Public amphitheater projection program featuring NIA JUNE + Kirby Griffin + APoetNamedNate, The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathers, 2021. Photo: Tedd Henn, Courtesy of Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture at UMBC (CADVC) The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathers August 25–December 18, 2026 On view in the CADVC theater during open hours, and nightly in the Fine Arts Building amphitheater NIA JUNE + Kirby Griffin + APoetNamedNate, The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathers, 2021. 20 minutes, 7 seconds Working with longtime collaborators Kirby Griffin and APoetNamedNate, NIA JUNE created “The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathers” as a visual representation of her reflections about her forefathers and the Black men who have been prematurely removed from her life. Presented in a new outdoor format, the revised installation encourages broader audiences to engage with powerful narratives as told by a cadre of visionaries who are prolifically inspired by the everyday life among communities in Baltimore. About NIA JUNE NIA JUNE is a published poet, filmmaker, arts educator, dancer, and author of Paper Trails of the Undying. In 2020, she was recognized by Baltimore Magazine as Best Poet of Baltimore and in 2023, Best Filmmaker of Baltimore. Her directorial debut, A Black Girl’s Country, featured in national and international film festivals and was acquired by the Baltimore Museum of Art as a part of their permanent collection. JUNE’s award-winning film, The Unveiling of God, featured in multiple film festivals and exhibitions, including The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century which traveled to Baltimore, MD, St. Louis, MO, Frankfurt, Germany, and Cincinnati, OH. Collectively, her film works have been taught in various schools and universities including Merritt College in Oakland, CA, Columbia College in Columbia, SC, and University of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, and Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD. In 2022, JUNE was a highlighted emerging filmmaker in Breaking Codes, a series presented by Parkway Theatre and the Andy Warhol Foundation. Beyond her personal projects, JUNE has directed and produced documentaries for organizations such as Health Care for the Homeless and The Medicine Show. JUNE received the Black Arts District’s 2022 Women of Impact Award for her contributions to the Baltimore art community. In 2023, she was awarded the Rubys Artist Grant and in 2024 became a Saul Zaentz Fellow and grant recipient. NIA JUNE is a proud native of Baltimore and it shows at the center of her work. About Kirby Griffin Kirby Griffin is a self-taught filmmaker and photographer from West Baltimore. He specializes in visual storytelling, short films, music videos, and portraits, often centering on Baltimore’s culture, arts, and local artists. His work spans various aesthetic and documentary projects, from capturing live music to directing and shooting narrative shorts that explore themes of healing, history, and community. His work is now in the collection of the Baltimore Museum of Art in the collaborative films A Black Girl’s Country (2019) with Nia June and The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathers (2023) with Nia June and APoetNamedNate. About APoetNamedNate APoetNamedNate, West Baltimore born, boasts a diverse artistic background as a poet, music producer, songwriter, creative director, filmmaker, author, curator and fashion and retail consultant. Renowned for his poetry productions, including the esteemed Charm City Slam, helping bring together both nationally ranked and amateur poets, fostering a space for authentic poetry experiences. With two notable short films serving as the co-director and executive musical producer of The Unveiling of God / a love letter to my forefathersand as the creative director and music producer of A Black Girl’s Country, showcased internationally in museums, schools, and universities. A Best Filmmaker of 2023 honor in Baltimore Magazine alongside his film collective and his book, Anticipational Love Poems, a sobering rumination of love, desire, and conflict is currently available everywhere books are sold. APoetNamedNate is here using his gifts and creativity to impact Baltimore and beyond through artistic storytelling and innovation. Visitor Information For links to maps, directions, and parking information, visit: cadvc.umbc.edu/visit-us Our exhibitions and events are free and open to the public for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy. If you need specific accommodations at one of our events, whether in person or online, or to experience an exhibition, please contact CADVC at cadvc@umbc.edu or 410-455-3188 as soon as possible. This presentation corresponds with Somewhere Over the Rainbow of Row Homes, We Fly and is supported by the UMBC Arts+ Initiative, and other sponsors.
