Spotlight on Sierra Jeter
To kick off Union Hall’s seventh annual Rough Gems curatorial training program, emerging curator Sierra Jeter presents Drexciya: Into the Deep, a group exhibition exploring Afrofuturist mythology originating from the Detroit techno duo of the same name. Drexciya’s 1992 album Journey of the Deep Sea Dweller marked a significant shift in electronic music by pioneering aquatic, narrative-driven soundscapes which reimagined survival beyond historical violence. In this blog you’ll discover the complete history of inspiration for what became Jeter’s debut curatorial project, from exhibition development to community-engaged programming.
Jeter’s primary point of inspiration for Drexciya: Into the Deep stemmed from visions that occurred during a yoga and meditation practice at Union Hall the year prior. Jeter was having visions of herself and her ancestors underwater. Those visions, in combination with her extensive background as a freelance photographer and history of electronic music fandom, birthed an interdisciplinary exchange of music, visual art, and literature. Through underwater photography by Kimber Greenwood, a curated archive, literary library, and cosmogram installation by Ehime Ora, a hand-built sound system by Darrien Williamson, oil and acrylic works by Johnny Draco, mixed media prints and floral alters by Yazz Atmore, and support from Keller Anderson (Dystopik), this exhibition brings the Drexciya mythos to life, bridging the past and present to envision a more liberated future.
I sat down with Jeter for a conversation about her debut curatorial project, her journey as an emerging curator, music, and so much more. Check out the full interview on our YouTube channel by clicking the button below.
Opening reception of Drexciya: Into the Deep. Image by Helen Yoseph
“Art has always been an avenue for revolution and healing for Black people, which has often led to innovation in the arts, music and culture. It is important in these times that we remember the ways of our ancestors, and how we have healed generational wounds by using our imaginations, our gifts and our art to dream new worlds into being. By playing an active role in remembering, feeling, dreaming, and honoring those who came before, we can all be a part of creating a more liberated and just future for Black Americans and for all oppressed people worldwide,” says Jeter.
On March 5, 2026, Drexciya: Into the Deep opened to the public and received a warm welcome from Denver’s arts and culture scene. Due to the praise and impact this exhibition was having on people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences, it was extended through May 2 to allow for greater visitor engagement. Aligned programmatic events included a Curatorial Tour and Artist Talk on March 7 where Jeter led a conversation with Johnny Draco and Darrien Williamson. Brooklyn-based artist Ehime Ora traveled to Denver to host an intimate Mind Lab Workshop + Book Signing on April 17. Additionally, Union Hall partnered with Sofar Sounds to bring a secret lineup of local talent to the gallery on May 1. Selected to align with the musical themes present in Drexciya: Into the Deep, the evening of live music included a special performance by one of the featured artists.
To further build upon the connection between music, Afrofuturism, and the Drexciyan mythology, Union Hall and Asé Continuum hosted Submerged in Sound: An Asé Listening Experience on April 18. This curated listening event explored the Afrofuturist lineage in music by tracing a sonic journey from early innovators to contemporary bass music culture. Hosted by Jeter and featuring DJ sets and a conversation with Detroit legend SINISTARR and Denver-based producer Scarien (Darrien Williamson), attendees were invited to explore a collection of vinyl records, listen, and draw connections between the exhibition and this musical legacy.
Images of Darrien Williamson and the Dem Deya sound system courtesy of the artist and Helen Yoseph.
“With the music, with the sound system and all of that, that's just one of those avenues that many many people have used; music to heal themselves, or to express themselves in a way that is freeing. Within these oppressive systems — especially those who come before — you have to find a way to survive despite the conditions that are happening around us externally. For many people, it's listening to music, it's making music, it's making whole new genre's of music, it's taking photos, it's reading books — that expression can come through is so many different ways. Having that diversity of mediums here is a reflection of what's already happening in society,” says Jeter.
For more information on the background and impact of Drexciya’s music, check out this 10-minute video created by global music authority Resident Advisor on YouTube: Why Drexciya took Detroit electro underwater.
Keep the Spotlight on Emerging Creatives
This exhibition is made possible by supporters and patrons like you. If you believe in the opportunities that Rough Gems provides for emerging curators like Sierra Jeter, consider supporting the program by making a donation to Union Hall as an annual Spotlight Donor. Donations ensure that we can continue uplifting the voices of early-career curators and cultural producers by placing their work in the spotlight.
About Rough Gems
Rough Gems was launched as a pathway for emerging creatives in the Denver-area to cultivate curatorial leadership and first-hand experience organizing an exhibition from concept to execution. Since 2019, more than 20 curators have developed and debuted curatorial projects and 97 artists have exhibited their work. Through a jury selection process, Rough Gems offers a platform for three new and emerging curators to present an exhibition at Union Hall, complete with financial support, curatorial mentorship from Union Hall’s Chief Curator Esther Hernandez, opportunities for public engagement, and access to valuable resources. The 2026 Rough Gems program includes three curators—Sierra Jeter, Felicity Wong, and Italu Ramos Hernandez—whose exhibitions will take place in six week increments throughout the year.
The 2026 Rough Gems program is generously supported by The Coloradan Community Foundation and Kenneth King Foundation. Union Hall is supported by the residents of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, and the National Endowment for the Arts.