The day before the art exhibition
ZARA's P.O.V
It's been hectic the past few days, but I'm finally starting to see everything come together. After I decided the date for the exhibition, I headed straight to the Modern Arts Collective to iron out the details. The curator and I worked out an interesting deal-I'll be managing the exhibition, and they'll provide logistical support, but to a certain extend-the local artists have agreed to pool in their resources.
Given the number of local artists who've agreed to participate, including Kool Kats-Kat and his crew-I can already tell that this event is going to be massive. Ava has been incredible on her end of the deal. Mama brought in more local and independent artists through her social media. And it's not just the artists; I've got some serious names from the entertainment industry on the guest list too.
One guest, in particular, makes me feel like this whole thing is truly special. Mareba Zungu, the finalist for this year's Miss Universe, is planning to attend. I can hardly believe it. Mareba is not just a pageant queen; she's a cultural icon. This girl uses her platform to create hair products for Black natural hair.
She has done so much-mentorship programs and beauty pageants-she's been an inspiration for Black Girls everywhere to embrace their heritage for the world to see.
Knowing that she's interested in what I'm doing with Melanin Mosaics, feels like such an honor. I mean, this girl has caused a stir in the media with her beauty and her message. She's a gorgeous brown-skinned girl, representing all of us to the world, and to have her looking forward to this exhibition is just...amazing. I'm pinching myself out here.
This is going to be huge. I had to check in with the participating artists on how far they are with their artworks. Trust me when I tell you that my breath was taken away. I'm talking portrait paintings, sculptors, textile art, graffiti, just beautiful pieces. They came out heavy with their creativity. They are surely going to have a good day tomorrow-networking and making sales.
But here's the deal, as the exhibition organizer, I'll receive 40% of the profit made from sold art pieces, while the Modern Arts Collective takes 5%, leaving the artists with 55% of the profit for every piece they sell. It ain't so much I'm making, considering that Ava is gonna get a share of my share for helping me out.
But you know what? This isn't about the money for me, that's secondary. What matters to me is spreading awareness and uplifting dark-skinned Black Girls, showing them that their melanin is something to be appreciated and loved. That always had been, and always will be the motto.
Aside from the excitement of seeing everything come together, I've got to give credit where it's due-the logistical support from the Modern Arts Collective
is one I never imagined. They may not be able to cover the costs, but the help they're offering is worth appreciated.
I mean, they're providing the exhibition space itself, which is prime real estate in the art world. This venue is known for hosting sophisticated events, and having Melanin Mosaics featured here is a huge boost for all of us involved. They're also helping artists with the installation of certain artworks, making sure everything is displayed perfectly. They don't need to worry about arranging frames or setting up sculptures-those logistics are covered.
They're even managing the invitations and RSVPs, making sure that all the guests, from the local community to the art industry big names, get the details they need to attend. This takes so much off my plate honestly. It allows me to focus on curating the experience of Melanin Mosics and making sure it resonates with everyone who walks through those doors.
