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Exploring African American History in Alexandria: Apasrin Suvanasai's Insights on an Exhibit and Psilocybin Oral History

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Mar 21, 2022 • 38m

Settle in for a captivating journey on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, led by your host, Rob Lee. For today’s episode, our guest is Apasrin Suvanasai, an accomplished Museum Educator at the Office of Historic Alexandria. She is a versatile professional with a rich background in antique fine art restoration and conservation. Passionately committed to preserving and sharing history, she is currently spearheading a compelling exhibit at the Freedom House Museum that celebrates the profound contributions of remarkable African Americans in Alexandria, VA, who have indelibly influenced both the community and the nation. Collaborating with Northern VA Community College art students and community artists, Apasrin orchestrates the creation of poignant portraits to honor these historical figures. Beyond her museum endeavors, she dives into a thought-provoking oral history project, the DC's Psilocybin Oral History Project & Documentary, under a community-based grant from the Plant Medicine Coalition. This multi-faceted biography showcases Apasrin Suvanasai's dedication to artistic preservation, educational empowerment, and capturing diverse narratives.


In this dialogue, we peel back the layers on:

  • The overlooked pages of history, exploring the profound impact of the domestic slave trade on African Americans in Alexandria, as Apasrin Suvanasai sheds light on the imperative journey of sharing this vital narrative.
  • Unravel the art of collaboration and its transformative power in the realm of museum exhibits. Join us on this episode as Apasrin Suvanasai highlights how weaving the perspectives of community artists and students cultivates an inclusive and diverse showcase that resonates deeply with the audience.
  • Join us for an enlightening discussion as we challenge stigmas and misconceptions surrounding psilocybin. Apasrin Suvanasai's pioneering work in the DC's Psilocybin Oral History Project & Documentary ventures into real experiences, offering an intimate exploration of the medicinal potential that psilocybin holds.
  • Unveil the layers of historical constructs and misinformation that have led to the skewed perception of psilocybin as a dangerous substance. In this episode, Apasrin Suvanasai embarks on a journey to dispel myths and foster a more informed understanding of psilocybin's complex history and potential.


Don't miss this exclusive interview with Apasrin as she discusses her work on an exhibit about African Americans in Alexandria and her involvement in an oral history project focused on psilocybin. She shares her background in antique fine art restoration and conservation and how it sparked her interest in history. Apasrin also talks about the importance of telling the story of the domestic slave trade and the misconceptions people have about it. She highlights the collaboration with Northern Virginia Community College art students and community artists to create portraits of historical figures. Apasrin also discusses her personal experiences with psilocybin and the need to hear real stories from everyday people.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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