Art Lives in Conversation

Join us for a preview of "Photography is My Heart”. This exhibition features a retrospective of artwork by renowned and award winning photographer, John Simmons. 

Simmons, known primarily as a cinematographer, started his creative journey with collage and photography. Influenced by figures like Robert Sengstacke and Aaron Douglas, he later gained recognition through Carlton Moss and Ousmane Sembene. Despite Emmy Award-winning films, photography remains his sacred form of expression. Discover his iconic images, like Girl Eating Ice Cream (1967), and recent works like Fight Like a Girl, Los Angeles, CA (2019). Simmons' passion for photography communicates timeless messages to new audiences. This exhibition by Dot Red and curated alongside ​​Bridget R. Cooks, Ph.D. offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of Simmons' work and celebrate the beauty of black life, history, and culture. Don't miss this timeless and powerful experience. 

Dot Red’s panel discussion will focus on “Art Collecting During a Time of Social Change,” featuring arts advocate and activist collector Josef Vascovitz, Director of Community Philanthropy for the Portland Art Museum, John Goodwin, and Seattle-based visual artist Barbara Earl Thomas. This thoughtful discussion will explore the dynamic relationship between art, social transformation, and the evolving practices of museums, experienced collectors, and artists. Along side our moderator Jeremy Quant, our panelists will reflect on their journey and provide strategies for the next wave of socially conscious collectors, curators, and artists.