It is without question that BLACK LIVES MATTER. This is sentiment that we, the directors, and our artists stand firmly by. On June 11, 2020, with the support of Councilman Kevin Spears we proposed to the city council the idea of a BLACK LIVES MATTER street mural on 3rd street in efforts to stand in solidarity with the rest of the Nation. In doing so, we were met with numerous obstacles, but they did not stop our vision. After hours of planning and altered proposals, the city finally approved BLACK LIVES DO MATTER: END RACISM NOW. Our art installation stands proudly over 8ft tall and 130ft long. The new location for this installation is Jervay Freedom Park, visible to all who enter and exit our great city. The city approving our art installation on August 18, 2020 inspired the name of our artist group "Eighteen Forward." We chose this title as a commitment to push for unity, equity and love even after this installation. We understand this is not the solution to combatting racism in our community, but merely a step in a positive direction. What we hope is that people who view this installation will feel inspired to take their own steps toward these goals. Each artist in our End Racism Now Art Installation participated because they unequivocally support the message of Black Lives Matter. Within two weeks of requesting artist proposals for our installation, we were flooded with dozens of responses in return, humbling us with the Wilmington Artist community’s enthusiasm. Despite having only two more weeks to design their letters, their talent and passion shows through their vibrant depictions of African American culture in Wilmington. To accomplish this art installation, no tax dollars were taken, nor was any artist paid. The abundance of artist talent, time, and hard work given during a pandemic is a testament to the commitment of our artists to the expression of care from our city to our neighbors. We are in awe of our artists’ dedication and thankful for each and every one of them. Please come out to enjoy the art and support the message. Visit our artists’ individual pages to send them all the love and support in their creative pursuits!
Greyson D - The Art Director
Janna Roberston - Co Director
Greyson Davis/HP Fangs is a prolific visual artist as well as a Hip Hop artist with a recent album. In a recent article by Star News by John Staton, he is described as, “… the coolest teacher you ever had — long braids black ball cap with ‘Santa Cruz’ in Gothic lettering, a form-fitting black T-shirt with his own illustrations and the slogan ‘make art’.” Staton continues,”Davis is always down to get a little weird, as evidenced by some of his work on the classroom walls, like one of a bright pink brain emitting a noxious green cloud that spells out the words, ‘Brain fart!’”
Greyson is the Art Teacher at GLOW for Middle and High School Students and the owner of the DO Art Studio in the Cargo District, where he showcases student art and teaches after school classes. HP Fangs and his art can be found all over town in the CAM where he has been a featured artist in coloring books, illustrated children’s books, Memory Lane Comic Book Store, billboards, beer cans, stickers, murals, DREAMS of Wilmington, and in the documentary, “Eighteen Forward” about the Black Lives Do Matter Art Installation. He was selected as the Art Director of this project due to his clear vision of what is right, his commitment to the message, and his sense of responsibility that artists can help to make a positive difference in the world.
Dr. Janna Siegel Robertson worked in education for 45 years and received her doctorate from UCLA in Educational Psychology. She recently retired as Professor of Secondary Education at UNCW. Her work was focused in the areas of dropout prevention, diverse learners, school-justice partnerships, arts education, special education, and community service learning. She has been recognized with awards by UNCW, CFCC, YWCA, NC Project LEAD and several service organizations.
Dr. Robertson has directed major art installations across Wilmington. She directed the “Forest of DREAMS” mural, a 240-foot block long mural located at 10th and Fanning streets by DREAMS Art Center. She solicited 76 organizations including schools, churches, non-profits, businesses, neighbors, and individuals to sponsor their creatures in the forest and supervised over 600 volunteers. Dr. Robertson was the co-director of the “Black Lives Do Matter: End Racism Now” art installation at Jervay Freedom Walk Park and now at Cameron Art Museum. This installation was completed by over a 100 artists and volunteers. She was responsible for procuring city approvals, coordination of the entire project and arranging funding, supplies, installation and continued maintenance.
She recently directed six new murals created by children and volunteers placed at the Earl Jackson Pool and the Hemenway Center. Through UNCW, she has developed interdisciplinary curricula focusing on social emotional learning and social justice art used by hundreds of school children in the region. Dr. Robertson will continue bringing everyone together with art to beautify Wilmington as founder/executive director of the Community Art Collaborative.