“My Story” Event Recaps
MY STORY 1: ARTIST PAUL COLLINS
2017
Our first My Story featured Grand Rapidian artist Paul Collins who shared his artistry and activism with our audiences.
MY STORY 2: LEAD - THE HIDDEN POISON #HERETOO
2018
Our second “My Story” event was an impactful evening with Epidemiologists Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and GRAAHI Executive Director Shannon Wilson. We took a close look at the lead paint problem and its harmful impact on children and talked about lead poisoning prevention. Featured artists included Keyon Lovett, Fable the Poet and John Gist.
MY STORY 3: VIOLINIST DAMIEN ESCOBAR and Artist Deborah Shedrick
Our third “My Story” event featured Damien Escobar, a renowned violinist, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, hailing from Jamaica, Queens and Deborah Shedrick, a visual artist from Montgomery, AL. Escobar is considered to be one of the top violinists in the world while Shedrick’s artwork is featured in major art galleries, private collections, and museums in the U.S. and abroad. This combination proved to be electric as it was one of our most highly attended events on record.
Escobar also conducted an artist workshop for more than 300+ students from Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, choosing several students that were provided with the opportunity to showcase their talent. Shedrick also had the opportunity to conduct artist demonstrations at Grand Rapids Christian High School and Union High School during her visit to Grand Rapids.
