Don’t miss out on this free, one-of-a-kind workshop with local artist Stephanie Mercedes! It will be held right in our garden, and all are welcome to join. We encourage you to visit and participate in this symbolic, group art-making that will tackle the issue of gun violence in America.
A Bullets to Bells demonstration.
About The Event:
In collaboration with IA&A at Hillyer and Studio Gallery, local artist Stephanie Mercedes will be inviting members of the public to drop empty bullet casings, collected from the DC police department, into a homemade kiln. The bullets will be melted down into a single bell, which will be hung in the IA&A at Hillyer as a tribute to victims of gun violence.
How You Can Join: Bullets to Bells will take place on Thursday, June 20th in Studio Gallery’s garden. Join us at 6:30 pm for the workshop, and then follow Stephanie back to the Hillyer at 7:30 pm for an informal artist talk and reception.
For more about IA&A at Hillyer, check out their website.
Studio Gallery’s garden space, where Bullets to Bells will be taking place on Thursday, June 20th.
Artist Stephanie Mercedes with one of her Bullets to Bells creations.
About The Artist:
DC-based artist Stephanie Mercedes’ process relates heavily to gun violence and the symbolic transition to a peaceful state. She melts down bullets collected by the DCPD, and creates musical instruments for the public to reflect on. Stephanie has lectured and performed at numerous museums, including the Smithsonian, Bronx Museum, and Queens Museum. Her artistic practice fights the “materiality of violence,” and aims to transform it into beautiful, peaceful works of art and music.
From staff contributor Halley Stubis.