Art can be defined as the expression of ideas and emotions through physical mediums like painting, sculpture, film, dance, writing, photography, or theatre. However, Julia Smith expresses her art through activism. As the new Executive Art Director at Range Projects, located at 3718 West Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, CA. Smith has dedicated her life to social change and fostering meaningful connections in her community. She champions artists who utilize their talents to raise awareness for crucial social issues as activism and art intersect in her life’s journey.
Smith is an L.A. native and a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. With over two decades in the field, she was introduced to Range Projects through her advocacy work and as a community volunteer. She channels her activism by curating spaces where art transcends boundaries. Smith believes that she was in the right place, at the right time, with an open mind that led her to her new position at the gallery.
She shared, “like many people, after I graduated from college, I thought success was only a reach away but quickly realized that wasn’t reality. I went through a long period of time trying to figure myself out and what I was going to do. I joined the union and then I realized that I have purpose along with great leadership skills. Since 2008, I’ve had the courage to be the change I want to see. I became part of the community board and found my way to Range Projects. Even though it wasn’t in the plans, I am living out my wildest dream.”
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Most recently, Range Projects hosted “The Landscape Is A Body and The Body is A Landscape” Exhibit that concluded on Saturday, August 24. The gallery transformed into a beacon of artistic exploration with breathtaking work from Lanise Howard, Khari Turner, Dallin Moe, Lauren Pierce, Sowemimo Daniel, Aviante, and Jackie Nagel. Each piece was vibrant, provocative, and impressive as the artists were invited to express their narratives, that would make a lasting impact on the community. Two major pieces by artist Lanise Howard showcased the Black female body to make a statement about the outer limits or parts that make up a whole divine being, the Black woman.
When asked about Howard’s work, Smith shared “this is a political statement that says as Black women ‘we want justice’ and this is her [Howard] way of saying ‘this is what I’m doing.’ There are no boundaries, no one is going to hold this art back. Whatever I can do to promote forward thinking through art I will do. These artists are the future.”
Smith also spends time in schools and volunteering with the youth to ensure art does not stop or end at Range Projects. She encourages young students, teachers, and counselors to get involved in the arts to allow expression across all ages. Smith plans to implement more youth programs and has incorporated photography curriculum for schools and students to learn more about the art of capturing moments on film.
Smith expressed her deepest gratitude for the community and the support she has received. “My grandmother just turned 100 years old, and she is an avid supporter of the paper and it’s been a dream come true to have the support and recognition for our work. Many people have never been to an art gallery. I want the community to know Range Projects is family friendly, all are welcomed, and people don’t have to feel pressure of visiting a space in your local community.”
“This community is facing displacement and Black and Brown erasure. The more they try to erase the more I am going to find more artists to retell the story. Lots of good things to come! My focus is on the youth, as many of these programs for young people do not exist. Through activism I hope to keep art activated, especially on Slauson.”
Many gathered over the past weekend to celebrate the exhibit and to welcome new beginnings for Range Projects. Guests floated in and out of rooms where art was displayed, pondering over their meaning and how it relates to their lives, enjoying what they understood and what they could learn more about. Smith created a safe and warm environment with refreshments and music.
Visit Range Projects Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stay up to date with upcoming events and exhibits with Julia Smith on Instagram at Julia smith (@juliasmith3909).
