Staff Report

OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Just as an increasingly pro-black synergy erupts across the nation, the 5th Annual Art of Transformation Series (AOT), and its SAY IT LOUD exhibit arrives in Opa-locka. The event includes an exhibition and related programming presented by the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation. It is a celebration of Opa-locka’s revitalization through the arts.

The “SAY IT LOUD!” exhibit opens on Thursday, Nov. 10, at The ARC (675 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-locka), from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The opening preview is free and open to the public, featuring a curator and artist-led tour of the exhibition at 7:30 p.m., live music and light bites from Opa- locka restaurants and open bar with RSVP at www.aot2016opening.eventbrite.com Curated by Tumelo Mosaka, the AOT series is themed “SAY IT LOUD!” and will feature work by prominent contemporary artists Michael Paul Britto, Myra Greene, Joshua R. McFadden, Mario Pfeifer and Roberto Visani, and films by Bhawin Suchak and Ira McKinley and Stanley Nelson.

“SAY IT LOUD!” is inspired by the James Brown song of the same name that addresses racial discrimination and calls for black empowerment. The call in this context is a rallying cry for all to mobilize against injustice and discrimination, as well as embrace black culture pride in the United States and African Diaspora. The artists explore a range of experiences that not only address the re-imagination and representation of blackness, but also examine the fear, trauma, and grief transpiring in black communities.

Exhibition Dates/Hours: November 10, 2016 to January 22, 2017, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on holidays. Please email aileen@olcdc.org to arrange group tours, weekend or evening viewings. For more information, visit www.opalockaart.com