From Canvas to Camera: Overtown in Focus — Then and Now

From Canvas to Camera: Overtown in Focus — Then and Now bridges generations of artistry and advocacy, pairing the powerful visual narratives of legendary artist Purvis Young with the contemporary perspectives of URGENT, Inc.’s Our Voice Matters youth photographers. Together, their work captures Overtown’s enduring spirit — its struggles, triumphs, and transformation.

In the “Then” gallery, visitors will experience rarely seen works by Purvis Young, on loan from the private collection of Silo Crespo. Young’s paintings bear witness to the soul of Overtown, offering a timeless reflection on community, resilience, and hope.

In the “Now” gallery, the next generation of artists responds — young photographers trained through Photovoice, a community-based participatory research method that empowers them to document neighborhood assets, express local concerns, and ignite civic dialogue through images and storytelling.

Join us for a three-day celebration of art, dialogue, and community pride. 

Day 1 – Thursday, December 4: Opening Night & Juried Youth Photography Exhibition
Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Kick off the weekend with youth artistry on full display, judged by community and industry professionals, alongside music and activities.

Day 2 – Friday, December 5: Community Forum: Art as Witness
Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Engage in an evening of dialogue, music, and reflection inspired by Purvis Young’s legacy and the youth photographers’ visions of Overtown today.

Day 3 – Saturday, December 6: Family Arts Day & Youth Artpreneurship Market
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm

A creative celebration featuring hands-on arts activities and youth-led pop-up shops offering prints, t-shirts, and merchandise inspired by the exhibition. Then & Now Gallery Open

ART OF BLACK MIAMI