For 2010, we've awarded commissions to three extraordinary artists who are creating art inspired by Oregon's social justice movement. You can meet them in person when they debut the art at Justice Within Reach on April 10, 2010.

Sharon Martini

Sharon Martini is an English woman of Jamaican descent. In addition to being a visual artist, she is a mummy of two boys, a singer, an actor at local theatres in Portland and a writer.

Her work as an illustrator with three published books for children grew out of her experiences as a mother with two sons in Portland, Oregon. Unable to find contemporary, whimsical art and books depicting children of color in common settings and situations, she started creating them!

“My art reflects my values --- in spite of oppression, inequality, racism --- of honesty, irreverence and joy.”

More about Sharon, including information about her books: www.sharonmartini.com

Sabina Haque

Sabina was raised in Pakistan by an American mother and Pakistani father. She has lived in the United States for the past 17 years and draws heavily on both her cultures in her art.

Using collage, photography and video, she explores the complex, fragmented and multiple meanings of “globalization” and “multiculturalism” and their significance in American culture today.

Sabina received her Masters of Fine Art from Boston University and is currently teaching at Portland State University.

“My art seeks to interpret issues of race, cultural identity and religion, and at the same time attempts to find the commonalities between people.”

More about Sabina, including samples of her work: www.sabinahaque.com

Natalie Ball

Natalie's ancestors include African slaves and English soldiers, and she is the great-great-granddaughter of Kientpaush, also known as Captain Jack. Kientpaush led the Modoc resistance during the Modoc War of 1872 in Northern California.

Natalie brings a rural, urban and international perspective to her work that explores issues that shape America’s indigenous identities. She uses painted quilts made of vintage and antique textiles, fabrics, and clothing.

Natalie has exhibited nationally and internationally in Canada, New Zealand, Europe, and Ireland. She is currently an artist-in-residence at Lewis and Clark College.

“It is the oppressiveness of reality that allows fantasy to take root and bloom. In Native American contemporary art, I believe images of race and representation have become a contemporary obsession, which results in misrepresentation. Seldom do we witness an honest internal reflection of what is really the center of our reality. If we do not, these recycled and static images will continue to dictate by misrepresentation. We must be willing to take risks.”

More about Natalie, including her online art gallery: www.nataliemball.com