Artists from all over West Virginia met at Get Lifted in Beckley this weekend to learn more about a network of creative grant makers rooted in the heart of Appalachia.
Several members of The Waymakers Collective, including Jonathan (“Courageous”), arrived hoping to provide insight, inspiration and fellowship to local artists and art enthusiasts.
“We want to make sure that folks know what Waymakers is, what Waymakers does and how Waymakers can benefit their communities and the folks around,” Courageous said.
The weekend-long event kicked off with an art showcase featuring work from local artists LeRone Alexander, Jamal Hoskins, Kabrea James, Sandra Shaw, Adriana Law, Shayar Jarrett and Saja Montague. Following the showcase, the members set the stage for an info session, allowing guests to share their thoughts and ask questions.
“We want to be able to support artists and better understand what folks need,” Courageous said, “We want to speak to what dreams exist here so that we can learn how to invest in this area,” Courageous said.
That night, the group time travelled back to the 1920’s for a Harlem Renaissance inspired dinner buffet and musical celebration. Guests returned in their best Roaring Twenties costumes ready to dance the night away to the sounds of The Jordan Dyer Trio and DJ Brian Nabors. The celebration wrapped with an open mic session, opening the stage for artist to share their own song and poetry.
On Sunday morning, the group enjoyed brunch and “make-and-take” art together before saying their goodbyes. Doris Fields, the lead organizer of the event, said she is more than satisfied with how the weekend unfolded.
“I’m really happy with how things turned out,” Fields said, “I’m glad artists from all over were able to come together and interact. A lot of people met new people and I look forward to seeing similar things take place in the future. I’m happy to have coordinated this event for the Waymakers Collective.”
Leuphorique 