The Magic of New Beginnings
"The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all."
―Josiyah Martin.
There have been many moments of hardship in this past year. We have experienced catastrophic natural disasters, wars, political chaos, and extreme climate shifts. And yet, there have also been numerous magical moments that balance out the rollercoaster ride that evolves from the gift of living in this beautiful world.
Bader+Simon has experienced its own magic. Construction has begun on the space that will eventually be home to a permanent collection and revolving shows that encourage curiosity, inclusion, and an intersection of social justice topics and artistic expression.
Thank you to Robert Sebree for images
Photo: Robert Sebree
We had seven engaging online exhibits that ranged from gun control to trans resilience, to art and magic, and Native American and South Asian art. Furthermore, our podcast, B+S with Friends, commenced on January 24, with me interviewing board member Anu Mitra.
Dr. Anu Mitra with Bader+Simon founder, Tamara White.
Through engaging conversations, we learned what inspires people, how curated shows are created, the paths that people both found and created for themselves, and we learned what social justice causes are most meaningful to them. They include gun control, LGBTQ+ protection, climate change, and animal rights, among others.
We also discovered that our guests preferred sparkling water over flat. Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas were the top choices for least favorite Supreme Court Justice. But mostly, we learned that everyone has a story to tell. We each have a uniquely beautiful history rich with detail. Some of the background music to those storylines include Shape of You, Dancing Queen, Riders on the Storm, and the B-Side of Judy Garland, Live at Carnegie Hall.
As we pull another page off the calendar and welcome 2024, all of us at Bader+Simon wish you a joyous and peaceful time with your friends and family. We look forward to sharing more provocative exhibits in the new year. Until then, please enjoy our latest exhibition – a selection of pieces from the permanent collection that examines identity and questions who we are and who we shall become. Stay tuned for a big announcement in early January as we continue to find ways to support the artists that color our world interesting.
Thank you for supporting, encouraging, and following us (and if you don't, please do!).
I am immensely grateful to the artmakers, the art lovers, and the social justice warriors working fearlessly to ensure that we hear the stories that need to be told.
Be well and stay magical.
Tamara White
founder