The new Flossmoor Art Council will hold its first public event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in FCC Community House, 847 Hutchison Road. The event will include a showing of “The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells.”
The film’s title refers to “The Light of Truth,” a sculpture in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood dedicated to the memory of civil and women’s rights activist Ida B. Wells-Barnett. The bronze and marble sculpture was created by the late artist Richard Hunt. Flossmoor has a Hunt sculpture, “Uplifted,” which is located at the northeast corner of Leavitt Park. It is the only work in the village’s collection created by a Black artist.
Council co-founder Troy Holmes said he saw the film at the Chicago International Film Festival.
“I immediately thought of Flossmoor Art Council, because the biggest thing that we’re doing is bringing together diverse artists from all three art forms, performing, visual and literary,” he said. “And what this film did is it incorporated all three of those into one.”
Holmes’ husband and fellow council board member Qadree Holmes is also on the Chicago International Film Festival Black Perspectives Committee. He said the film helps exemplify the council’s mission to support diversity in the arts.
According to the film’s website, “The Light of Truth” weaves together the legacies of Wells-Barnett and Hunt, “as they confront the injustices of racism with their work.” The film’s title is part of a Wells-Barnett quote: “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
A trailer for the film is available at amonumentforidabfilm.com.
Qadree said the Flossmoor Art Council received a generous donation from house music pioneer Vince Lawrence and his wife, Tara, that enabled the showing of “The Light of Truth.” He said Lawrence has been invited to attend the showing.
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Free tickets are available at the council’s website.
