Folly #30: Adventuring
Getting outside of my usual tribe
(Was off enjoying summer last week. Hope you have been too.)
Last weekend I attended the most amazing art concert. Yes, it was both of these things, brought together by a brilliant observation that musicians and visual artists don’t often exhibit together. SLATE Contemporary Gallery in Oakland hosts these bimonthly events to introduce new audiences to talented artists and Bay Area musicians, and build community and collaboration across genres and identities. I love that.
When the invitation came through my inbox, I thought it sounded unusual. And interesting. And worth supporting. I gladly sprung for the $30 tickets and invited my partner to join me at their Catching Light exhibit, in concert with Stevie Rose and in conversation with three artists.
What I found when I arrived exceeded anything I could have imagined. It was extraordinary. Wonderful. And, for me, very unusual. The neighborhood was not my usual haunt. The attendees looked different that my mostly cisgender, middle aged friends. The clothing was way more stylish than my closet – not to mention the amazing, colorful hair.
It reminded me of DEI conversations that inspire us to …
go spend time with people who don’t look like you.
I got to experience youthful vibrancy, blurred gender boundaries, bright colors, and plaid-is-the-new-black sequin leggings and short skirts. I learned about artists and their artistic process, and collective art venues like Art on 25th Street, where SLATE shares space. I was completely awed by an interdisciplinary musical performance of instruments (cello, ukelele, tiny Schroeder piano) and vocals by @rose_nylons, who blended all these melodies into unimaginable beauty with mesmerizing loops recorded while they performed. I’d never heard anything like it.
This experience taught me. It exposed me. It interested me. More than anything, it expanded empathy and understanding in me.
Isn’t this also what we seek in our philanthropy?
Had an adventure that got you out of your comfort zone? Please add it in the comments below. And if you …
There are so many wonderful local artists and arts organizations that we can support in small (and big) ways. If you’re in the Bay Area, you still have time to visit SLATE and see Catching Light on its final day: tomorrow, August 26. The gallery is open Saturdays from 12-5, by appointment, or by signing up for their emails so you’re invited to their next music and art event.
See you out adventuring.
Thanks!--I needed this dare to get out of my box !