In Support of the Black Lives Matter Movement

On June 20, 2020 Civic Green Park in the heart of Highlands Ranch Colorado was flooded with art lovers and Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters alike. Due to recent events, high school student Mandira Gowda and her mother took initiative and hosted a BLM Art Gallery and Bake Sale to the general public. 

“I would define the event as ‘successfully creative.’ The participating artists did such an amazing job bringing powerful messages to their pieces, and really helped me pull this art gallery together to make a positive impact,” Gowda said.

From 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., the colorful and wide outdoor patio hosted gallery goers. The warm summer day greeted guests with feelings of empowerment, of course accompanied by the smells of baked goods, sounds of laughter and rows of colorful art. 

When first entering the premise, guests were handed pamphlets with information about ways to support the movement financially and socially. The pamphlets specifically addressed online platforms in which individuals may donate to and a list of accessible African American owned businesses in the area. 

13 young artists were called to action through an Instagram poll and blossomed into the assimilation of art pieces in multiple medians and styles. Mandira Gowda, Annabelle Kiely, Delaney Sutherland, Sarah Heutmaker, Ali Mueller, Jessica You, Mia Chaw, Brooke Begins, Micah Konzelman, Isabella Kiely, Sheila Raja, Sam Beutelschies, Amber Martus and Brenna Curry were the young adults who created artwork for the event. The bake sale aspect of the event was supported by Annabelle Kiely, Maanasi Gowda, Vivid O'Keefe and Roselynn Blea.

“My parents thought going to the protests was too dangerous, but I wanted to do my part to help the Black Lives Matter movement, so when Mandira told me about her idea I jumped onboard right away” featured artist and high school student Annabelle Kiely said. “ Even at the art show there was such a variety of people there to support the movement, whether they bought a baked good, a print or just donated out of the goodness of their hearts everyone who came was there to support in some way. I think it shows how much people want change and how long overdue it is.”

Each piece of art served as a unique perspective and equally enticing style. Art mediums including graphic design, oil painting and photography were represented by artists of differing lifestyles, views and backgrounds; all in favor of supporting the ever growing movement of BLM. 

The eight hour event raised a total of $1,331.65 all in support of the movement, not just the moment. Gowda is still taking donations through her Venmo account @MandiraGowda and will continue to do so until donations come to a halt.