A special call for art.
Dear #Wicked Writers,
As you know, I recently published my first poetry book, The Judging Porch. In it, I wrote a poem entitled RIP, Dear Friend in memory of Arika Trim, a former colleague whose vibrant spirit left an incredible impression on everyone who knew her.
During the pandemic, we lost Arika just seven days after giving birth to a beautiful baby boy. From this tragedy, the Arika Trim Foundation was born to bring awareness to and resource for Black Maternal Health. The Foundation recently reached an incredible milestone, sponsoring their first family with doula services.
Before publishing my book, I shared the poem honoring Arika with her mother, Donna, who was so incredibly supportive of my art. I knew I wanted to do something impactful with the poem and I am honored to be celebrating Arika's legacy through an open call for artists to create a visual representation of RIP, Dear Friend. In partnership with The Arika Trim Foundation, we are inviting artists to connect with the poem's themes of remembrance, resilience, and the impact of Arika's life.
Submissions will be accepted now through February 28, 2025, and the selected artwork will be revealed in April 2025. The winning piece will receive a monetary prize and be paired with the poem as part of a fundraiser to support The Arika Trim Foundation’s mission to improve Black maternal health.
For those who need a reminder, here is the poem:
RIP, Dear Friend
I may not remember
What made you laugh
Or what made you cry
I will remember
Your miles-wide smile
Your gentle nature
Your incredible fashion sense
Your unparalleled work ethic
You were a treasure
Shining a light
On all who knew you
Our planet is worse for having lost you
A journey
Cut short
Due to a healthcare system
That has unfairly
Taken you and so many others.
Arika believed in creating something beautiful out of life. Together, we can honor her memory by making a lasting impact. Learn more about the Arika Trim Foundation's work at https://arikatrimfoundation.org/.
Submission are now open and can be sent via this form. I am so excited to see what the creative community comes up with! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at rachaeldubinsky@gmail.com.
Stay #Wicked,
Rachael