protector for the moment while the one seated re-charges.

I am thankful for all of my family and extended family who have allowed me to be the me that I Am.

Journey from that place of fear and let that which no longer serves your Higher Greatness dissolve. Each of us has a right to be and have all that we want in life.”

Public conversation: Women Forming Artist Communities in the City - Sunday, April 3 at 4pm:

Dr. Myrah Brown Green and professor, coach and poet Cathie Wright-Lewis will discuss Myrah Brown Green's work in the current exhibition at FiveMyles. Having both been influenced by women mentors and trailblazers that came before them, the speakers will talk about the women who have shaped their experiences as artists and writers, and about how they have seen women support each other in making work in New York City. This public conversation is made possible thanks to the support of Humanities NY.

Cathie Wright-Lewis is a published poet, author, professor and Brownsville, Brooklyn native. For over thirty years she has taught from a culture-centered workshop model which molded students and teachers in New York City’s public school system and the City University of New York (CUNY). As a certified Master Teacher prof. Wright-Lewis coached individual teachers, faculty, and administrators in professional development sessions throughout New York City. Prof. Wright-Lewis became a certified spiritual life coach after feeling the adults and youths she served needed a more holistic approach for healing of intrapersonal as well as interpersonal needs.

Prof. Wright-Lewis’ work in education has been documented in: NY Times articles by journalist Felicia Lee, Annenberg’s, The Expanding Canon (video and website) – Teaching Multicultural Literature, Black Literate Lives by Dr. Maisha Winn and a host of periodicals. Prof. Wright-Lewis is also the published poet and author of the Afrofuturistic allegorical trilogy beginning with, Maurya’s Seed – Why Hope Lives Behind Project Walls, the sequel, Passion’s Pride – Return to the Dawning, and the recently completed, Miracle. She is currently completing, Teach Like a Revolutionary- a culturally responsive guide for teachers of urban youth. Her culturally empowering children’s series entitled, Mama Relly, teaches children of African descent about the strength of their ancestors.

GALLERY HOURS:

Thursday - Sunday, 1 - 6pm, or by appointment. Please email hanne@fivemyles.org, or call 718-783-4438.

DIRECTIONS:

Take 2, 3, or 4 trains to Franklin Avenue. Walk two blocks against the traffic on Franklin. Walk ¾ block to 558 St. Johns Place. FiveMyles is within easy walking distance from the Brooklyn Museum.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

FiveMyles is in part supported by the New York State Council for the Arts, Public Funds from the New York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Council Member Laurie Cumbo, The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, the Perlemeter Foundation, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Joseph Robert Foundation, and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.

Promotional support for this exhibition was provided in part by the NYC & Company Foundation and the Office of The Brooklyn Borough President, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council.