The Greatriarchs are long term residents of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. They are leaders, nurturers, mentors, and friends to the old and new residents of their neighborhood. As the Harrison Center has continued working in Martindale-Brightwood, the Greatriarchs have served as advisors for our work and connected us more deeply to the community.
Every year artists create portraits of each one to be displayed outside along the 16th Street corridor in Martindale-Brightwood and published in the Harrison Center’s yearly calendar. The Greatriarch project reminds us that every neighbor has a story that deserves to be heard. I worked closely with this amazing group of elders as creative placemaking fellow and I was happy to contribute 6 portraits to the series for 2024.
“Storytelling” drawing sessions use long-term residents as models to get to know their stories. Typically, sessions are focused on residents of the Martindale Brightwood area or creatives who partner with the Harrison Center.
Artists are welcome to create in whatever medium they prefer (ink, writing, crocheting, painting), and must bring their own supplies. These sessions are held weekly. Harrison Center Artists facilitate the series.
During my time with the program I hosted over 60 drawing sessions. Not only did my technical skills improve but I became a more empathetic artist and a better listener. I would spend more time asking questions and taking notes than drawing the person.
This project grew in ways that I never expected. In October 2023, I presented Storytelling Drawing Session at the National Humanities Conference alongside Ms. Joanna Lenoir and Harrison Center Executive Director, Joanna Taft.
