OPA-LOCKA – Vivid colors, rich history and creative expression are on full display at Opa-locka right now, as it’s all part of the Art of Transformation at Opa-locka, with 40 artists and hundreds of works of art on display the African diaspora.
Opa-locka Community Development Corporation CEO and President Dr. Willie Logan spoke with CBS4 about the importance of African art to Miami and the world.
“We truly believe that African and African Diaspora art has always been at the forefront. You can go back to the early 15th, 16th and 17th centuries and see how European artists and other artists have derived much of their work and material from the work of Africans. So we think these stories need to be told,” said Dr. Logan.
History has taught us that art is a great unifier.
Throughout Miami, we’ve seen how it can lead to community development and act as a catalyst for change.
“How art has really rejuvenated and revitalized various neighborhoods starting with South Beach, with historic preservation and promoting art deco architecture, we’ve seen that in Wynwood, we’ve seen elements of that in the Grove, Little Haiti, and we have the same foundation that these other communities have in Opa-locka,” said Dr. Logan.
An artist we spoke to told us through him, art is life.
“I need people to come see the work. Even though I live in the United States, I always connect with my country because my spirit is part of Haiti,” said Turgo Bastien, an artist featured at the event.
The mayor of Opa-locka told CBS4 that he is delighted that a great arts event is coming to this city.
The Art of Transformation project is a major headline in the Opa-Locka story.
There has never been an event of this magnitude celebrating Black art during Miami Art Week anywhere in South Florida.
“You wouldn’t normally see this in Opa-locka. The fact that it’s coming here makes my heart leap with excitement,” said Mayor John Taylor.
Visitors will be greeted with art exhibits and art collections straight from Africa and Haiti in the heart of Opa-locka. the grand finale will be a big part of the block on Sunday.
It will be free fun for the whole family with live performances, street dancing, food trucks and much more.
najahe sherman
