2008 Woodie Awards
"Evidence: An Art Show About Police Brutality"
New community space above Gate City Noise hosts exhibit in memory of Gilbert Barber
Aaron Hall
Issue date: 11/14/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The new community space above Gate City Noise and next to the Flying Anvil on 219 West Lewis Street was inaugurated in earnest Friday night as it began hosting a provocative exhibit on police brutality called "Evidence: An Art Show About Police Brutality."
The exhibit included pieces that explore police brutality in general, but the main focus was the case of Gilbert Barber, the 22-year-old African American man shot to death by Greensboro police officer Thomas Gordy in 2001. Gordy had responded to calls by neighbors about a naked man causing disturbances after his car had wrecked. According to the official investigation, Gordy acted in self-defense after being lunged at by Barber. However, Barber's family and friends have never fully reconciled themselves to the official account, and point to oddities such as Barber's teeth being found inside a nearby church as a sign that there remains doubt as to what really happened that night.
Barber's death is commemorated by a display that includes family photographs, as well as remnants of the crime scene and legal battles following the events of five years ago.
In addition to Barber's display, there are prints, paintings, drawings, and other media that address the theme of police brutality and racism. The opening night featured a performance art piece addressing hate and racial reconciliation and was backed up by a D.J. The exhibit will run until Nov. 26 and will be open from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
The idea for a community space next to the Flying Anvil was born out of discussions by Andrew Dudeck and Pete Schroth , managers of the Anvil, about what to do with unused space above Gate City Noise, the record store next to the venue. Eventually John McClean, sound guy for the Anvil, told them that he knew people looking for a space to set up a community center. After a meeting five weeks ago of a group of interested people, a deal was struck. In exchange for grounds, keeping and working the door, and other jobs, the group could use the space for free. As of yet the group has no name, but welcomes anyone interested to come to their meetings every weekend.
"With the revitalization of downtown, this community space can serve as a forum for various groups in the community to engage each other in a safe and creative environment," said David Reed, a group member. "It's an organization built on consensus decision making and is open to anyone interested. We encourage people to get involved."
So far the group plans a free lending library and free community Internet access as a start. Plans are still up in the air, and any input is welcomed. For information, go to facs.wordpress.com.
The exhibit included pieces that explore police brutality in general, but the main focus was the case of Gilbert Barber, the 22-year-old African American man shot to death by Greensboro police officer Thomas Gordy in 2001. Gordy had responded to calls by neighbors about a naked man causing disturbances after his car had wrecked. According to the official investigation, Gordy acted in self-defense after being lunged at by Barber. However, Barber's family and friends have never fully reconciled themselves to the official account, and point to oddities such as Barber's teeth being found inside a nearby church as a sign that there remains doubt as to what really happened that night.
Barber's death is commemorated by a display that includes family photographs, as well as remnants of the crime scene and legal battles following the events of five years ago.
In addition to Barber's display, there are prints, paintings, drawings, and other media that address the theme of police brutality and racism. The opening night featured a performance art piece addressing hate and racial reconciliation and was backed up by a D.J. The exhibit will run until Nov. 26 and will be open from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
The idea for a community space next to the Flying Anvil was born out of discussions by Andrew Dudeck and Pete Schroth , managers of the Anvil, about what to do with unused space above Gate City Noise, the record store next to the venue. Eventually John McClean, sound guy for the Anvil, told them that he knew people looking for a space to set up a community center. After a meeting five weeks ago of a group of interested people, a deal was struck. In exchange for grounds, keeping and working the door, and other jobs, the group could use the space for free. As of yet the group has no name, but welcomes anyone interested to come to their meetings every weekend.
"With the revitalization of downtown, this community space can serve as a forum for various groups in the community to engage each other in a safe and creative environment," said David Reed, a group member. "It's an organization built on consensus decision making and is open to anyone interested. We encourage people to get involved."
So far the group plans a free lending library and free community Internet access as a start. Plans are still up in the air, and any input is welcomed. For information, go to facs.wordpress.com.
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