“Stand Up and be Counted: Art and Poetry Inspired by Muhammad Ali” seeks visual art and poetry submissions

Ali under the umbrella

Press release:

He was known as “The Greatest” — a world champion fighter, humanist, mentor, poet, and activist who changed the world. Now his story is being told in “Muhammad Ali,” a new PBS documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, which premieres on Sunday, September 19 at 8 p.m. on KEET-TV.

Ink People Center for the Arts, Humboldt County Library, and Word Humboldt, in partnership with KEET-TV, will be working together in the next few months to present community activities centered around Muhammad Ali. Art is at the top of the list. We invite community-based submissions for an 2022 exhibition at the Brenda Tuxford Gallery titled “‘Stand Up and Be Counted:’ Art and Poetry inspired by Muhammad Ali.” We are seeking art and poetry submissions that reflect one of Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, respect, giving, and spirituality.

Ali’s Six Core Principles:

• • Confidence: Belief in oneself, one’s abilities, and one’s future.

• • Conviction: A firm belief that gives one the courage to stand behind that belief despite the pressure to do otherwise.

• • Dedication: The act of devoting all of one’s energy, effort, and abilities to a certain task.

• • Giving: To present voluntarily without expecting anything in return.

• • Respect: Esteem for or a sense of worth or excellence of one’s self.

• • Spirituality: A sense of awe, reverence, and inner peace. Inspired by an inner connection to all creation and/or that which is greater than oneself.

Ali was a cultural icon, and he could be a lightning rod for criticism. Loved by many, he was criticized by some for choices that included joining the Nation of Islam and refusing induction into the United States Army. “Ali is rightly celebrated for his athleticism in the ring,” said Sarah Burns, “but he was equally heroic in his willingness to stand up for what he believed was right.”

“Stand Up and Be Counted” seeks submissions of works of visual art and poetry from youth ages 13-18 and adults. Entries will be accepted online through November 19, 2021. The “Stand Up and Be Counted” exhibition will go live at the Brenda Tuxford Gallery in early 2022. See www.inkpeople.org for details.