Award-winning, local gay artist Todd Bradley presents “Freedom on the Fence,” a captivating outdoor photography exhibition that captures the essence of the Normal Heights community’s beliefs and personal interpretations of freedom and America. This unique and thought-provoking event will take place on the picket fence at the home of David and Mindy Hayes, hosts of an annual Fourth of July event. The photography exhibition will run briefly from July 1 to July 4 evening.
“Freedom on the Fence” brings together the diverse voices of the Normal Heights community, showcasing their perspectives on freedom and what America means to them. Through a series of photographs taken over a year, Todd Bradley artfully captures the spirit and diversity of the neighborhood, all while emphasizing the unity that binds the community together.
This four-day unconventional exhibition fosters community engagement and highlights artists’ challenges finding traditional gallery spaces to showcase their work. Art institutions have been closing at alarming rates lately. And the scheduling for solo shows at museums or galleries is often years away. Artists like Todd Bradley have turned to innovative methods to bring their art to the public.
The exhibition features photographs of community members taken over the last year, with a significant portion captured during the Fourth of July ice cream social at the Hayes’ home. Other images were taken in the studio with a black background. Participants were allowed to express their thoughts on democracy by selecting a framed blackboard with “Freedom is” or “America is” or by writing their own message. The chosen images strikingly portray the neighborhood’s diversity and the richness of our nation.
“Freedom on the Fence” will display large 2-foot by 3-foot images printed on vinyl strapped onto the white picket fence at the Hayes’ home on the corner of 35th Street and North Mountain View Dr. This daytime exhibition will be a focal point of the annual Fourth of July celebrations in Normal Heights. The exhibition will open to the public on Saturday, July 1, in the morning and will remain on display until the evening of July 4.
To celebrate the exhibition and strengthen the community bonds, a special reception will be held on July 4 at 11 a.m., coinciding with the annual ice cream social. Attendees will be able to engage with the artist, Todd Bradley, to gain deeper insights into the stories behind the photographs and participate in the project by voicing their opinions on a chalkboard about Freedom or America while having their portrait taken.
“Freedom on the Fence” encapsulates the true spirit of Normal Heights, showcasing the community’s shared values while respecting the diverse perspectives within. Join us in this celebration of art, freedom, and community.
