Erika NJ Allen's opening of "This Is Not a Coup" will begin with a lecture by guest presenter Dr. Shana Klein. Who is an Art Historian and author of “The Fruits of Empire. Art, food, and the politics of race in the age of American Expansion” will introduce the history of the United Fruit Company and how it led to a massive campaign to romanticize the presence of the banana in the American Homes, while committing crimes against the countries and their people where the exotic fruits came from. Murder and theft of land were the foundation of one of the most powerful organizations in the world, setting precedence to a culture of hate and racism.

This lecture will be followed by the opening reception from 6-8pm.

Welcome (M)Art is a program that blurs the lines between art gallery, grocery, and dinner party; providing a unique opportunity for social discourse in Cincinnati.

Welcome (M)ART is generously funded by the Carol Ann and. Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation