Penister to display art at SIP & SOUL
Artist and art educator Rashawn Penister of Pine Bluff will be the featured artist during SIP & SOUL: A Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday at Indigo Blue Coffee House, 212 W. Barraque St. An art exhibit and auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and an open mic show will be held from 4-7 p.m.
The celebration is free and open the public to attend, however art and refreshments will be for sale.
Food and beverages will sold from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The menu includes pulled pork sandwiches with sides, smoked wings with sides, veggie meals, old fashion lemonades and desserts.
Penister will be exhibiting and selling pieces of his original designs. His works have been exhibited in Arkansas. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in visual art from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Memphis.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“My work explores themes of identity, power and risk through layered portraiture,” Penister said. “It is created to be appealing and mysterious to viewers. Inspired by a coworker’s metaphor about making use of what we have, my art uses playing cards to symbolize life’s choices. I create pieces through collage, drawing, and imagery so viewers can see how identity is both constructed and reclaimed. Through these techniques and mediums, my work challenges the boundaries between representation and expectation.”
During the open mic show, a prize of $25 will be awarded to an adult participant and a $25 prize will be awarded to a young person 13-18 years old. Presenters need to focus on the topic of Juneteenth, according to StuffinTheBluff.com.
The open mic show will feature Coffy Davis, a renowned poet and author from Little Rock, who will be the host. DJ Lomaxx of KUAP 89.7 FM, UAPB’s radio station, will provide entertainment throughout the day.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Pine Bluff NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academics, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Program. ACT-SO, which supports and highlights student achievement, has been around for nearly 50 years. It is the largest academics program in the country for African American high school students, according to the news release. Those who are unable to attend but still want to make a donation may mail checks or money orders to: Pine Bluff NAACP, P.O. Box 9064, Pine Bluff, AR 71611-9064. In the notation line, please write “ACT-SO Donation.” If you prefer to donate in person, you may do so by hand delivering your checks or money orders to Indigo Blue Coffeehouse. Donations may also be made through GoFundMe and PayPal.
Heirs Property Workshop set
An Heirs’ Property Workshop for producers and landowners in Jefferson County will take place from 10 a.m. to noon June 28 at the Pine Bluff Library at 600 S. Main St. The event is free and the community is invited to attend the workshop featuring Karama Neal, principal of The Neal Firm, as she leads a session on heirs’ property.
“This session is perfect for landowners, farmers and families ready to protect their land and preserve their legacy,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
The event will provide insights into preventing heirs’ property loss, clearing titles, and protecing one’s land through estate planning. Participants can also learn how resolving heirs’ property issues can help them qualify for federal programs and resources, according to the news release. For details or to register, contact Keena Williams at hello@remixideas.com.
House of Bread to open pantry
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will be open for its monthly food giveaway on June 21 from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone. Proof of address must be at least a driver’s license, identification or utility bills, according to a news release. All new clients will fill out new client intake forms on-site. Details: Saint Mary Harris, pastor of House of Bread, (870) 872-2196.