Tomorrow evening, the 309 Hancock Gallery and Consignment hosts the opening reception for “Ladies First,” a three-week exhibition of a wide range of works by more than 25 emerging female artists. The show, which runs through July 30, was created to bring together Boston’s relatively small community of young women artists in the spirit of collaboration. It was curated and organized by Dorchester resident Destiny Palmer, co-founder of Traditions Remixed.
Traditions Remixed is an artist collective founded by Palmer and Stephen Hamilton, Massart alumni and Black Artists Union members. “Our goal,” they said, “is to create a supportive community for young artists, especially artists of color, encouraging collaboration and networking.”
Palmer realized the importance of women artists supporting one another when she worked as part of the Allston-based collaborative Paint Pens in Purses. She is very active in the local art scene, working with Art a la Cart, sponsored by College Bound Dorchester, and co-teaching, with Leslie MacWeeney “Portraits, People and Places,” the Dot Art Summer program.
Although artists from Florida, Oregon and California are represented, “Ladies First” mainly spotlights the talents of Boston area women. In addition to Palmer herself, the exhibit features two other Dorchester residents: Sheena Quintyne, a video and animation specialist who reflects the aesthetics of her native Barbados, and Molly Kennedy, a sculptor from the Humphrey St. Studios.
“Ladies First”also encompasses everything from jewelry and fashion design to photography, prints, paintings and mixed media.
Hancock 309 Gallery, the 1,300 square-foot street level space at the intersection of Dot Ave and Hancock Street, is owned by Valerie Owen, whose family once ran the large Kay’s Pastry enterprise on the site. Though she admits running the gallery represents a “huge financial loss,” Owen says, “My whole concept is to draw people from outside to Dorchester and to support emerging artists because it’s so tough to break in without having that first show!”
Thanks to Palmer and Owen many young “ladies” will be getting that crucial “first” exposure in this show.
For gallery hours and other details, visit traditionsremixed.com.
