Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeska Populoh.
Valeska, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Baltimore in 2003 to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art. Thankfully, many portals were opened to me by other artists in town, and so I was able to discover an incredible diversity of organizations and community groups and scenes through the network of artists and cultural organizers here. Important portals for me were to Michael Lamason and Black Cherry Puppet Theater, Nanaprojects and Creative Alliance, and the Great Halloween Lantern Parade, the 14K Cabaret and Laure Drogoul, the Transmodern Festival, the H+H Building and Copy Cat, where lots of artists lived and shared events, Wombwork Productions. Sheila Gaskins, a cultural organizer and artist, helped me better see ways to open up my sense of community to be more inclusive of spaces and places in our city, especially the vibrant, historically Black cultural spaces and events in Baltimore. In addition, throughout the last 20 years of living here, I have learned from, and grown into community with, organizers working to center the needs of people who have been disenfranchised and marginalized, and engage environmental justice work as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The city is deeply affected by a history of policies and practices that disadvantage poor folks, and communities of color. There are divides between communities, exacerbated by a lack of trust, resource hoarding and gate keeping by those with access to funds, connections and space. Finding ways to both develop your own art practice, give it time and tending and resources, while also sharing resources and maintaining a sense of solidarity and responsibility to underresourced members of the arts community is a constant challenge. It is one I feel grateful for, though, because I have had the opportunity to have my own arts horizon broadened and my sense of community and connection expanded. Baltimore is a fascinating, at times heart breaking, often surprising, creative place. There is such a richness of creative people here, who are interested in collaboration and experimentation, and less interested in marketing and commodifying their work. There are so many artists who are also deeply committed to having their work be in service of uplifting, healing and advancing the well being of others, and for that I am grateful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I predominantly work as a performer, illustrator and cultural organizer. I make overhead projector shows and interactive performances, often around ecological themes. Collaboration with musicians is an important part of my work. I also help to organize parades and art builds, support organizations and community groups with prop-and puppet building for cultural events, campaigns, protests and rallies. I teach at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and am an affiliated artist with Black Cherry Puppet Theater.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valeskapopuloh.net
- Instagram: @valeskapopuloh
- Facebook: Valeska Populoh
