Lawyers for Civil Rights Selects Inaugural Artists-in-Residence: Chanel Thervil and Damon Davis
Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) is proud to announce the selection of two dynamic and socially engaged artists—Chanel Thervil and Damon Davis—as the inaugural participants in the organization’s Artist-in-Residence program. This initiative harnesses the power of art to advance justice, healing, and dialogue across communities.
Chosen from a competitive pool of over 60 applicants nationwide, Chanel and Damon stood out for the depth, clarity, and community-centered nature of their work. LCR will implement a staggered residency structure to engage the talents of both artists fully:
- Chanel Thervil, a Massachusetts-based artist acclaimed for her vibrant portraiture and community-centered workshops, will begin her one-year residency in September 2025. Her work will focus on storytelling and healing, using art as a tool to foster connection and resilience.
- Damon Davis, a multidisciplinary artist from St. Louis, Missouri, will begin his one-year residency in early 2026. Renowned for his monumental sculptures, Damon’s work—including his widely recognized pieces rooted in Ferguson—invites dialogue on justice and belonging.
Locally and nationally, at a moment of poignant reflection on identity and resistance, the staggered residency model and structure reflect LCR’s commitment to artistic collaboration and long-term impact.
“We’re thrilled to welcome both Chanel and Damon,” said Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, Executive Director of Lawyers for Civil Rights. “Their complementary artistic visions will allow us to engage both local and national communities through creative expression. Chanel brings a deep understanding of Boston’s cultural landscape, while Damon’s work will connect us to the ongoing struggle for justice in places like Ferguson.”
The Artist-in-Residence program is a key part of LCR’s broader strategy to reimagine justice through storytelling, cultural production, and public engagement. Through this initiative, LCR provides artists with time, space, and support to create work that inspires and challenges, while bringing new perspectives into the movement for justice.
By supporting the creation of a cultural district in East Boston and equipping entrepreneurs in the creative economy with legal and business resources, LCR has consistently affirmed that art, culture, and entrepreneurship are intertwined and vital to justice — a vision now deepened and expanded through the launch of the artist residency.
The Artist-in-Residence selection committee included Jill Medvedow, Cathy Edwards, Priscilla Rojas, and Bill Horne. The committee noted how well Chanel and Damon’s artistic scales and approaches would complement each other, enhancing the program’s impact over time.