Radical Love is Collective Care
- tourdeforcedc
- Feb 14
- 2 min read
Love boldly, connect deeply, and leave a little sparkle wherever you go
February 2026 Grantee: Jessica Gatlin
This month, we’re thrilled to feature Jessica Gatlin, Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Maryland, College Park. With support from Tour de Force, Jessica is enabling student travel and participation at the Fabric Workshop & Museum in Philadelphia — expanding access to new materials, ideas, and creative community.
Jessica’s work embodies radical love in action: nurturing connection, expanding horizons, and investing in young makers who, in turn, build belonging in their own communities.
💙 How do you create beauty and belonging in your community?
DMV Cultural Highlights – past grantees in action!
🖼️ Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art
Now on view through Aug. 23, 2026 at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, this exhibition celebrates LGBTQ+ artists from Africa and its diaspora, exploring identity, joy, and community.
Past grantee Paul Emmanuel’s video installation, Untethered/Retethered connected to his Veteran’s Memorial to the Living, is featured — amplifying conversations about memory, belonging, and dialogue.
Women Artists of the DMV – ongoing multi-venue exhibition
– Celebrating local makers! Past Grantee: Selena Jackson is featured in this extensive touring show! Check out where the next show will be and put it in your calendar!
Synesthesia Spectrum
– Past Grantee Synesthesia Spectrum continues to influence the Baltimore arts scene with layered, multimedia works connecting audiences to sound, color, and movement. Keep a look out for the upcoming 2026 experience!
Join the Conversation!
Art builds bridges… Share your Tour de Force in the comments on this post in ‘The Spark’ blog
❤️ – The Tour de Force Foundation
Give → Inspire → Repeat!
We accept tax-deductible donations via Fractured Atlas, our fiscal sponsorship partner! Find out more on our fundraising page by clicking the button below.
Get in touch!
We're always eager to connect with artists and educators in the DMV area who are passionate about creating social impact through their work. Whether you have an idea for a community-based project or if you simply want to learn more about our grant opportunities, we'd love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out to us through the contact information provided on our website, or submit your proposal using the form you'll find there.
Our Tour de Force is to support to artists and educators who are working to enrich and inspire the DMV community! ❤️