WILD YAMS Artist Book Readings w/ Alexy Irving-Alleyne and Teni Odunsi

Please join us on Saturday September 19th where exhibiting artists Alexy Irving-Alleyne and Teni Odunsi will read from their respective new books which are part of the Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood exhibition.

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The gallery space will open at 12pm with light refreshements.

At 1 pm Alexy Irving-Alleyne will read from her book.
At 2 pm Teni Odunsi will read from her book.

Guests are invited to speak with the artists and view the show after the readings until 4pm.

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This show is the culminating exhibition of the WILD YAMS SEED Cohort with work by Alexy Irving-Alleyne, Andrea Hill Fitzgerald, Grandeast Wright, Summer Coleman, and Teni Odunsi.

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Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood

On View: August 14 - September 25 , 2026

Hours of Operation: Wednesdays and Saturdays 12:00 PM -6:00 PM

Co-Prosperity
3219-21 S Morgan St
Chicago, IL 60608

Exhibiting Artists: Alexy Irving-Alleyne, Andrea Hill Fitzgerald, Grandeast Wright, Summer Coleman, and Teni Odunsi.

Organizers: Wisdom Baty and Alyssa Martinez

Curatorial Fellows: tiffany m johnson and Oguguam (OG) Ugwuanyi

WILD YAMS is pleased to present Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood. A cumulative exhibition that brings together the work of WILD YAMS SEED Residency cohort artists Alexy Irving-Alleyne, Andrea Hill Fitzgerald, Grandeast Wright, Summer Coleman, and Teni Odunsi. Through mixed media, sculptures, photography, paintings, and texts, the cohort of artists trace connections between the natural world, diasporic traditions, and practices of survival. Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood pokes holes in spaces of silence and absence while reflecting on mothering through lived experiences and historical memory. Together, the works narrate the varying ways of always becoming and carrying forward forms of care that are often unseen, undervalued, or erased. The exhibiting artists reflect Black motherhood back in all its forms as a praxis and as unfixed.

Founded in 2019, WILD YAMS: Black Mothers Artist Residency supports Black Mother Artists and Caretakers/givers in recentering their creative practice and advancing their artistic careers. Rooted on Chicago’s South Side, WILD YAMS operates through an intersectional and intergenerational framework that promotes creative equity, access to studio space, artist resources, exhibition opportunities, creative development, and artist community. WILD YAMS Seed Residency was a two-year artist cohort experience that supported the creation and exhibition of artworks exhibited in Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood.

The Opening Reception on Friday, August 14th, will include libations led by WILD YAMS founder Wisdom Baty followed by a ceremonial performance by artist Summer Coleman. The exhibition also features and the interactive installation “Word to Your Mother” wall.

Additional programming includes an artists’ talk on Wednesday, August 26th and book reading(s) led by artists Alexy Irving-Alleyne and Teni Odunsi on Saturday, September 19th. We are also excited to collaborate with Lumpen Radio to feature a radio series on Black Motherhood. For periodic updates on programming, follow us on Instagram.

Accessibility: Co-Prosperity is accessible by wheelchair. The gallery has two 5-inch steps that go into the building. One is from the sidewalk leading up to the front door, and the second is 5ft past the front door. There are two temporary ramps that are put out for events and can be used for wheelchair access. The bar and restrooms are ADA compliant.

Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood is funded in part by Co-Prosperity and Crossroads Fund.

Exhibition Viewing Hours are 12-6 pm on Wednesdays Aug 26, Sept 2, 9, 16, 23, Saturdays Sept 5, 12, 19. No viewing hours Aug 19 and 23.

Flyer by Oguguam Ugwuanyi

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Co-Prosperity, 3219-21 South Morgan Street, Chicago, United States

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