Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Oréoluwa Kristen Harris.
Hi Sydney Oréoluwa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Kristen Harris and Sydney Oreoluwa met in 2005 at Arrowpoint Elementary School. Since 4th grade, the pair remained close friends at Arrowpoint Elementary, Southeast Middle School, and Hazelwood East high school. Although they went to separate colleges, they remained close throughout college and adulthood. Harris, who always had a passion for poetry, and Oreoluwa, who has always been skilled in various forms of art, always had dreams of perfecting and marketing their passions.
Sydney Oreoluwa is a Nigerian-American artist and graphic designer. She has been drawing since she learned how to use a pencil. The name Oreoluwa originates from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. It translates to a Gift from God in English, which always resonated with Oreoluwa because of the many gifts that were naturally instilled in her. Over the years, Oreoluwa has featured art at Urb Arts for First Friday and Mad Art Gallery for Art, Mimosa & Pancakes. Harris has performed at various events, including but not limited to fashion shows, community events, formal events like vowel renewals, brand launch parties, the history museum, and more. As a graphic designer, she has worked with many start-up businesses in St. Louis and Midwest region.
She was the first live poet to perform on Fox 2 News’ Studio STL. She was the STL Awards Top Poet 2022 award recipient and has won numerous poetry battles and slams. She was also the first poet to collaborate with the Riverfront Times for its annual Art A’fair event to create the first ever Art A’fair Poetry Exhibition in 2022, which took place at The Luminary. The first event was successful, birthing the partnership that led to the creation of “Timeless,” which will also be held at The Luminary.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Being “creative” will always have struggles, but Harris and Oreoluwa have always been determined to succeed. Overcoming fears has also served as a struggle, but since overcoming that fear, possibilities have felt endless. Planning a collaborative event for the first time also came with minor challenges, but the event was a huge success, with over 300 people in attendance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Timeless is an event that celebrates the timelessness of art, poetry, and friendship. It took place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, from 7-10 p.m. and was a huge success! The goal is to recreate and hold this event annually.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
We both learned how much goes into event planning and to believe in yourself and be fearless. Harris’s favorite quote is, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” We are so happy we created this event because the poets needed this, the artists needed this, we needed this, and most importantly, the community needed this.
Pricing:
- Pricing information Timeless tickets were $10 in advance online and $15 the day of the event at the door.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/timeless_stl
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneyoreoluwa/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thekristenelizabethh/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://www.thekristenelizabeth.com/
- Youtube: https://www.sydneyoreoluwa.com/
Image Credits
Personal photo: Grand Martell, Additional photos: Martika Green
