In 2022, TRIP, Inc. received an Artist Employment Program grant through Creatives Rebuild NY to fund the employment of two artists, Rachael Lorimer and Justin Relf within our organization.
In partnership with the Oakwood Community Center, this creative team conducted community interviews, led workshops and facilitated community conversations, engaging over 125 volunteers to examine our relationships to the places we live, exploring what home and belonging mean to each of us. Our partnership specifically engaged the Hillside North neighborhood of Troy, an area of our city negatively impacted by the construction of the Hoosick St. Bridge in the early 1980’s.
Our project and partnership culminates in a final performance of an original play, followed by an art exhibit and closing reception on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
THANK YOU – OUR SHOW IS SOLD OUT!
In lieu of charging admission, we welcome donations of unused & unexpired personal hygiene items for the Oakwood Community Center’s food pantry.
Our process and progress
Views from the Front Porch Interviews & Exhibit: October 21, 2023
After conducting 40 interviews with past and current Hillside North residents and community members, we noticed four themes emerge, which were used as the cornerstones of our October 21, 2023 community art exhibit: Influence & Inspiration, Loss & Longing, Comings & Goings, and Mirror Mirror. We asked very open ended prompts in our interviews like, “Share a story about a past home that you miss”, and “Tell us about someone who inspires you”.
Most importantly, we recognized Mrs. Allene Gamble for her dedication to the Hillside North community for over 40 years, and honored her family for their steadfast support of building strong community. The evening featured poetry readings by Tai Nikki O and Shania Jackson, vocal performance by Justin Relf, original artwork by Rachael Lorimer, and quotes from the community interviews.
Table Talks: Summer and Fall 2023
Story Boxes & Community Interviews: Spring & Summer 2023
The Hillside North Holiday Showcase: December 2022
Community Arts Workshops: Fall 2022
Meet the Creative Team
We can’t do it alone! An incredible team of volunteers, community members, and staff help this project come to life. We particularly want to recognize the contributions of the 2022 and 2023 NeighborWorks America Community Leadership Institute team members: Shania Jackson, Amy Halloran, Isan Fortune & Aniaya Nelson, Genesis Marte, Jaquesha Brandon & James Mayben.
