Door County Amplify Celebrates One Year

Door County Amplify – a social-media endeavor supporting BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) artists in Door County – celebrated its one-year anniversary Jan. 27.

Door County Amplify is the project of artists Lachrisa Grandberry and Molly Rhode, known for their work onstage at Northern Sky Theater. One year ago, the pair launched a community Facebook page to celebrate the work of BIPOC artists who work in Door County. 

The page’s impact is twofold: It brings more visibility to the diverse artistry found on the peninsula, and it fosters positive relationships between the community and the artists featured on the page.

“People I encounter often wonder what it’s like for me to be a Black artist in Door County,” Grandberry said. “They didn’t directly say it that way my first year. Instead, it was masked in the question, ‘Are you going to come back?’ And when I would respond ‘Yes,’ there was a sense of relief in knowing I was comfortable here. 

“And I’ll be honest, I was hesitant about coming at first. But I have now completely fallen in love with the beauty and the community of the county. And I love spreading the message that Door County is for everyone.”

During its first year, Door County Amplify created 314 posts, amplifying 101 artists and 18 ensembles affiliated with 22 different Door County institutions. When publishing Amplify posts, Grandberry and Rhode tag the Door County organization, business or gallery with which each artist is working. This social networking further celebrates community and acknowledges our collective progress.

To follow the page, “like” it at facebook.com/doorcountyamplify. Followers can join in the amplifying by sharing Amplify’s posts and inviting friends to follow the page. Grandberry and Rhode welcome recommendations and suggestions for content at [email protected].