Dig In Akron: Jenniva Cummings, Dominic Moore-Dunson, & Holbrook Riles III

Jenniva Cummings, Dominic Moore-Dunson, & Holbrook Riles III talk about their work & perspective on being a black artist in America. All three artists will be showcasing their talents in the exhibition space at the Museum over November and December 2018.

The Devil Strip teamed up with the Akron Art Museum and The Jam Company to create video profiles of three African-American artists (Jenniva Cummings, Dominic Moore-Dunson, & Holbrook Riles III) in the Akron community displayed in the museum’s Jerry and Patsy Shaw Video Box during the run of Jeff Donaldson: Dig.

Jenniva Cummings | @beatsbyjey_ | Beauty. Fashion. SFX. Makeup Artist. Licensed Cosmetologist.

"My name is Jenniva Cummings and I am a licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist from Akron, Ohio. I specialize in natural makeup application, bridal, and special effects, and I have been doing makeup professionally for 4 years. As a Paul Mitchell Alumni I pride myself on professionalism. I have a passion for what I do, and I have been trained by some of the top professionals in the beauty industry. I believe in women's empowerment and that makeup should enhance and bring out your best features. I look forward to creating an amazing experience for you!" - Jenniva Cummings

For more information about Jenniva Cummings's performance on December 13th, 2018, visit the Akron Art Museum's website.

Dominic Moore-Dunson | @dmooredun | Dancer. Choreographer. Teaching Artist. Emerging Arts Leader.

“Dominic, now in his 8th season with Inlet Dance Theatre, hails from Akron, OH where he attended the University of Akron, Firestone High School (Akron School of the Arts) and Miller South Visual & Performing Arts… Since joining Inlet Dance Theatre, Dominic has been involved in the collaborative creative process Inlet is known for, been a lead instructor in numerous Out-flow residency programs for children, and he has performed/and or taught all over the country (Cleveland, Houston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, East Lansing, Des Moines, etc). Dominic feels strongly about providing youth the opportunity to see, meet, and work with role models who come from their neighborhoods and look like them—those are opportunities he had as a child in the arts magnet schools in Akron (where he still resides) and he desires to connect with children and make dance for, with, and by them as a way to provide affirmation, encouragement, and to build community.” – Inlet Dance Theatre

For more information Dominic Moore-Dunson's performance, please visit the Akron Art Museum's website.

Holbrook Riles III (aka HR3) | @hr3drumz | Drummer. Producer.

"Holbrook is a drummer/beat producer from Mansfield, OH. His interest for drums was sparked at age 9. Throughout his duration at Ontario Jr. High and High School, he participated in marching band, concert band, and jazz ensemble. In 2005, Holbrook attended the University Of Akron for 5 years, studying music performance and communications. There he developed his love for jazz, electronic, hip hop, world, and classical music. Between 2010 and 2016, he has been involved with organizations such as Royal Caribbean International, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, and The American Queen Steamboat Co., playing a wide variety of music across the country, and the globe. Currently, Holbrook resides in Akron, OH performing with local groups Bluelight, Get On Up, Red Light Roxy, Open Spaces Trio, The Michael Vincent Quintet, and other various bands. Holbrook has also launched his own hip hop project called HR3, creating a soundscape of soulful beats for emcees and musicians to express themselves." - Holbrook Riles III

For more information Holbrook Riles III's performance, please visit the Akron Art Museum's website.

The Akron arts publication, The Devil Strip, teamed up with the Akron Art Museum and The Jam Company to create video profiles of three African-American artists in the Akron community that will be on view in the museum’s Jerry and Patsy Shaw Video Box during the run of Jeff Donaldson: Dig. Each of the featured artists will create a work of art inspired by Donaldson that will be performed live in the museum. Video of the performances will be presented throughout the run of the exhibition. The collaboration was inspired by the Art Museum hosting the Jeff Donaldson "Dig" exhibition (Oct 27, 2018 - Jan 21, 2019). Each artist had an opportunity to learn about Jeff Donaldson, the AfriCOBRA movement he co-founded and then create work inspired by that experience. These interviews will be followed by a performance/display of their work in the exhibition space at the Akron Art Museum.

Article and Videography by Jamal Lawson

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Do not use any of the images/video without prior permission. Contact info@thejam.company for license usage.