By Kathy Chouteau
The work of more than 110 artists of African descent will be featured in “Art of the African Diaspora,” an online exhibition launching Feb. 11 and running through May 16 that will also include some in-person, open studio events. An online reception highlighting the work, bios and statements of the participating artists will kick things off Sat. March 20 at 3 p.m.
The exhibition is a partnership between the Richmond Art Center (RAC) and Art of the African Diaspora, which “supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development and building a creative community,” per a statement from the RAC.
“Art of the African Diaspora is an exhibition that introduces African Diaspora art to new audiences, but also provides fresh insight into its artists and their Bay Area experiences,” said Stephen Bruce, artist and chair of the Steering Committee that produces Art of the African Diaspora, noting that this year’s incarnation will be “a virtual hybrid which we anticipate will expand our audience.”
The online aspects of Art of the African Diaspora will be presented at both aotad.org and richmondartcenter.org. Coinciding with the online exhibition, participating artists will host open studios, artist talks and satellite exhibitions during the February through May timeframe. Pandemic-permitting, the artists-curated events will occur both virtually and in-person; keep updated about these smaller events here. Note that no in-person events will be held at the RAC.
Partners for the satellite exhibitions include Macy’s, San Francisco, Rhythmix Cultural Works, Alameda and Creative Framing & Gallery, Oakland. For more info about Art of the African Diaspora, click here.
Here is the full list of participating artists: a. d. floyd, Abi Mustapha, Ajuan Mance, Akeem Raheem, Akili Simba, Alix J Magloire, Andrea McCoy Harvey, Antt’Smalls aka AnttonioDesigns, Arthur Norcome, Ashara Ekundayo, Beautiful Beads by Lan, bertrell smith, Bill A. Dallas, Brianna Mills, Carla Golder, Carrie Lee McClish, Charles Curtis Blackwell, Chasya Thierry, Christian Vassell, Chuck Harlins, Claude Lockhart Clark, Damon Powell – Artist & Theologian, Darryl Thompson, De’Ana Brownfield, Deatra Colbert, Derrick Bell, Diamela, Doitshā Jones, Dolores R Gray, Donna Gatson, Donna Meke’da Bradley, Dre’An Cox, Dulama, Elishes Cavness, Elmarise Owens, Escape Artist, Ester M. Armstrong, Fan Lee Warren, Floyd Brown, Freddie Crome Lambright, III, Gene Dominique, Genesse McGaugh, Gregory Worsham, Hilda Robinson, iam4muze, Idris Hassan, Irene Bee Kain, J of Coeurs De Papier, J. B. Broussard, JaeMe Bereal, James Gayles, James Knox, Janay Futch, Janet Barnes, Jasmine, Jason Byrd, Jason Powell-Smith, Jennifer Inez Ward, Jessica Keener, Jimi Evins, Jonathan Taylor, Joseph Robinson, Julee Richardson, Julie Atkinson, KaliMa Amilak, Karen Smith, karin turner – karinsArt, Keisha White, Kelvin Curry, Kimberley Champion, Kimberly Johnson, L Holley, Latisha Baker, Lorraine Bonner, Maalak, Marguerite, Mark Sublett, Marva Reed, Mia Mya Dawson, Michelle Tompkins, Naomi Floyd, Olubori Babaoye, Ora Clay, Orin Carpenter, Orlonda Uffre, Pam Jackson, Patricia Patterson, Patricia Perry, Raven Harper, Raymond L. Haywood, Renata, Rodney Bell, Ron Calime, Shanju, Shantae Robinson, Shante’ Young, Shawna Kinard, Stephanie Thames, Stephen Bruce, Suzane Beaubrun, Sylvia Thomas, TaSin Sabir, The Art of Justice, TheArthur Wright, Tiffany Conway, Tomye, Val Kai, Valerie Brown-Troutt, Vaughn F. Filmore, VirgiNia Jourdan Fine Art, Wanda Sabir, Xan Blood Walker, Yasmin Sayyed, Yolanda Holley, Yolanda Patton ThaSun, Zoë Boston and Zwanda.
