In 2021, I wrote about my experience attending the Black Lives Matter artist reception at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Pullman, WA. I had been one of 20 artists selected to create new work speaking to the theme of Black Lives Matter who were then included in this 3-month-long exhibition.
 |
| This was at the artist reception in Oct. 2021 |
I was selected for this opportunity based on my proposal to create a portrait of this powerhouse couple, Nat and Thelma Jackson, who have spent their lives advocating for social justice and equity in education. Please read more about them here:
https://www.sos.wa.gov/legacy/sixty-eight/nat-and-thelma-jackson/
Nat and Thelma provided the photo for their portrait, which is from their 50th wedding anniversary. The background of stylized flowers and foliage represents both their love of gardening and their legacy as the cultivators of positive change and community in Thurston County, WA. After the exhibition, I set about finding a public art entity in Thurston County who would accept the artwork as a donation and install it in an appropriate location. Everything came together when the City of Lacey suggested their Community Center, which is a stone's throw from the Jacksons' home, adjacent to land once owned by the Jackson family before it was annexed. Plans were in the works already to install an informational marker on the Karen Fraser Evergreen Trail where it passes Goose Pond to recognize the connection to Nat and Thelma, so a plan slowly developed and an unveiling took place on October 4th, 2022.
The event was just perfect, on a beautiful fall day. Local community gathered along with the extended Jackson family. Nat and Thelma spoke eloquently of their connection to the Lacey community, and their deep gratitude for the acknowledgement they were receiving. The unveiling took place as the sun shone into the lobby, making the stained glass sparkle. Their granddaughter, Adera Gandy, sent me this short video just as the curtain was drawn back, and the sound of the crowd really says it all:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50TqxjOuHyo
 |
| Nat and Thelma Jackson with their mosaic portrait. |
After the mosaic unveiling, we walked to the marker at Goose Pond, about 10 minutes away from the Community Center.
It was an honor to create a lasting tribute to this wonderful couple. I learned so much from them and through the research I did while creating this piece. Thelma published a book this year: Blacks in Thurston County, WA; 1950-1975 A Community Album. You can order it here: https://nwilc.org/book-order Dr. Jackson has been an educator and education advocate for decades, and she is a wealth of information. Nat Jackson has worked in government and fought for civil rights throughout his life. To top it off, he holds the title of "U.S. National Jump Rope King", breaking records for speed-jumping in 2017.
If you are in the Lacey area, be sure to stop by the Community Center at 6729 Pacific Ave. SE and have a look at the new portrait.
