Creating Community: BIPOC Artists Share Their Stories Around the Block

In this episode of Dialogue, we explore the vibrant local art scene through the lens of Parkland College’s Giertz Gallery exhibition “Around the Block: Artists from Our Neighborhood.” Now in its fifth year, this juried community exhibition showcases 84 regional artists and celebrates the diverse creative voices that call Champaign-Urbana home. 

Through intimate conversations at the gallery’s closing reception and beyond, Dialogue sat down with three featured BIPOC artists who each tell unique stories through their work: Shauri Gonzales, a University of Illinois graduate whose powerful self-portrait “Longing” explores her experience as a disabled artist living with Multiple Sclerosis; Annelise Rhoads, a non-binary digital artist whose dreamy fantasy landscapes reflect their involvement in medieval reenactment communities; and Dr. Nicole Anderson Cobb, an activist and playwright whose watercolor “LB at Allerton” contemplates Black presence in public spaces and freedom.

These artists share how their identities, experiences, and community connections shape their creative practice. The episode also features insights from Gallery Director Lisa Costello about the exhibition’s evolution and impact over five years.

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GUESTS:

Nicole Anderson Cobb, PhD

• Researcher, educator, activist, journalist, award-winning playwright and community volunteer.

Lisa Costello

• Arts, Media, & Social Sciences  Art Gallery Director

Shauri Gonzalez

• Artist
• Art alum from UIUC 

Annalise Rhoads 

• Artist
• Alum from Parkland College and UIUC