Epstein, alongside guest curator and operations associate of ArtLifting, David Murauskas presents the 30th installment in the South End landmark’s continuing art series, Sting! entitled, IMPACT. A collaboration with ArtLifting, an organization that empowers artists living with homelessness and disabilities through the sale and celebration of their artwork, the exhibit features the works of 11 talented artists from ArtLifting's nationwide platform who are facing these challenges. Artists represented in this show include: Ruben Lopez (New York, NY), Grace Goad (Nashville, TN), Douglas Pendleton (Boston, MA), Nick Morse (Boston, MA), Jefuri (Burlington, VT), Naomi Rosen (Austin, TX), Kimberly Williams (Washington, DC), Kirk Wittman (Providence, RI), Linda King (Providence, RI), Vito Bonanno (Westbrook, CT) and Tim Henning (Searsport, ME).
IMPACT introduces 11 artists on ArtLifting's platform who come from diverse backgrounds, lives and experiences. The show focuses on bringing to the forefront talent that would otherwise go unseen due to the circumstances affecting the artists' lives. The art is stunning in its own right, but when viewed through the lens and context of the artists' personal stories, brings light and awareness to the life-altering impact and challenge of homelessness and physical & mental disabilities on an individual. These artists are changing what it means to have a "job" in today's society, and are illustrating demographics and life experiences that are so often ignored or overlooked. ArtLifting was founded in November 2013 by Boston siblings, Liz and Spencer Powers, with the mission to empower artists living with homelessness and disability through the celebration and sale of their artwork. The organization which started with four local Boston artists, has since grown to 150 artists nationwide, providing these individuals with the opportunity to showcase their talent to a national audience and secure their own income by selling original paintings, prints and products. As a social enterprise and benefit corporation, ArtLifting operates as a “business for good” under the core values of creating opportunity, empowerment and validation. It enables artists to gain self-confidence that permeates to all aspects of their life, while also giving them the tools to become successful on their own merit. The Beehive's ongoing Sting! series always signifies the launch of a new art installation, and the opening of each exhibition highlights the many facets of The Beehive’s concept, bringing together great live entertainment, delicious food and libation specials, along with amazing art! Guests are invited to celebrate the opening night of The Beehive’s 30th Sting! installation with a cocktail reception where they can get to know the featured artists, peruse their pieces and also meet the team behind ArtLifting.
