In difficult times, the arts community at Drury University continues to cultivate an environment in which all voices can be heard. The most recent Pool Arts Center exhibition, entitled Say Their Names: Black Lives Matter, encourages “respectful and productive discourse about systemic racism in America,” explained Professor Rebecca Miller, contributing artist and gallery curator.

The Mirror met with Miller to discuss the goals and challenges of displaying her pieces in the show, a follow-up exhibition to last year’s Race in America. Both were “intended to show support for the Black community,” said Miller, who professionally photographs protests across the country as a staple of her work.

“A lot of my research has to do with protests and whether or not they [are done] civilly… There is much more of an intimidation factor in today’s protests, a physical presence,” she elaborated, citing the differences between the Trayvon Martin protests in 2012 and more recent demonstrations against gun violence, such as March for Our Lives.

“BLACK LIVES MATTER Protest, Springfield, MO” by Rebecca Miller. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Miller

Three of Miller’s photography pieces are on display as part of the exhibition, one taken at the Trayvon Martin protest, another at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Ala., and the third at one of this year’s Black Lives Matter protests in Springfield. The topic of protest documentation hits close to home for Miller, who added, “Just because you have a camera doesn’t mean you’re off-limits from experiencing violence… you take that chance as a photographer.”

When asked about the end goal of the Say Their Names exhibition, Miller explained, “I think there are a lot of misperceptions around the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s just about supporting African Americans in our community and treating everyone equally. It’s not that hard.”

The current exhibit at Pool Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Miller

Say Their Names: Black Lives Matter is on exhibition at the Pool Arts Center until February 26, and attendees are encouraged to place bids in the silent auction of 30 original works. All proceeds from the auction will go toward Drury University’s Diversity Scholarship program.

Article by Kay Wacasey