On June 20th, the BUF BLM Action Ministry team welcomed assemblage artist Ed Bereal and his wife, abstract painter Barbara Sternberger, as guest speakers.
The couple explained that in 1993, Ed began teaching at Western Washington and the couple moved from Southern California to an ideal farm house in north Bellingham. Although their political views differed greatly from their new neighbors, the couple became part of a rural community that bonded and looked out for each other. Ed described the area as having similar social issues to inner city minority neighborhoods
Already a successful artist addressing American stereotypes, Ed told the life-changing story of being in the middle of the National Guard occupation of greater Watts following the riots. The experience moved his practice to greater activism, including the street theater group Bodacious Buggerrilla.
Ed explained the artist expression behind his creation of a unique style of assemblage art that addresses current racial and political issues. He is currently perfecting a holographic technique to convey his political perspective.
Ed discussed a planned mural project at the Community Co-op in Bellingham that addresses racism. The project took many months of discussion before a design was agreed to.
Q&A followed.
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