By Deyane Moses
Special to the AFRO
A powerful new exhibition is set to open in Baltimore on June 19, offering a multifaceted exploration of Black history, identity and imagination. “Soon Come” explores beyond traditional narratives, foregrounding the enduring strength and creative spirit of Black communities.
Opening on Juneteenth, the exhibition, curated by Sharayna Christmas, executive director of Muse 360, and co-curated by Jordan Carter, Program Manager of Muse 360, goes beyond mere commemoration.
Through a vibrant tapestry of textiles, photography, video, sound, assemblage and poetry, emerging artists from the New Generation Scholars Young Artist Archival Fellowship reclaim lost histories and reimagine a future brimming with possibility.
The fellowship is offered by Muse 360, a Baltimore-based youth organization with a radical mission. Since 2004, Muse 360 has been dedicated to helping Baltimore’s youth cultivate their voices and artistic talents as a path to self-knowledge. 2024 marks the second year that Afro Charities has partnered with the organization to produce this program.
This year, the program expanded to include young adults aged 18-22, pairing them for the first time with mentors in the fields of art, scholarship, and the archives to guide their artistic journeys. Participants will also receive a stipend for successfully completing the program. During the past six months, the fellowship has deepened their archival and creative practices, empowering them to create new bodies of work that challenge and inspire their audiences.
“I have been a member of the New Generation Scholars Artist Archival Fellowship since January 2024,” Daisha McIlwain said. “I’ve been able to grow alongside fellow artists of different mediums and explore art from the past and present through archival research.”
For this exhibition, fellow Teylah Saunders created a new textile work titled, “So, what about the heart?” The piece includes a woven blanket collaged with images from Saunders’ family archive. The work is embellished with embroidery and beading.
“Woven blankets have such a rich history within the Black community,” said Saunders. “I love the idea of weaving together narratives into something you can hold and embrace.”
“Soon Come” is not just a display of art, it’s an opportunity for viewers to confront the past, celebrate revolutionary love, delve into the depths of Black spirituality, and recognize the boundless creativity that has always fueled Black progress. The 2024 Cohort of New Generation Scholars Young Artist Archival Fellows—Breyanna Dabney, Daisha McIllwain, Khalil McFarlane, Lory Charles, Sha-Shonna Rogers, and Teylah Saunders—promise to deliver a moving and thought-provoking exhibition that will deepen your understanding of Black history and culture.
The exhibition debuts at The 360 House, a new intergenerational space that will provide activations for artist residencies, screenings, and will be the home base of Muse 360. RSVP for the opening reception on Wednesday, June 19th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at: linktr.ee/ngsworld. The address will be disclosed upon confirmation of attendance with RSVP.For more information on the New Generation Scholars Young Artist Archival Fellowship program or to donate to Afro Charities, please visit https://www.afrocharities.org/.
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