we were featured in a gallery exhibit: this is how it went
We had the privilege of showcasing our writing, beautifully displayed alongside other artworks, at a recent Art on the Ave NYC exhibit called Letters to My Younger Self, created and curated by author and poet Massiel Alfonso. With dozens of artists’ stories and childhood photographs displayed on the walls, we spent Saturday afternoon, April 20th, 2024, immersed in the vulnerability, creativity, and courage of Black and Latine writers.
As the open mic session commenced, we felt a mix of nerves and exhilaration. For many of us, it was our first time speaking our words aloud in a room full of strangers. Nevertheless, taking turns, we stepped up to the mic, each person opening themselves up to the love and support from everyone in the room – reaffirming the power of our writing and community.
In the vast landscape of creativity, there exists a force more profound than any individual talent: community.
It's the invisible thread that weaves through the fabric of our creativity, connecting us in ways that transcend language, culture, experience, gender, and background. Within our evolving community at narrative and beyond, we are finding support, inspiration, and validation. This community is what brought us to Massiel, and ultimately to Art on the Ave on Saturday.
It’s no secret that stepping into the spotlight and exposing your soul through your art is a daunting prospect. It requires vulnerability, courage, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty – even the possibility of rejection. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of risk-taking that the magic of creation is realized. Hearing our stories out loud was a reminder that we did that. Through sharing our art, we invite others to see the world through our eyes, to feel the depths of our emotions, and to connect with the essence of who we are.
More beautiful, in fact, is the way every voice finds its resonance within each of us. We are all extensions of one another – our ancestors subtly revealing themselves in our stories, sparking magic and connection. In the tight walls of that gallery, there was no judgment, no competition—only a celebration of the perspectives and experiences that each writer brought to the table. In this exhibit, many of us discovered a newfound sense of liberation, empowerment, and self-acceptance.
If you’ve made it this far into the recap, thank you. Here are our parting words:
To those who are hesitating on their creative expression, we implore you: take the leap.
Lean into your people. Share your art with them, then with the world. Embrace the vulnerability. It is the gateway to authentic connections, boundless creative inspiration, and profound growth. Trust in the power of your community to uplift and affirm the value of your voice, and your words.
We want to give a big THANK YOU to Massiel Alfonso, a friend of narrative and extremely talented writer, spoken word poet, and published author. (ICYMI: We recently interviewed Massiel on Ordinary Thoughts!) By creating this exhibit, she opened the door for new connections, inspiration, and experiences for each person in that gallery – whether they participated in the exhibit and open mic, or not.