Speak No (emergency) is co-presented with Tangled Art + Disability, and marks artist Persimmon Blackridge’s first solo exhibition, which is currently on display at the Richmond Art Gallery. Through her practice, Persimmon, a queer and disabled artist, raises awareness of the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, blending personal experience with broader social commentary.
The exhibition features 150 sculptures crafted from locally sourced materials, including wood and found objects from Hornby Island. These materials, which Persimmon describes as metaphors for disabled bodies, highlight the strength and grace found in what society often discards as broken. Despite the challenges of her progressive peripheral neuropathy, her work delivers a hopeful message about the power of community and collective action in bringing about positive change.
Host Amy Amantea will be joined by artist Persimmon Blackbridge to share insights into her artistic process and the themes of her work.
* Experience this exhibition in person! Speak No (emergency) runs from January 18 to March 23, 2025 at the Richmond Art Gallery. In order to make the exhibition as accessible to visitors as possible, there are audio artwork descriptions available and a new, touchable sculpture on display, allowing visitors more ways to experience and interact with the art. Visit the Richmond Art Gallery website or call 604-247-6383 for gallery hours + accessibility.
VocalEye’s Almost Live Zoom events will introduce you to a variety of audio plays, virtual art tours, festival highlights, music, dance, documentary film, storytelling and more with host Amy Amantea and special guest artists.
The VocalEye virtual lobby opens at 6:30 pm Pacific Time for socializing. The host’s official welcome and pre-show introduction begins at 6:45 pm. The feature presentation begins at 7 pm, followed by Q and A and community conversation. Average running time is 90 minutes, not including conversation.
Almost Live Zoom events are designed to be accessible for people who are blind and partially sighted, but everyone is welcome!
Events are free and registration is required for first-time attendees. Sign up for one event or the whole season.
