In the Light National Asian Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Art Show In this 10’ x 8’ piece comprised of 60 individually painted clipboards, Matamatanonofo “Nofo” Porter’s work, “In the Light”, showcases the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. As a self-taught, community-based artist, Porter works to better recognize marginalized groups through creative and innovative pieces. With May 19 as National Asian Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Porter’s work utilizes mixed media materials to celebrate Polynesian life in the open, “free from shadow and shame.” “In the Light” captures a Polynesian man’s bright smile, coupled with the delicate beauty of a tropical hibiscus in full bloom. The two are framed under a backdrop of lush green and blue textures with a border of traditional Hawaiian design work, encapsulating the profound impact of Asian Pacific American heritage. With Pacific Islander culture as a central theme in her body of work, “In the Light” radiates expressive identity. Porter was born in 1991 in Honolulu, HI, and after spending the majority of her childhood across the South Puget Sound, graduated high school in Kent, WA. After serving 6 years in the Army National Guard as a combat medic, Porter now works passionately on public murals, spoken word pieces, socially motivated exhibitions, and even stand up comedy. Nofo Porter provides a strong voice to underrepresented communities and sheds light on the beauty of expressive culture and the richness of Polynesian life. You can find more of Nofo Porter’s work via Instagram @redegg04, or on her website: redegg04.wixsite.com. In the Light: National Asian Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Art Show Featuring: Matamatanonofo “Nofo” Porter SHOW RUNS THROUGH MAY 31, 2019 GALLERY HOURS: M/T/Th/F 9 - 5PM WED 11 - 5PM All are welcome CONTACT INFO: jill a frey, Gallery Curator www.pcaf-wa.org jfrey@piercecountyaids.org 253-383-2565, ext 7201 jill a frey, MA (pronouns: she/her/hers) Personnel and Administrative Coordinator Tacoma (253) 383-2565 3009 S. 40th St., Tacoma WA 98409 Olympia (360) 352-2375 2101 4th Ave. E. #103, Olympia WA 98506 “It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance...and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.” Henry James [image: tagline.JPG] *www.pcaf-wa.org <http://www.pcaf-wa.org>* **CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE** This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, proprietary, and/or privileged information protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, copy, or distribute this email message or its attachments. If you believe you have received this email message in error, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.