On Nov. 5, a total of 55 artists and 85 artworks were celebrated for participating in the FL3TCH3R exhibit, an exhibition that focuses on socially and politically engaged art.

(Photo by Maddi Miller/ East Tennessean)

The awards presentation was presented by Barbara and Wayne Dyer, co-directors of the exhibit.

“This exhibit was created for several reasons. The first was to honor the passion and legacy of our family member, Fletcher,” Barbra Dyer said, opening the presentation. “The second was to raise funds to endow a scholarship in Fletcher’s name to an Art and Design student. The third was to provide a venue for artists to continue the dialogue and social and politically engaged commentary. And the last was to accomplish Fletcher’s wish that was a dream of making a difference and to help create a movement that other’s will follow.”

The award ceremony covered all awards given to the artists. The art was shown throughout the video after every award. Some of the awards included the Network of Advocates for Promising Practices in Education Award, the Fletcher H. Dyer Awards, Black Lives Matter Awards, the Avery Healthcare and the Arts Award, among others. Best of Show was awarded to Yama Moonbow for his piece “Orange Hubris”.

The FL3TCH3R exhibit’s juror talk was given this year by photographer Carlton Wilkinson. The 30 minute video goes over his work in depth and explains what it means to him. Wilkinson is known for his work and how it reflects daily life and the African American experience. Wilkinson judged the 85 pieces of art accepted into the FL3TCH3R EXHIBIT.

“As we look at the artform of expressing oneself,” Wilkinson said. “To get their message across, I think is a very important American ideal.”

The lecture by Wilkinson covers eight years of various forms of the Black Lives Matter movement, including photos from funerals or memorials for Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, as well as more recent protests including a mannequin wearing a shirt reading “No Justice, No Peace”. His art aims to tell the story of these events, as well as bring awareness and conversation to these issues.

The FL3TCH3R Exhibit will be open until Dec. 11 at the Reece Museum. To watch the awards ceremony and juror talk with Carlton Wilkinson, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzLtogxQZNQRX3jwp9AC3vA.

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