The day of the gallery opening, the second floor of Schroeder Hall was filled with music, dance, and color. Youth from Bloomington, their families, Illinois State students, staff and faculty were in one space, celebrating. A dance production was presented by youth, ages 7 to 17. It was a chance to celebrate youthful art (paintings, posters, and dance). They had a message to share.
The director of Breaking Chains, Advancing Increase (BCAI), Angelique Racki said “What these kids want most is to be heard.” This event and the art hanging for the academic year was Sociology and Anthropology’s opportunity to listen.
The message was that hip hop is not new. It is an age-old, powerful expression of life, engagement, ability, and strength. Two-dimensional art created by youth in a two-week summer camp graced the walls, music filled the space, and dance captivated our attention.
Department Council wanted the gallery to bring community art into the Schroeder Hall Gallery. The exhibit was a chance to awaken our senses post-COVID. BCAI is a local arts organization providing youth a voice, a chance for expression, and a place to dance.
Zay (they/them) created a piece based on Tupac Shakur’s lyrics. Kind and talented Juin, now a freshman at Bradley, led her colleagues. DPG danced with determination and grace and created an oil on canvas piece titled Noir. The exhibit brought local youth art to a space used by Illinois State University students, but it also brought local youth to the campus.
The Department is grateful to BCAI for being our partner in this endeavor. We hope to find more ways of breaking down the walls that separate the privilege of a college campus from our neighbors.
