A Tale of Two Canaries:
Uniting Artists and Activists for Justice and Healing
Hello to all our Canaries! Molly here! And I have such a unique story to share with you about how Kaeley Pruitt-Hamm and I discovered each other’s existence and a friendship was formed! In the vast world of art and activism, we all know that connections are often formed through unexpected encounters and shared values. When we formed Canary Collective Magazine (CCM), our art magazine based in Oklahoma, we were surprised to learn about another organization with the same name on the West Coast. What could’ve potentially been a conflict over a name turned into a fortuitous collaboration between two groups with similar goals but different mediums. Canary Collective, both in Oklahoma and on the West Coast, aims to create positive change and promote harmony, albeit through different avenues.
Kaeley Pruitt-Hamm, the founder of the West Coast-based Canary Collective (which I will call CCW for ease), was amazed to learn that a magazine with the same name existed in Oklahoma. Rather than being upset that we share the same name for our organizations, we both recognized an opportunity to join forces and amplify their impact. But this was all through Kaeley reaching out through Instagram in this message:
During our conversation, Kaeley and I realized that, despite our geographical separation, we shared a deeply personal and philosophical alignment. While Canary Collective Magazine focused on providing artists a platform to promote their work, Kaeley's Canary Collective on the West Coast took a more active role in addressing social injustices through music and action. Both organizations, however, were driven by a passion for healing and a commitment to fostering a better world for all.
CCW firmly believes that true healing cannot occur without repairing past injustices and creating new systems that benefit all life forms. In particular, they prioritize reparations and justice for BIPOC communities as a necessary and fundamental goal in all their endeavors. Their focus extends beyond personal well-being to encompass the health of our planet, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings. Read more about their amazing work and what being a canary means to them (and us) HERE.
We discussed our stories and how we (CCM) came to the conclusion of Canary Collective being the name for what we were trying to do. To which I explained that Canary Collective Magazine was named initially in honor of our friend Mary “The Canary” who possesses a strength and beauty that are unmatched and has an artistic voice that is elegant and effortless. Mary continually shows up for herself and speaks out against injustice toward herself and others. After sharing her story of strength with us, she became “Mary the Canary” which aligned with the description of what KPH describes as a canary.
“A canary is anyone for whom the broken systems are not working.”
In addition to that, we also had been through the battlefield of publication where we felt that while the mission for our previous magazine was aligned with what we believed, the way that we were treated and the way the submitters were treated was not ever something anyone should have to endure. Especially when we felt that the place you work and create with others should be a place of respect and honesty. We didn’t encounter that in our previous realm and so we decided to create it for ourselves and for others. We wanted the voice of the artist to be elevated in a way that gave them control of their message and not take any ownership of the art or project itself. We felt as if we wanted to be the “canary in the coal mine” for creatives. By delivering a message to the masses that creativity is sacred and is changing with the climate of the world all the time. And that whatever medium artists were using that we HEAR them and SEE them always.
What initially drew Kaeley and me together was more than a mere coincidence. As we delved deeper into our conversation, we discovered we shared a debilitating autoimmune condition, with me having recently undergone a partial hysterectomy related to said condition and Kaeley facing some of the hard choices associated with it as well. It became evident that our meeting was not only a result of media and happenstance but also a manifestation of the collective voices of canaries surrounding us—a call for unity, healing, and transformation.
This collaboration between Canary Collective Magazine and Canary Collective on the West Coast exemplifies the power of like-minded individuals coming together to effect change. By joining forces, our groups can create a harmonious synergy that transcends geographical boundaries and artistic mediums. Our combined efforts will expand the reach of our messages, bridging the gap between art and activism and inspiring others to “Answer the Canary Call”, as we like to say.
Canary Collective, both on the West Coast and in Oklahoma, embodies the spirit of unity, justice, and healing. By embracing our shared values while honoring our unique approaches, we have forged a powerful alliance that will amplify our impact on society and the art world. As our collaboration evolves, we can anticipate transformative projects that harmonize visual art, music, and activism to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for all. Let us all embrace the Canary Call and stand together in the pursuit of justice, healing, and empowerment.
And to Kaeley, who inspires me to use my voice, to listen to the sound of the wind blowing by my ears, to feel the warmth of the sun, to care about things that affect more than just me, but everyone…
Just like you said to me, I am so grateful I found you out in the world. I am blessed to hear you speak and sing. I am grateful to witness your creativity and your passion. And I cannot wait for everyone to see how incredibly empowering and STRONG your voice is.
With all my love, devotion, and respect,
Molly McElwain
