Linda Goode Bryant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Linda Goode Bryant
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Goode Bryant in 2010
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| Born | July 21, 1949 Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Spelman College Columbia University |
| Occupation | Documentary filmmaker, activist |
| Known for | Founder of gallery Just Above Midtown (JAM) |
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Notable work
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Flag Wars (film, 2003) |
| Awards | Guggenheim Fellow (2004), Anonymous Was A Woman (2020) |
Linda Goode Bryant (born July 21, 1949) is an African-American documentary filmmaker and activist. She is known for creating a special art gallery called Just Above Midtown (JAM). This gallery helped show the work of many talented artists of color.
In 2009, Linda Goode Bryant also started Project EATS. This project helps grow food in cities for communities in New York City.
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Early Life and Education
Linda Goode Bryant was born in Columbus, Ohio. Her parents were Floyd and Josephine Goode.
She studied art at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and earned her degree in 1972. Later, in 1980, she earned a business degree from Columbia University in New York City.
Linda Goode Bryant's Career
After college, Linda Goode Bryant moved to New York City in 1972. She worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and then at the Studio Museum in Harlem. During her time in museums, she noticed that artists of color were not always given the same chances. This led her to create her own art space.
Just Above Midtown (JAM) Art Gallery
In 1974, when she was just 24 years old, Linda Goode Bryant opened Just Above Midtown (JAM). This was a special art gallery in New York City. JAM was a place where African-American artists and other artists of color could show their new and exciting work. Many of these artists created abstract art or used new forms like video and performance art.
JAM was the first gallery to show the work of African-American artists in a main gallery area. Before JAM, art by artists of color was mostly shown in community centers. Other galleries nearby were not always welcoming to JAM. Linda Goode Bryant wanted JAM to be a place where Black artists could show their art freely.
The first art show at JAM featured works by artists like David Hammons and Elizabeth Catlett.
In 1980, JAM moved to a bigger space in Tribeca. Here, they started to focus more on live events. These included performances, readings, video showings, and talks. They even had business seminars to help artists learn about the art world. In 1982, JAM also started a publication called Blackcurrant to share news about artists.
JAM moved one last time in 1984. It stopped being a regular gallery and became a studio space for artists. The publication changed its name to B Culture and covered music, art, and popular culture. JAM officially closed in 1986.
Many artists who are now very famous had their early chances to show their work at JAM. These include David Hammons, Senga Nengudi, Lorraine O'Grady, and Fred Wilson.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) held a special exhibition about JAM in 2022. It showed items from the gallery's history and artwork that was once displayed there.
Filmmaking Work
Linda Goode Bryant is also a talented filmmaker. She co-directed a documentary film called Flag Wars (2003) with Laura Poitras. This film was nominated for an Emmy Award.
Flag Wars was filmed over four years in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. The movie looks at what happens when different groups of people move into the same neighborhood. It shows how their different ways of life can lead to disagreements.
She also directed other films, including parts of Time Piece (2006) and Hurricane Teens (1998). Linda Goode Bryant also helped with the film Colored Frames. This documentary explores the lives and art of Black artists over the last fifty years.
Awards and Recognition
Linda Goode Bryant has received many awards for her work. She was given a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2004 and a Peabody Award. In 2020, she was honored by Anonymous Was A Woman. This group helps support women artists who are over 40 years old.
Activism and Community Work
Active Citizen Project and Project EATS
Linda Goode Bryant is the founder and leader of the Active Citizen Project (ACP). This is a non-profit group that uses art and new media to help make positive changes in society.
Through the Active Citizen Project, Linda Goode Bryant also started Project EATS in 2008. Project EATS is a group of urban farms in New York City. These farms grow fresh food and offer programs for the community. They also create job opportunities. Linda Goode Bryant believes that art, food, and caring for others are all connected.
