By Jennifer Meeropol, RFC Executive Director
In early June, RFC beneficiaries and their parents joined staff and Board members for a virtual art show. Fourteen beneficiaries ages six to 21 shared a range of art in a variety of mediums, including paintings, photographs, collage, portraiture, music, and poetry. The call for art centered around the theme of “Hope for a Better World.”
We hoped that the virtual art show would allow grantees to connect with other beneficiaries who have lived through similar experiences while showcasing their creativity. RFC Board and staff have identified the barriers to building community as a key impediment in our efforts to combat the isolation that can make activist families more vulnerable when they face targeting and exacerbate the impact of the repression they face. Safety concerns during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 global health emergency, along with capacity issues as staff dealt with an increase in granting requests while also delivering a series of special programs (including marking the 30th anniversary of the RFC, commemorating the 70th anniversary of my grandparents’ executions, relaunching the Exonerate Ethel campaign and now planning for our 35th anniversary), have all made convening the next Gathering much more challenging than in the past.
Held over 4-day periods in western Massachusetts, Gatherings offer RFC beneficiary families and targeted activist youth an array of cultural workshops along with recreational and social activities. The programming facilitates the formation of bonds between participants and creates a space to share and connect with others in similar circumstances (learn more about these programs here).
We’re hoping to hold a Gathering in 2026 but in the meantime we wanted to gather virtually and immerse ourselves in beneficiaries' visions and hopes for the future. The virtual art show did just that; meeting on Zoom, young artists took turns talking about their work while attendees viewed the items and shared feedback, encouragement and reactions in the chat.
RFC founder Robert Meeropol, one of the Board members who attended, shared after the event, “it was well organized, making it safe and engaging for the participants. The art work… was both good and potent…I get the sense that those who participated got a lot out of it.”
Chat comments from attendees & artists included:
- “I love the collage style of these pieces. So much movement and history reflected here.”
- “So inspiring and innovative”
- “Love the creativity and talent of our artists.”
- “Wow, chills. Very powerful and rhythmic”
- “This painting gives me hope. I see the love of humanity.”
- “Thank you for the amazing opportunity.”
Activist art has been an important component of our work since our founding and we know how important it can be to activist movements, both now and in the past. We’re grateful for all the artistic members of our community who participated in the beneficiary art show. We applaud their creativity and are grateful they share their vision for a better world with all of us.
The art pieces and artists’ statements are available here.
"In this observational painting of a candle and flame, I captured a single candle flickering against a black background to symbolize resilience in the enduring presence of hope in darkness…. I was inspired by the quiet strength found in moments of stillness, and how a simple flame can represent courage, clarity and the promise of a brighter future.” Damian, age 21
"I made this piece of art to let the world know that no matter how people look at me, no matter how they might judge me, I will always be true to myself." Caliphe, age 14
"I made a journal with the history of the Rosenberg couple. In the middle of the journal, I included a small book about their courage and the mission of RFC. I decorated the journal with colored paper and painted it with acrylic paint." Aixa, age 10
Excerpt from Fear2Face
You must stand your ground
I mean look at the hitlist
It was natives, blacks
browns and tainos
All of this hate, it just feels so senseless
When will we wake up and realize
there will always be tension Unless words turn 2 revolution,
with freedom as pension
"For this piece, I drew inspiration from 2morrow by Tupac Shakur using the number 2 to replace the word too or two, and also acknowledged the problems that we face in society today." Jahari, age 17