In one of her most famed essays, "How it Feels to be Colored Me," novelist Zora Neale Hurston speaks on how she "feel[s] most colored when thrown against a sharp white background."

Relating to this experience, artist Alexandria Clay’s “Colored Me” exhibition explores what an opposite, colored background looks like; one that prioritized, reinforced and supported her own identity and not just that of the majority. Learn more about the exhibition here.

In this Asserting Self in Space workshop, Clay will lead participants in collaging an image to represent what their ideal world would look like, as well as counteracting the experiences of being in uncomfortable spaces.

The workshop will take place Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Anchorlight (1401 S. Bloodworth St.) in Southeast Raleigh. Please RSVP as space is limited.

The essential question the workshop will address is: How can we process — and feel more prepared for — dealing with spaces that were not designed with us in mind?

After a brief discussion about the artwork and its purpose, participants will be able to:

- understand what makes a comfortable space for them as an individual
- make concrete examples of what public spaces should strive for
- exemplify the transformative process of collage as an art medium
- reassert their personal (and perhaps marginalized) narratives through image making

During this FREE workshop there will be refreshments and all materials will be provided, including magazines, paper, scissors, glue and other items needed to create a collage. Participants are encouraged to bring any photographs of spaces where they don’t feel welcome or comfortable. Please RSVP as space is limited.

Alexandria Clay’s “Colored Me” is on view through April 13. The closing reception will be April 13, 4 to 7 p.m. Follow along online and using the hashtag #ColoredMeExhibit. Clay is the third recipient of the Black On Black Project's Jo Ann Williams Artist Fellowship.