Honoring Black History: Liberated Arts Foundation showcases artists while raising funds for organizations

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- David Marion and Tiara Green are using art as a catalyst for change.  It's the couple's passion project that they hope will make a mark in the art world as well as in the lives of those most in need.

This story is one of Marion and his wife giving back. It started when Green had somewhat of an epiphany in 2019.

"And I said I have an idea," Green said. "Which happens all the time, actually," Marion jokingly interrupted.  

Green had figured out a way to combine their passions and point them toward service.

"So, for me, I'm a storytelling artist," Marion said. 

"He's an artist, I am a public health professional by trade," Green said.

"So, it was a thought of 'how can we give back to the community' and it was 'let's have this event,'" Green said.

The event would be called the “Liberated Flow Charity Art Gala,” which would galvanize artists for the greater good. 

"We will come up with a theme and the artist will develop art that goes with that theme," Green said. "And that theme is going to be centered around a non-profit in the area focused on health and education. And we will utilize the profits from that event to sow back into that non profit organization."

From mental health awareness, to literacy, to Black history, the theme has changed each year since the gala started in 2019, and so have the non-profits it benefits.

The most recent event in December focused on homelessness and benefitted Home Again and Feed the Streets RVA. About 20 artists contributed to the collection that was on display at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

Marion himself created a piece called "Unsettled Reality," with a mother and son standing outside a foreclosed home and another one for sale.

"I put the bag on her shoulder so you can either interpret that as 'ok maybe she was forced out, or maybe she's never had a home and is looking for a place to settle,'" Marion said.

"So, that's something I want the viewer to internalize and try to figure out that piece of the puzzle," Marion said.

Artists featured in the display get a portion of the proceeds if their work sells, but Marion says the artists tell him the big payoff is just being seen. One of them recently summed it up.

"He was just so humbled and thankful for an opportunity to be a part of this space because he was like 'I've never been a part of an exhibition like the Black History Museum, I never thought that this was a path that was even feasible for me,'" Marion said.

When asked if by chasing this passion project, they’re creating Black history, the couple said, "We hope so."   

"We want to leave our imprint and leave a legacy behind," Green said. 

"Yep, not only for us but for our children," Marion agreed.

The couple had their inaugural gala in 2019 and formal established the Liberated Arts Foundation in 2022, through which the gala is now produced.

The Liberated Flow Charity Gala happens every December. It's a night of music, food and, of course, art. The couple has not yet announced what this year's theme will be.

To follow Liberated updates on Arts Foundation's events, visit its website.