Photographer

I'm grateful to have collaborated with Indigenous Roots several times since they opened up on the East Side with a gallery exhibition, film screening, and other community events. One thing is always consistent in working with I Roots in the feeling of coming together as a community that everyone has coming into the space. I remember finishing setting up photos for my show when class was about to start, youth were break dancing next to me, a parent was making food, and others were coming in to do homework, meet friends, or just be together with people they felt safe with. It affirmed to me that my artwork was exactly where it needed to be; with community that would identify with the subject matter, and would engage with and around the work in different ways. Maryanne and Sergio create space and allow community to bring it to life in their vision. It’s rare to find that and we are all blessed that they have continued to hold down the center amidst gentrification and colonization trying to take it away from us. I’m thankful for Indigenous Roots and happy to support them in any way they need.