Art & Justice: The Power of Reconciliation

730 Colorado Boulevard,Denver CO 80206

08 July, 2021

Description

While art helps restore the soul, we need to examine ways to also restore justice. Activists frequently use art to drive home important messages, and there are key leaders who have committed their lives to finding ways to make necessary impacts in how we rethink justice in a way that allows for dignity to exist. During this interactive session, Imperfect Pixels artist, Travis Sheridan, will interview Tonoa Manuel and Barry Overton to explore the intersection of Art & Justice. 5:30 to 6:00 - View Imperfect Pixel Exhibit6:00 to 7:15 - Participate in Discussion7:15 to 8:00 - Network and ConnectGuest SpeakersTonoa ManualTonoa Manuel was shaped by what she saw as a child and then environment she grew up in which allowed her to quickly see disparity and lack of equality. Quickly understanding that she was not alone in dealing with the struggles of self-esteem and self-love, she identified a need for those needing more support. She began working on herself as well as pouring back into the communities that made her who she is and the person she hoped to become. With over 10 years of experience in Project Management & Risk Mitigation, in the both the private and non-profit sector, Tonoa has taken the things that she has learned over time and built the foundation of SIYG Consulting Firm, an organization geared towards Mentorship, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Restorative Practice and so much more. She enjoys connecting with her community in spaces that allow for growth and sustainability alongside authenticity, vulnerability, and integrity. Barry OvertonBarry Overton is a Real Estate Broker, and a Business Owner, with a 26 year background as a police officer. He worked as a detective and a neighborhood police officer. He is a member of the NAACP. He was also appointed to the Denver African American Commission, by Mayor Michael Hancock. And served as the Chair of that Commission. He continues to encourage the police and the community to engage in open dialogue to bridge the gap of between the two. Travis Sheridan has spent his career as a community designer. In various professional and personal roles, he’s focused on creating environments that stimulate thinking, engagement, and capacity building. While this is often manifested in the creation of physical spaces, he uses art to accomplish similar goals. Trained in psychology and conflict resolution, Travis focuses on people’s relationship to the world and the world’s relationship to people -- peace cannot exist without understanding and most conflicts are a result of a gap between expectations and reality. His art practice has included both performing arts and visual arts. As an active member of the innovation community, Travis is fascinated by finding ways to use technology to produce analog experiential art and momentarily create a gap between what is expected and what is real. Travis is skilled at initiating constructive conflict, offering a chance at deeper understanding, and allowing people to find a new kind of peace. Travis is originally from California, but has lived in St Louis since 2012. He is the proud designer and owner of the first shipping container house in the City of St Louis and calls Old North St Louis home.