Imani Monroes' solo art exhibit “TRANSFORMATION – The Works of My Hands’” celebrating creativity, community and the legacy of women in the arts was unexpectedly cut short just days after it opened at the Uniondale Public Library.
The exhibit, which debuted on March 15 in honor of Women’s History Month, was meant to go on through March 30 but was taken down five days later after the library’s elevator became inoperable, limiting access to the display space. As of press time, the library didn’t return a call for comment.
“I’m concerned about the artists following me,” Monroe said in an email. “How long will it be before that entire space is available again? I hope they do right by the community that supports this library.”
Still, the brief showing left a lasting impression on those who attended, highlighting both the artist’s personal journey and the broader importance of making art accessible within the community.
“I was just happy for the opportunity,” the artist said prior to its closure, reflecting on the exhibit’s timing during Women’s History Month.
She added that she felt honored to showcase her work during a month dedicated to recognizing women’s contributions, particularly in light of artists like Faith Ringgold, whose advocacy helped open doors for women in the art world.
“I never realized the part she played in fighting for women to have their work shown in museums,” she said. “Because it wasn’t happening.”
A lifelong connection to art
The Monroes connection to creativity dates back to childhood.
“I think fourth grade is the first time I remember recognizing that I was creative,” she said, recalling a classroom moment when a teacher encouraged her to work on a drawing project.
That early encouragement stayed with her, eventually leading to a career in education, where she spent about two decades as an teacher assistant in Queens — often incorporating art into her lessons to help students better understand academic concepts.
“Anything that I taught, I would look up a way to connect it to an art form,” she said.
After retiring in 2021, she returned to her own artistic practice, building a body of work that reflects both her experiences and evolving perspective.
Through her involvement with the Long Island Black Artists Association, Monroe began exhibiting her work in community spaces, including libraries — a setting she said holds special meaning.
The Works of My Hands
The exhibit reflected the artist’s personal and creative evolution, beginning with photographs of flowers she cultivated and moving into paintings and abstract collage work.
“I learned from flowers,” she said, explaining how the process of growth in nature mirrors human development. And an interesting fact is that she is allergic to a Eastern Lilly, a white flower rooted from a Lilly.
The viewer experienced a timeline of her training as an artist. Drawing went into painting.
“When I was teaching, a lot of times, kids don’t go to museums in certain communities,” Monroe said. “They don’t get to see art from people who look like them.”
Libraries, she added, offer a more accessible and welcoming space.
Head of Adult Programming Ilgar Guo said when she chooses exhibits, she tried to switch it up. Sometimes it’s quilt and others canvas. The goal was part of an effort to diversify the library’s offerings.
Monroes work also shifted after cataract surgery allowed her to see color differently. That transformation led to more expressive work and a willingness to experiment.
Despite the exhibit’s shortened run, the opening reception drew strong community support. Her son Olajawon and daughter Leolani Rosine came out to see her helping her with photographs and an introduction.
