The Cookout

“The Cookout” 24x24 in  Acrylic on wood January 2024 Showcased in the Johnson County Library Gallery Who doesn’t love a good cookout? The sizzle of burgers on the grill, the laughter of family and friends, the rhythm of good music blending with the clatter of dominoes and the joyful shrieks of kids in a bouncy house. A cookout isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment, a tradition, a reflection of culture and connection passed down through generations. With this piece, you don’t have to wait for an invitation. This is an open celebration, a tribute to the unspoken beauty of Black joy, heritage, and togetherness. Cookouts are where stories are shared, where love is felt in every plate fixed by someone who knows just how you like it, where the simple act of gathering becomes an expression of resilience and community. As part of my Bloom Series, this piece represents growth in its most natural form. Growth is cultivated through shared experiences, through laughter, through the roots of tradition that keep us grounded while we reach for more. Because sometimes, growth isn’t just about pushing forward; it’s about pausing to enjoy the present, surrounded by the people and moments that make life full.