I’ve Endured Artist Talk

Join us this Saturday for a special artist talk to celebrate the final day of I’ve Endured: Women of Old Time Music at Creative Alliance. We’re bringing together the original curator Rene Rodgers and two of the contemporary artists featured in the exhibition: Jani Hileman and Dr. Dena Ross Jennings. This conversation will offer a deeper understanding of the themes, materials, and cultural connections behind the artwork on display. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear directly from these talented artists and celebrate the exhibition’s closing day!

René Rodgers

Head Curator at BCMM. René has been working with the museum since its construction in 2012, starting as a freelancer on the original content team and leading a small but mighty curatorial team of three today. Over the past several years, she has been committed to ensuring educators see BCMM as a resource beyond the field trip. She oversaw the project, convening the teacher focus groups, working with the consultants on content development, and writing the supplementary resource documents.

Jani Hileman

Jani Hileman, a multidisciplinary artist based in Baltimore, will share insights into her practice that blends sculpture, storytelling, and performance. Known for her labor-intensive, hands-on approach to creating art, Jani draws inspiration from natural materials and human connection to the environment. Her work explores the intersection of craft and the natural world, and her projects invite audiences to engage with both the process and the story behind each piece.

Dr. Dena Ross Jennings

Dr. Dena Ross Jennings, a prominent figure in the exhibition, will join Jani to discuss her own work and the broader themes of the I’ve Endured show, which highlights the resilience and creativity of women in the context of old-time music.