FREE | For Local Artists Join us for our summer ArtTalk! Visual artists of all experience levels and disciplines are invited to bring one piece of artwork in any stage of development for an informal community critique. In honor of Juneteenth, we encourage African-American artists and members of the African Diaspora to share their visual art, participate in the critique, and interact with community interpretations of their work. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, email Tiiwon Siaway at tsiaway@mmfa.org. How to Critique Visual Art 1) Describe what you see. 2) Analyze how well the art piece uses the elements of art and principles of design. 3) Interpret the meaning of the artwork. What does it make you feel? 4) Decide if the art piece successful/unsuccessful to you. Why or why not? 2026 ArtTalk Schedule ArtTalk occurs on the third Thursday of every other month (bi-monthly). All artists and groups are welcome regardless of theme. Photography and Digital Art: August 13, 2026 – The Armory Learning Arts Center 1018 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 Facilitator: Tiiwon Siaway Surreal Art: October 15, 2026 – Village Green Records 2960 Zelda Place, Suite F, Montgomery, AL 36106 Facilitator: Kaylee Hobbs Mixed Media: December 17, 2026 – Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Facilitator: Tiiwon Siaway This event is free. Due to limited space, registration is encouraged. Art Talk Facilitator: Winfred Hawkins BIOGRAPHY Winfred Hawkins, aka AKACHI, is a multidisciplinary artist from Montgomery Alabama. He earned his BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. His artistic practice includes drawing, painting, music production, design, and poetry. In 2012 Hawkins developed ulnar nerve entrapment in both arms. He spent the next five years reteaching himself how to draw with his opposite hand. “These days the most important thing, for me, is content. What, if anything, am I trying to say and why.” As a result of his injury, Hawkins has developed two different artistic approaches. Heavily influenced by graffiti and anime, his left-hand works rely heavily on allegory and symbolism. They are often more personal and political and address various social issues. Hawkins’ right-hand works focus on communication, or lack thereof, through the lens of dyslexia. Having dyslexia himself, he has always been interested in understanding the various ways in which we communicate with each other. “We all understand the world differently. My right-hand works are a commentary about the breakdown of that communication.” Register Here Related Programs + Events
