We recently connected with Louise Cutler and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Louise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve had the privilege of working on is The Beauty of Blackness Fine Art Show. This project is deeply personal and significant to me as it provides a platform to showcase and celebrate the talents of Black and African American artists in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Black American residents make up only 1.6% of the population and 3.83% in the entire state.

The inspiration behind this art show stemmed from the need to create a space where Black American and people of color voices and creativity could be recognized and appreciated in a community where they are often marginalized and overlooked. In Fort Collins, events that highlight and honor Black American culture are rare, and the Beauty of Blackness Fine Art Show fills that gap, offering a sense of belonging and representation.

Starting this indoor fine art show was driven by my desire to foster an environment where Black American culture could be shared and celebrated alongside other cultures. It wasn’t just about creating an art show exclusively for Black Americans; it was about creating an inclusive event where people from all backgrounds could come together to enjoy, learn about, and purchase art. I wanted to demonstrate that art transcends cultural boundaries and that Black American artists contribute to a wide range of genres, from abstract to figurative to pop culture.

Launching this show in Fort Collins was seen as a challenge by many, given the small Black population and the perception that such an event would be more suited to a larger city like Denver. However, I was committed to bringing something unique to Fort Collins, proving that a fine art show could thrive here and that the community would embrace it.

I have had a few people comment on the show being racist. This word has been so improperly used in our society that everyone feels the need to use it for their own benefit. The Beauty of Blackness Fine Art Show is about sharing the love of one’s cultural heritage as well as allowing Black and African American artists a platform to show and sell their work to a wider, diverse audience. What most people do not know is that the one-drop rule still exists in America, so in reality, the vast majority of Americans and beyond can actually apply for the show. Because the one-drop rule only applies to being a Black American, I am sure most Americans possess at least one drop of Black/African blood in their DNA.

**One Drop Rule**: After the Civil War and into the early 20th century, as Black people who were formerly enslaved gained more civil rights, some White leaders in Southern states such as Arkansas and Virginia tried to maintain racial separations by passing laws stating that one drop of “Negro blood” made a person Black. The legacy of the law of hypodescent—or the “one-drop rule” as it has been called—was officially adopted by the U.S. census in 1930 and still lives on in practice today. It helps explain why people who are mixed race in the U.S. tend to be categorized as belonging to whatever group is ranked lower on the racial hierarchy.

The Beauty of Blackness Fine Art Show is not just an event; it is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the richness of Black American culture. It provides a much-needed platform for Black American artists to have their voices heard and their talents recognized. For me, this project is meaningful because it bridges cultural gaps, fosters understanding, and showcases The Beauty of Black American and people of color artistry in a way that unites and enriches the entire community. The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show take place in early Sept. in Fort Collins Colorado.

Louise, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I consider myself a dedicated artist that strides in the world of art with a desire to bringing visibility and representation to artists of color. My journey into the art world began with a passion for creating peace and harmony, creativity and a desire to highlight the beauty and significance of Black American art. Through my work, I work to create a platform for artists of color to showcase their talents and share their stories with a broader audience.
My Studio offers a variety of products and services, including:
Workshops and Classes: Providing educational opportunities for artists and those in the community of all levels to learn and refine their skills.
Exhibitions: Curating art shows like the Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show, A Culture Preserved In The Black Experience and We Are Still Watching which highlights the work of Black American artists.
Artist Talks: Hosting events where artists can share their experiences, techniques, and inspirations with the community.
Creating Artwork in the form of painting and bronze sculptures that continually promote peace, harmony and education.
I often feel the need to address several challenges in our community, such as:
Representation: Bringing more artists of color to conduct workshops and talks in a community with a low Black America population.
Space and Venue: Partnering with venues like Foothills Mall to provide space for public workshops and events.
Funding: Developing innovative ways to raise funds to support art activities, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder artistic expression.
I find what sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to inclusivity, representation, and education in the arts. I not only create beautiful and meaningful art but also fosters a supportive and inspiring environment for other artists to thrive.
I am most proud of the positive impact I feel I have made in my community by promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts.I have successfully created platforms for underrepresented artists and has inspired many through my workshops, exhibitions, and talks.
Inclusivity and Representation: I am dedicated to promoting diversity in the arts and providing opportunities for artists of color.
Quality and Craftsmanship: I offer high-quality workshops, exhibitions, and art pieces, particularly specializing in the intricate craft of gilding.
Community Impact: My work is not just about art; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the community by bringing people together and fostering a love for creativity.
My Studio is more than just an art studio—it’s a hub for creativity, education, and cultural enrichment.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The best way for society to support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is by taking concrete actions to exhibit their work and recognize the significance of both displaying and purchasing art for homes and offices. Here are some key ways to achieve this:
Exhibit and Purchase Art:
Ensure that art is not just displayed but actively purchased for public and private spaces. This includes homes, offices, museums and public buildings. Purchasing art supports artists financially and validates their work’s value.
Fair Compensation:
Hire artists to teach workshops, sit on boards, and participate in various professional capacities. Stop expecting artists to volunteer their services; compensate them fairly for their time and expertise. Art costs money, and artists deserve to be paid for their contributions.
Public Art Programs:
Invest in purchasing artworks for public display in city buildings and corporate environments without relying solely on grants or contests. This direct investment can help integrate art into everyday life and support artists financially.
Community Integration:
Create spaces where artists can actively and cratively participate in the community and be treated equally, similar to other professionals such as doctors and lawyers. Recognize that professional artists are valuable to the community, contributing to its vibrancy and cultural richness.
Artist Guilds and Resources:
Cities should establish organized artist guilds with readily accessible services and resources. These guilds can provide support, networking opportunities, and professional development for artists, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Cultural Recognition:
Recognize the importance of art in enriching our lives and communities. Acknowledge that life without art can be bland and that art is an integral part of our ecosystem. Societal recognition of art’s value can lead to more robust support systems for artists.
By taking these steps, society can create an environment where artists and creatives are supported, valued, and able to thrive. This approach not only benefits artists but also enhances the cultural and aesthetic richness of the community as a whole.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my mission is to continue breaking down barriers that divide us. Black American art and artists are among the least collected in major art institutions, museums, and galleries. The Black American voice is still not recognized as a culturally significant voice in our society, even though we have been a crucial labor force in building much of it. Art has long been considered a recorder of history, yet the Black American narrative has not been allowed to be part of this record.

Black American art should be collected, preserved, and exhibited in museums and other public historical institutions for the same reasons that white American and European art are collected and preserved: to document lives lived, stories told, cultures, historical moments, and the events of a group of people. This serves to preserve an artist’s visual interpretation of the world as they see it. However, this narrative has not been allowed for Black American artists.

Our visual narratives have been marginalized, only accepted within our own communities, galleries, and at art fairs. The percentage of museum-owned Black art is staggeringly low compared to white and European counterparts. About 85.4% of the works in the collections of major U.S. museums were created by white artists, and 87.4% were by male artists. African American artists account for just 1.2% of the works.

The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show exists for preservation, cultural awareness, and affirmation, as well as to share the cultural richness of the Black community. It is designed to present a visual narrative told through the eyes of Black and African American artists from around the country. It aims to spark conversation and create dialogue that stimulates communal growth while exploring how we as Black Americans relate to and fit within the so-called American dream, which we have had to consistently reshape and reformulate our identities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheBeautyofBlacknessFineArtShow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyofblacknessfineartshow/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBOBFAS
• Linkedin: Louise Cutler
• Twitter: https://x.com/BeautyBlackness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyofblacknessfineartshow
• Soundcloud: Louise Cutler
• Other: Facebook, instagram, linkedin, youtube: Louise Cutler Studio
  twitter Louise Cutler Music

Image Credits

Louise Cutler
Foot Hill Mall Photographer