“Ferguson and Beyond: Artistic Responses to a Decade of Social Upheaval 2014-2024” captures the power of individual and cultural histories brought forth by the killing of Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, MO, nearly 10 years ago and the ensuing response locally and from around the world in the decade following his death. The exhibition is comprised of painting, sculpture, video, and poetry with a focus on responses from artists of color from the St. Louis region and beyond. It opens with an artist reception for the public from 5:30—8 p.m. on March 22, 2024, and runs through April 26 in the Hunt Gallery on Webster’s main campus. A reception just for Webster University faculty and staff will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on April 11, with comments at 5:15 p.m.

Brown’s father Michael Brown, Sr. and stepmother Cal D. Brown will speak at the opening reception at 6:30 p.m. March 22 alongside Ferguson mayor Ella M. Jones. A performance by Webster University music professor Jermaine Manor will be part of the opening reception.

The exhibition also recognizes the role expressive arts play in healing from trauma and the centrality of collective healing in communities impacted by adverse traumatic experiences. A space for communal reflection will be offered during the opening reception and Webster mental health professionals will be present to provide support.

Participating artists include Dannie Boyd, Damon Davis, Lillian Gardner, Cheeraz Gormon, Jon Henry, William Morris, Mallory Rukhsana Nezam, Yvonne Osei, Hank Willis Thomas, and Ronald Young. The Missouri Historical Society also has given permission to print Ferguson Uprising images from its African American History Initiative collection for the show. Poets include DuEwa Frazier, Jacqui Germain, Aya de Leon, Jason Vasser-Elong as well as Gormon.

Accompanying the exhibit will be the DADAH Artists’ Lecture “Ferguson and Beyond: Artistic Responses” held at noon on March 22 in Room 123 in the Sverdrup Complex on Webster University’s main campus. The lecture will feature exhibiting artists Henry and Gormon along with Ferguson professional volunteer Jacquelyn Lewis-Harris and Webster University Professional Counseling Professor Claire Martin. Henry and Gormon will discuss their art, Lewis-Harris will talk about what it was to be “on the ground” in Ferguson, and Martin will discuss trauma and healing.

During the exhibit, audio and film crews will capture oral histories, reflections, and interviews, for the “Ferguson and Beyond: Digital Archive Project” being produced by Morris and Adjunct Professor Terri Reilly as an ongoing project.

What: Ferguson and Beyond: Artistic Responses to a Decade of Social Upheaval 2014-2024

When: March 22 – April 26
Where: Webster University’s Cecille R. Hunt Gallery, 8342 Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, 63119.

Key Times: A reception just for Webster University faculty and staff will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on April 11, with comments at 5:15 p.m.

CLOSING RECEPTION: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. April 26. Several of the artists whose work is featured in the exhibit will speak at 6:15 p.m.