In Oakland’s Laurel District are paintings and mixed media pieces that represent the joy, hope and love that is expressed through strong familial bonds, music and hospitality. 

"IMAGES: Another Side of Me" is Valerie Brown-Troutt’s art exhibit at Conscious Collective, 4148 MacArthur Blvd., between 39th Avenue and Maybelle. The show, which opened July 30, runs through Sept. 9.

“It’s sort of a folk art feel to it,” explained curator Dvora Gordon. “There’s a lot of strength of emotion in her pieces and when you look at them you react. It’s very evocative.”
"IMAGES" is Brown-Troutt’s first art show, and having never attended school for art, she is what some in the art world may refer to as an “outsider artist." But this mother, grandmother, wife, teacher, pastor and music lover doesn’t refer to herself as an artist either.

"Well, I don’t know if I like the word artist,” she said. “I have been creative all of my life.”

The daughter of a jazz enthusiast and a mother who was a true fashionista before the term, Brown-Troutt’s creativity shows through in her use of bold colors and placement of buttons, pearls, lace and other media to tell her stories on canvas. She puts it all together with a purpose.

“I have grandchildren and I want them to know about things that were important,” said the grandmother of nine. “The pieces that I have created so far have been salutes or a celebration of the people who showed me ... who reared me.”

Women dancing with joy, time spent in the kitchen to prepare a great meal, the presence of black-eyed peas and fresh vegetables and the influence of blues music on gospel are all represented in the show. These are just a few of the things Brown-Troutt wants her grandchildren and onlookers to be aware of, to remember. There are a few pieces in the exhibit that emphasize the importance of not forgetting by incorporating a cream ribbon with the word “remember.”

In “Wear Cream (Mourning),” women are lined up donning the designated color. While the idea of mourning and funerals often evokes black, this piece isn’t so dark as it was inspired by the life celebration for Bishop Walter Hawkins. “Let’s Get Married,” is another that emphasizes memory, as well as love, tradition and commitment. Lyrics from Al Green’s “Let’s Get Married” and “Forever Mine” by the OJay’s rest on the canvas along with lace, flowers and a broom decorated with cowry shells and Kente clothe representing the practice of “jumping the broom.”

“The 'Let’s get married piece,' it has to do with when people make vows to each other and with God,” said Brown-Troutt who has been married for 37 years. “They need to remember what they said to each other and remember what the vows contain.”

The  blend of music, art and ministry is the type of mixing that happens at Brown-Troutt’s church as well. She is the pastor of the New Community Fellowship in Oakland.

“It is a ministry that is relatively small and celebrates the Christian faith and it’s very inclusive of all people and inclusive of artists in particular.”

She shares the space with her daughter and namesake, a jazz musician who has shows and works to create a platform for female artists. Her efforts include a women showcase the third Friday of each month. 

“I think that everyone should celebrate the arts in some kind of way,” notes Valerie Brown-Troutt. “Everyone is creative and everyone has stories that need to be told and in this world.”

For an appointment with the show’s curator call (510) 436-4277 or email thespaceoakland@gmail.com.