This event features the art exhibition created by artist Vicki Rosenthal, which is on display at the library during Black History month. Vicki Rosenthal is an Oakland Park registered / licensed art business, listed in the City of Oakland Park’s Art & Culture Board Artists Directory. The exhibition tells the story of four asylum seekers from African countries of Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, who have shared their stories of seeking asylum in the U.S. Their words and images representing their stories are hand-painted on a pair of shoes co-designed by the asylum seeker and Rosenthal. A total of 3 pairs of shoes with 3 narratives are on display in a glass case at the library. The artwork of the 4th person seeking asylum is 4 pencil drawings that he created while confined in Broward Transitional Center. “Walk in My Shoes” raises the voices of asylum seekers.
As Vicki shares the story of her art display, she will be joined by two local artists. They are Orel Fergusson, who was born in Nebraska but who grew up in Jamaica, the Fort Lauderdale artist behind “Uncutt Glass Pictures,” who uses broken pieces of glass to create powerful stories, and Haitian born, Miami based mixed media artist Caroline Laroche who uses her mixed media art to depict Haitian daily life. As these artists collaborate to share stories, they will create conversations that parallel the hope, respect, and resilience of black communities in the U.S. and people seeking asylum in the U.S./ those who have been persecuted based on ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and/or opposing views or groups of their current governments.