By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
Unbounded Artists Development Community took over the Collingwood Community Center on October 10 with a gallery exhibition and celebration dinner for their fifth anniversary. The “Celebrating Black Artists” anniversary fundraiser, recognized the role of artistic expression in community and cultural preservation. Host Latisha Williams led the evening, reminding guests, “we share our art and stories so people can take the journey with us.”
Amongst live performances from Sandra Rivers Gill, Megan Yasu Davis, Summer Reign and Davion Williams the guest toured the journey of work from the Unbounded Artists members. President and Founder, Audrey Johnson-Gibbs, alongside State Rep. Erika White, honored several of those artists that have shared resiliently and lead passionately within the community.
The honorees included eight creatives whose work and contributions have helped preserve Black culture, strengthen community connections and advance artistic expression in Toledo.
Honoree Alecia Robinson, an artist known for Sister Art Productions, was recognized for her creative work and volunteer efforts expanding access to arts programming for youth and adults.
Brenda Singletary, with 45 years of professional experience, was celebrated for her long-standing history in mixed-media and sculptural painting.
Also recognized for more than 40 years as a multidisciplinary artist and teaching artist, Simone Rence Spruce. Spruce’s achievements within her practice, arts education, exhibition curation and grant development were accompanied by her academic achievements earning her MFA in Visual Arts.
Honored for a lifetime of creative exploration, Alice Grace, an 84-year-old self-taught artist with work spanning painting, quilting, and other mediums. Odes Roberts Sr., founder of OROBS Fine Art Gallery, was recognized for preserving Black heritage and ancestral history through his Africa to America series and cultural entrepreneurship.
Imani Lateef, an award-winning graphic designer, earned recognition for Black storytelling through editorial design, comic art and his role in establishing Toledo’s first Black Comic Book Festival in 2017.
Lon White, a longtime airbrush artist, was honored for decades of artistic craftsmanship and continued engagement with the East Toledo community.
Edward E. Parker was recognized for his lifelong contributions to visual art and arts education. Parker taught and worked in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as the head of the art department at Audubon Jr. High for several years. He later taught at Cuyahoga Community College’s West campus for 20 years as a professor of art and the department coordinator. Finally, Zaniel Williams was recognized as a rising artist that has displayed the early characteristics carried out by the long term artist in receiving mentorship and becoming multidisciplinary in mediums of modern and traditional forms.
The Unbounded Artists fifth anniversary fundraiser brought community members to celebrate Black creativity while supporting the organization’s continued efforts to foster artistic growth and strengthen Toledo’s creative community. “Our commitment to providing a supportive launching pad for diverse talents is stronger than ever,” said Johnson-Gibbs.
The milestone highlights the organization’s work to encourage artistic development through creative programming, workshops and classes that help community members build practical skills. Unbounded Artists Development Community encompasses multiple disciplines, including photography, painting, writing, dance and multimedia art, while providing opportunities for local creatives to showcase their talents and connect with others.
