The soft sculpture is a type of sculpture made using cloth, foam rubber, plastic, paper, fibers, and similar supple and nonrigid material.

Rhonda Hardy is an artist committed to social empowerment by encouraging the appreciation of diverse cultures as seen through art. Her artwork has been exhibited and sold at many venues such as the South Side Community Art Center, Gallery Guichard, and the Beverly Arts Alliance.

The journey to manifest my story started in high school where I sought to learn everything I could about African and African American culture. I subsequently went on to college and obtained a Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in clothing and textiles and became certified in Interior Decorating. So, it is a natural progression that I use my passion, skills, and knowledge as a tool to tell the story of the African American experience using the medium of hand-crafted textiles, fashion, and storytelling.

In 2015 I created a line of soft sculpted art dolls called the Bronzeville Babies™ that pay homage to the African American Great Migration from 1916 through 1970. I design, construct (patterns, select vintage-like fabrics, fashion doll forms), and sew apparel for the art dolls that are historically correct for that era. I create original background scenery as part of the display. I also write stories for each fictional caricature doll which adds a historical reference to the pieces. In 2019 I expanded my art offerings to include hand-painted textiles influenced by traditional African motifs. The printed textiles are then produced into home décor items. In addition, the company, Designs for Urban Comforts, was formed to serve as a business platform for my artistic work.

My mission as an artist is to stimulate discussion, critical thinking, and knowledge about culture using art as the catalyst and to bring pleasure to those who embrace the art that I create.

“What is Racial Justice?” Curator Fran Joy Asks the Question

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