Don’t Cry.

Posted on 15 July 2015 by valaida

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

While it’s disputed who first said it, that quote IS true.

Today we packed up at Johnson C. Smith University‬ for Denver—the next stop of The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited.

In August, the exhibition will be on display at Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, with community partners that include: The Denver Foundation, The Denver CO Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, DAAP – Denver African American Philanthropists and Spin Denver.

Hot Day. Heated Time. Warmed Heart

Posted on 10 July 2015 by valaida

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” — Rumi

Though I cried when my exhibition’s outdoor installation was disassembled weeks ago, on June 19th the closing reception for The Soul of Philanthropy at JCSU was a time for reflection and celebration.

Unequivocally unceremonious, the outdoor display’s deinstallation would have made any sensitive soul sob. To dodge another tearful goodbye, this time we planned a party! Food, friends, music and an easygoing afternoon proved perfect for soothing all our souls, particularly one day after learning of the Charleston church massacre. Even after trudging through 90-some-degree weather only to find the JCSU library without central air, the good vibes prevailed.

The collage of photos below capture the farewell to my baby in Charlotte. Now, I’m anticipating a happy reunion in Denver when the #philanthropyframed exhibition opens in August.

Exhibit closing at JCSU

Exhibit closing at JCSU

98 Days of Love

Posted on 28 May 2015 by valaida

Love at first sight.

A dream for years, the outdoor, interactive walls of The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit were installed on February 18 (two days before the exhibition’s opening) outside the venerable façade of Biddle Hall—the heart of Johnson C. Smith University. In pure ecstasy, at the sight of a dream come true, I, along with a flurry of snowflakes, danced about and melted at the site. My long labor of love, about the love of humanity, had manifested a momentary monument to love itself.

For 98 days, my giant love magnet drew to its walls crews of JCSU students, curious campus guests and social media-savvy visitors to the exhibition in the library’s gallery. Every day a fresh canvas, the walls invited, captured, presented, broadcast and reframed portraits of philanthropy.

Yesterday—after our grand opening event, the snow left, springtime arrived, founders week passed, commencement ended and nearly a semester on campus—the “love walls” came down. You’re sure to see the structure (and bits of colored chalk) pop up some place new soon. In the meantime, below is a photo slideshow from the 98-day reign of LOVE at Smith.