"United" New Exhibition by metalsmith artist, Shani Richards at Akron Soul Train

Akron Soul Train announces the exhibition of United, a show featuring the works of its artist-in-residence and Akron native, Shani Richards.  As a trained metalsmith, Shani is fascinated with “how people use jewelry, body modifications, shoes and clothing to convey their race, social status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and class.”  United runs March 4-28th with an opening reception March 5th from 6-8:00pm.

For her residency, Shani examines the power of racial slurs and expands her research to include sexual orientation and gender pronouns.  United is an exhibition of her work and the art relies on audience participation and conversation.  Hanging a label from one’s neck can be an empowering process as the word can become neutralized by being presented as a shiny necklace.  Gallery visitors are encouraged to choose a pendant and take selfies for social media in order to open up dialogue outside of the gallery.