A Legacy of Service and Storytelling: The Journey of IBe’ Bulinda Hereford Crawley
A Lifelong Commitment to Community
IBe’ Bulinda Hereford Crawley’s journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to serve her community. Growing up in Danville, Virginia, her formative years were colored by the acts of service that permeated her neighborhood. With strong ties to close relatives and a bustling church, these experiences laid the foundation for her life’s work. “Service is teaching, mentoring, and creating for me,” Crawley emphasizes, highlighting her motivation to ensure that future generations have examples of survival and resilience to draw from.
The Birth of IBe’ Arts Institute
After a fulfilling career as a history teacher, Crawley set out to continue her commitment to service through art. In 2021, she founded the IBe’ Arts Institute, a gallery dedicated to narrating untold African American stories and preserving cultural heritage. Located in an 1830s school building in Hopewell, the gallery is not just a space for art but a community hub. Supported primarily by sales of her artist books, Crawley embraces a for-profit model that allows her to operate on her own terms. “I have a nontraditional approach to this business because it looks like social justice,” she explains, illustrating her desire to contribute to her community without relying on donations.
Artistry in Storytelling
Crawley’s artistry is best exemplified through her acclaimed artist books, such as “11033,” which captures the story of a Black woman in the Virginia State Penitentiary in 1921. Not merely a written narrative, the book is a unique piece of art, crafted from handmade flax and abaca paper and featuring pages shaped like the silhouette of a pregnant body. This careful construction reflects the confinement experienced within prison walls, reinforcing the story’s emotional weight. Her latest project, “Exchange: Shockoe, Richmond,” delves into the lesser-known history of free Black residents in Shockoe Valley during slavery, further showcasing her dedication to illuminating African American narratives.
A Journey of Education and Mentorship
Crawley’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in education from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). With 25 years of teaching history in Fairfax County Public Schools, she shared knowledge and power with her students. After retiring and relocating to Church Hill with her husband, Crawley was determined to continue influencing the lives of young people while fostering vibrant community ties.
The Mission of IBe’ Arts Institute
The IBe’ Arts Institute is more than an art space; it’s a sanctuary for visual and oral storytelling. Crawley envisions it as a repository for original and limited-edition art, a place for African Americans to engage with their culture and history. “Our mission is to preserve and document stories that reflect our community’s history and culture,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of passing these narratives down through generations.
Inspiration and the Creative Process
As an artist with a story-driven mission, Crawley draws inspiration from her life experiences, particularly from her time as a budding storyteller in college. Encouraged by her children, she reignited her passion for art after her retirement. Her desire to create spaces for women artists and her commitment to documenting African American histories motivate her daily. “It’s a rare opportunity to own a space that is dedicated to our stories,” she explains of her vision for the institute.
Reviving Historical Spaces
Crawley’s choice of the Hopewell building is notable, as it carries historical significance. Built in the 1830s and once serving as a hospital during the Civil War, the site required extensive renovation to become a functional art space. Using a portion of her retirement savings, she transformed the dilapidated structure into a vibrant community hub. This dedication to preservation earned her a Historic Preservation Award from Preservation Virginia in 2024.
Collaborative Efforts for Cultural Preservation
The IBe’ Arts Institute engages in partnerships with various organizations to document and preserve historical narratives. Collaborations include work with the National Park Service at the Frederick Douglass House and Petersburg Battlefield Park, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and other institutions that share Crawley’s vision of cultural preservation.
Sustaining a Community Initiative
Crawley has successfully positioned her initiative as a self-sustaining business. The sales from her artist books and the organization’s residency help cover operational costs, enabling her to continue her work without seeking external funding. “My art books do well, and this allows us to pay the taxes and current bills,” she affirms, reflecting on the financial independence she cherishes.
Building a Legacy through Art
For Crawley, the impact of her work transcends mere artistic expression. She sees art as a medium through which she can inspire and influence future generations. “I want to leave a legacy that will be meaningful to future generations,” she asserts, underscoring the intentionality behind her creative endeavors.
Current and Future Projects
The project “Exchange: Shockoe, Richmond” stands as a testament to Crawley’s commitment to unearthing overlooked histories. Through meticulous research, she has unearthed stories of free Black residents from Shockoe Valley, who once thrived under the radar of mainstream narratives. This work is a vital addition to existing literature, as it aims to enrich the understanding of African American resilience and agency.
Everyday Rituals and Downtime
Incorporating healthy routines, Crawley starts her day with meditation and writing, establishing accountability in her personal and professional life. During her downtime, she immerses herself in reading, research, and community engagement. Her passion for art extends beyond her projects, as she actively participates in local exhibitions and cultural events.
Influences and Inspirations
Crawley reflects on the significant influences in her life, particularly her grandfather and uncle, who played crucial roles during the Civil Rights movement. Their struggles and triumphs inspire her commitment to documenting and sharing stories that shape the African American experience.
Engagement in Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Crawley is set to present her work at CODEX in San Francisco in 2026. The anticipated book tour and fellowship with CODEX signify another opportunity to share her narratives on a larger platform, allowing her to amplify the voices of those often lost in history.
Through the IBe’ Arts Institute, Crawley meticulously crafts a legacy of service, storytelling, and community empowerment, redefining the role of art in cultural preservation and education.