I don’t know if Kaira “Nikki” Johnson is positioning herself to be a curator, promoter, or impresario for a new generation of visual artists, including herself (graphic artist) but she’s pushing an exhibit of new work by women artists in DC titled “Art of the Soul.” Workshops are included presented by Words Beats & Life, Inc.

Nikki’s vision is this:

Art of the Soul is an 18 day exhibit that explores the unspoken thoughts and feelings of those often unheard; in this case, women! Our goal is to serve the community as an artistic voice for justice and empowerment for all! This exhibit celebrates the power and struggles of women collectively around the world.

We strive to envoke communal dialogue surrounding female related issues and explore ways we can contribute to overturning these injustices through empowerment, both collectively and individually. Art of the Soul will highlight and discuss the topics of self-esteem, judgment, sexism, AIDS, beauty, domestic violence, FGM (female genital mutilation), and many other issues affecting women.

Note: Eve Ensler (The Vagina Monologues) will be signing her new book, I Am An Emotional Creature, at Busboys and Poets February 24.

The blizzard slowed down the opening last week; so tonight (February 19), they’re having a re-do at Busboys and Poets at 486 K Street, NW in DC starting at 8 PM. The exhibit runs through March 1.

There will be an extension in March (5-28) at the CR8 Art Space at 1314 9th Street, NW. Contact Kaira Johnson at theartofthesoul.dc[at]gmail.com.

WOMEN AND WINE
And speaking of women’s art, the March Food and Folklore event at Eatonville Restaurant will feature women winemakers. Deborah Brenner, author of Women of the Vine, and founder of Women of the Vine Cellars, will be the special guest for a wine dinner. I’m tooting my horn as well. I’ve been hosting “Food and Folklore” for 4 months, and it seems to be the anticipated monthly event for people who enjoy good food and good talk. Personally, I get a kick out of dressing Zora Neale Hurston up for the thematic occasion.


A WEST AFRICAN FEAST FOR THE BODY AND SOUL

On February 26 my friend and storyteller Vera Oye Yaa-Anna of Palaver Hut and some friends are hosting a storyteller’s feast featuring cuisines of West Africa, traditional storytelling, and drumming and dancing from Guinea, South Africa, and Haiti. This event takes place at The Corner Store on Capital Hill. The price is $35 for adults; $15 for children 12 and under. Family friendly.
Make checks payable to Oye Palaver Hut, Inc. and mail to 317 E Street, SE, Washington, DC 20002