I realize we go our lines crossed in some cases, and some of us clustered into groups--which is fine--as long as you had an opportunity to see some of the galleries and attractions along Main, which has experienced an upward incline in development and revitalization since the late eighties. I'm eager to hear your experiences, so please, let us hear how the day went. If you have photos, please share!
Here are some of my own from that day...
I want to start of by saying that I did not know that the street that the South Main Arts District is in is itself a kind of gallery on its own. I stumbled upon a few pieces as I was walking though like the IDO and the Razzle Dazzle ém Piano. The exhibits from the Art Village Gallery were stuning. I heard from someone that worked
ReplyDeletethere that many of the paintings downstairs where from their women's show and had paintings from women from around the world. It gave me something to think about along with the upstairs exhibits which were more in relation to African American or just African ideas or subject. Anyone who was not, and sometimes in this day is not, a white male did not have to work hard for any rights. Yes, there is the paradox of old and new coexisting but clashing at the same time. Businesses built within pre-existing buildings and some new buildings built by crumbling streets where you can see where the old brick street lies beneath. People are not escaping the old center of Memphis, they are returning to it and reviving it.
Maria I am so glad you enjoyed your visit to South Main. It would appear that you had a very enriching experience! I hope this will be the first of many visits.
DeleteI had a blast on Main! There were so many places I noted to go check out. The artwork around the city was also very impressive. I did not think we had such pieces like that around Memphis. One thing in particular that Dr. Lester and I saw was a "Mongo for Mayor sticker." For those who have never heard the legend. "Prince Mongo" supposedly inherited a great deal of money, but the condition to receiving this money was he had to do something outrageous every year. To meet with the terms he did things such as ran for mayor, let his grass grow to be about 3 or more feet high, threw crazy parties and several other things. I have been hearing about him for a few years now, but that was the first time I saw any proof of his existence. Dr. Lester and my dad educated me on who he was and why he is a Memphis legend. We also saw an impressive photo galley called "U Rock" and we got to take a peak at the Belz museum. We finished off the day by eating at the famous Arcade restaurant that you will see in many Memphis photographs. In my opinion, terrible service and food, but it is a neat novelty. The more I get to know Memphis, the more it begins to feel like home and the more I am proud to have grown up here.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you about the Arcade, which I regret. I thought it would have been so much better. The first time I went it wasn't so crowded and we enjoyed it. But the rest of the day was fantastic! I so enjoyed spending time with you all, getting to know you better, and just generally sharing some lovely spring weather in a artsy environment:)
DeleteUntil this past Saturday, I do not recall ever getting to spend a good bit of time on South Main. It was awesome. I can get lost in little galleries for hours. It is so cool to see little dioramas and magnets produced by local artists in some of the shops. I feel like there is a whole subculture of artists/creators in Memphis that I want to get to know. I feel like I need a reality check every once in a while in order to be reminded as to how neat Memphis actually is. I tend to forget when I am caught doing school stuff and other things. I even texted my mom Saturday afternoon, informing her that we need to visit South Main together sometime. I definitely look forward to going back there!
ReplyDeleteJust as you mention, the arts district was a fun departure from the grind of daily work and school. I too forget about the culture Memphis has to boast. I especially liked having the chance to take you all to the Center for Southern Folklore, which is a cool little spot. I'm glad you had a good time--and do take Mom soon while the weather is warm and nice!
DeleteDowntown can be very congested, but to walk into a place with such tranquility and creativity is an experience I needed. I love how people have various ways of expressing themselves, especially through artwork. I admire a piece of artwork that requires deep thought and imagination or more than meets the eye. When I first walked in, the very first painting to catch my eye was the American flag of multiple life changing events that occurred in the United States, and portrayed in front is a black man, back facing towards the viewer wearing a black suit holding onto a sign of Barack Obama's head behind his back. At first when I saw the picture, I thought it was a ridicule to Obama, but after reading the title of the painting, "Post Hope", it might be a positive outlook. All the other paintings were beautiful with bright colors. To allow people to view an exhibit of no charge is a great opportunity also. I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful commentary, Jaida! I'm so glad you made it to South Main and were able to enjoy some of the artwork there!
DeleteMemphis is known for its “Grit N’ Grind Mentality, however, many do not know that we have an artistic and culturally enhanced side. I discovered this side of Memphis down on South main street. As I walked down South Main, accompanied by Jaida and Menen, you could hear live music gleefully blaring. Your nose is teased by the many restaurants that line the street, the street art displayed on random walls scream “I am Memphis and proud of it!” We stopped at the Art Village art gallery, on South Main to view some of frame art. This as a large contrast form the art we viewed on the street such as the “I am a Man” mural. My favorite piece from the Art Village was a piece that featured 3-D art of a jungle, I enjoyed the pieces individuality. Overall this experience on South Main has given me a glimpse of the new downtown culture.
ReplyDeleteBefore going to S. Main St. I didn't even know it existed. I really enjoyed getting to see different things about it. My favorite part was the little concert they had going on at one of the restaurants. The art place we visited was also nice to me. To see the different shots and portraits there was of Memphis. Just walking down Main St. you saw some many different things. The DJ playing outside, The NCRM, etc.
ReplyDeleteWillie Mae Thornton AKA "Big Mama." She was a blues singer, songwriter, and a musician with no formal training for voice and instrument she played. She was born on December 11, 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama. Her father was a minister and her mother sings at the church with the choir, where she began her singing career and learned to play harmonica. At age fourteen, she began work scrubbing floor at a saloon that gave her the opportunity to sing in public. Thornton entered the talent show and won first place. She signed a contract to be a singer at the night club where she met and joined the Otis's Rhythm and Blues Caravan in Los Angeles, California. She became famous and toured in 1952 with the Otis's band performed at the Apollo in New York. Thornton nickname initiated as "Big Mama," because she stood six feet tall and had an earthy voice. In 1953, she recorded the song "Hound Dog" that later became famous when Elvis Presley sang it. It was Johnny Otis who requested Jerry Lieber and Mike Stroller to write the song "Hound Dog" specifically for "Big Mama" Thornton. The "Hound Dog" song became number one hit in the R&B charts that made her famous in the music industry. When Elvis Presley recorded the "Hound Dog" song, Thornton received a one-time credit for it and never saw another dime again. In 1960, the blues popularity started to decline. Thornton struggled professionally, but she toured in Europe in 1964. In 1979, she performed at the San Francisco Blues Festival despite her poor health condition and was given an Award. Thornton drinks too much, lost a lot of weight, and had a car accident in 1981. Thornton, who could not walk or stand, gave her last performance at a cabaret in Pasadena, California. Thornton died of a
ReplyDeleteheart attack and cirrhosis of the liver on July 25, 1984 in Los Angeles, California. In 1984, she was inducted in the Blue's Foundations Hall of Fame. Thornton died penniless and alone.