As a white woman, stepping into WOW Gallery's "Dear Sista, I See You" exhibition felt like an invitation to witness, honor, and celebrate the profound narratives of Black women—a journey I embarked upon with deep reverence, gratitude, and a commitment to understanding. Veronica Very and Hiawatha D. have curated an extraordinary space that not only showcases the life, legacy, love, and history of Black women but also serves as a sanctuary for healing and renewal.
From the moment I entered the gallery, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of empowerment and emotional resonance. The artwork, carefully curated and thoughtfully arranged, serves as a testament to the resilience, strength, and beauty of Black women. Each piece pulsates with a profound sense of storytelling, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Black experiences.
One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is its emphasis on healing and liberation. Through art, Black women are given a platform to confront and transcend emotional pain, grief, and racial traumas. The pieces speak to a journey of self-discovery and empowerment—a testament to the transformative power of creativity and expression.
WOW Gallery's vision of creating a state-of-the-art black love art sanctuary and cultural institute is both inspiring and necessary. The space not only provides a platform for artistic expression but also serves as a hub for community connection, education, and inspiration. It is a place where Black stories and culture are not only celebrated but also revered—a space where renewal and restoration can occur without the burden of surveillance.
In addition to the captivating artwork, WOW Gallery's "Dear Sista, I See You" exhibition offers a sanctuary for healing and reflection through its serene meditation rooms. Each room is adorned with a mantra on its door, guiding visitors towards inner peace and self-discovery.
I found myself drawn to the room with the mantra "Breathe," a poignant reminder of the importance of grounding oneself in the present moment. As I entered, I felt a sense of release wash over me, allowing myself the space to grieve and process emotions that I had long held within. Through mindful breathing and introspection, I found solace and a renewed sense of strength. These meditation rooms are not only a physical space but also a testament to WOW Gallery's commitment to holistic healing and emotional well-being, inviting visitors to embark on their own journeys of self-care and empowerment.
I am acutely aware of the privilege and honor it is to bear witness to such a profound exhibition. "Dear Sista, I See You" serves as a reminder of the importance of antiracism, allyship, understanding, and solidarity. It challenges us to confront our biases, expand our perspectives, and actively engage in the pursuit of justice and equality.
WOW Gallery's "Dear Sista, I See You" exhibition is a triumph of storytelling, empowerment, and reverence. It is a testament to the resilience and beauty of Black women—a celebration of their voices, their stories, and their enduring legacy. As I left the gallery, I carried with me a profound sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to stand in solidarity with Black...
Read moreI’d heard about the power and intention in WOW Gallery events, but hadn’t yet attended until this weekend.
A Private Pre-Screening of The Color Purple and Purple Reign After-Party, followed by a Sista Circle the following day.
Seeing an early screening of The Color Purple with Sista’s & Brotha’s decked out in Purple was exquisite!
Hearing Veronica tell the story of Manifesting that moment with Action from behind the WOW Gallery Podium in the theater was truly inspiring!
After the film, we walked to the gallery. It felt like a parade.
Walking into the space felt like home! There is an energy of peace & calm that whispers you are welcome here.
The walls tell our story through portraits & poetry.
The breadth of the space has enough room to hold our history & our stories, Our Joy & our healing.
We PARTIED in our purple attire, put names to the faces of the portraits, and celebrated. It felt like a family reunion and I only knew a few people in the space.
The next day I returned for the Sista Circle to find the Legacy room transformed in preparation of our arrival. It felt HOLY!
The massive room with curved sectional and chairs arranged in a large circle allowed for every Sista to be seen, heard, & held while giving enough space to just be present.
Veronica & Tracie guided us through an exercise that allowed us to process any triggers the movie may have stirred and ended with a love letter.
Such a beautiful & expansive experience. I’ve been blessed in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Now i understand why when people ask if you’ve been to WOW Gallery and you answer no, their response is always “You have to go!”
It is something that MUST be EXPERIENCED.
I can’t wait to get back to WOW!
Thank You Veronica for creating this space for the culture, for the community, in...
Read moreI went into the weekend open and stepping into the unknown. From the moment we stepped on the island it was magical.
The home we stayed in was beautiful on its own then Veronica added her flair of style, love and detail that elevated it. I’m not usually a creative in that way but I was inspired by her energy to bring out my creative artistic flair.
The food was delicious, made with love it nourished us well. The handpicked inspiring beautiful, fun, spiritual black woman was like no other group I’ve been around. These souls are on this planet to change the world elevate humankind and raise the love frequency!!
I’ve been to many retreats but this was uniquely curated for us, each person there. Starting with the gifts we received in our personalized welcome backpacks, activities to connect with your soul, write letters, meditate and just BE!! Then we received , more gifts from MAC, Nordstroms it felt like we were on the Oprah show! It was so special I’ve never experienced anything like this. Veronica took this to ANOTHER LEVEL!! I have been forever changed! My vision for myself & my sisters is BIGGER than I could have imagined on my own.
Lastly I want to say Veronica Very is a prophetess, a healer, a visionary, a mystic, a leader that I feel blessed to call my sister, friend and so much more. This woman has connected to our ancestors & beings of light and is guiding us back to our true selves as Creators, Goddesses & Gods, pure source energy.
Dear Sister I see YOU!!
Blessings & Namaste...
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