: The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is showcasing the work
of African American artists through a unique exhibition, "African
American Artists Celebrate Community," on display November 22
through April 4. The exhibition is accompanied by interactive
programming.
Drawn from the academy's permanent collection, the exhibition
celebrates African -American art and artists. From Willie Birch's
intimate "A Farewell Feast," 1988, to the energetic "Chess
Players," 1970, by Jacob Lawrence, to the spiritual expression of
"Sunday Afternoon," 1988-89, by Margo Humphrey, "African American
Artists Celebrate Community" reveals aspects of African American
culture from the perspectives of influential artists. Humbert L.
Howard's "The Fishermen," 1973, portrays a whimsical shore scene,
while Faith Ringgold's "Tar Beach #2," 1990, adapts summer
activities to an urban setting.
Also included will be Beverley Buchanan's "Ms Mary Lou Furcron,"
1989, Dox Thrash's "Second Thought, aka My Neighbor," 1939, Bob
Thompson's "Procession at Aqueduct," 1961, and Romare Bearden's
"Conjunction," 1970.
The Pennsylvania Academy offers a series of family programs and
drawing workshops that enable a hands-on experience of art. Each
program helps participants relate to the featured African
American artists, encouraging them to understand the creative
process and incorporate their own experiences into their work.
Using the academy's emphasis on fundamental skills, the lessons
provide a unique opportunity for participants to interpret works
of art in the exhibition.
During a family program planned for Saturday, February 21, at 11
am, guests can learn about works by Jacob Lawrence, who
interpreted his dreams and memories. After observing his
paintings, visitors work with instructor Carly Ofsthun to
consider their own dreams, then learn techniques to create
paintings bringing them to life.
Families can also create their own "storyquilt" patches Saturday,
March 20, at 11 am, during a program surrounding Faith Ringgold's
"Tar Beach." Ringgold created "storyquilts" expressing the rich
tradition of storytelling in vibrant paintings on quilted canvas.
Participants can hear the story of Ringgold's "Tar Beach,"
depicting memories of hot summer nights on a tar-paper roof, then
instructor Ofsthun will show guests how to make their own
storyquilt patches of beloved scenes in the community.
An Art-at-Lunch presentation titled "Creative Fusion: Jazz and
the Canvas" Wednesday, February 11, at noon, also is a highlight
of the program schedule. The lunchtime lecture, free with gallery
admission, will approach the work of Romare Bearden from a
musical perspective, through the eyes and ears of his mentoree
Verna Hart.
Student groups can learn about the growth of African American art
through drawing lessons and daily guided tours of the exhibition,
including an Experience the Academy day February 11 with a tour,
Art-at-Lunch presentation, and drawing lesson related to the
exhibition works. Tours explore the diversity of style and media
employed by artists and learning about various genres. Following
the tours, drawing lessons are conducted by academy students.
Lessons are customized for the grade level and ability of the
group.
Finally, the academy's "African American Artists Celebrate
Community" teacher workshop enables educators to incorporate art
in various subject areas. The workshop, to be conducted
Wednesday, March 3, helps educators take cultural understanding
beyond the exhibition. The program grants Act 48 credits, helping
teachers achieve the state requirements of six college credits in
art courses every five years. A packet including academy
reproductions and curricular suggestions will be provided.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is at 1301 Cherry
Street. The new building is currently under construction at Broad
and Cherry Streets, across the street from the historic landmark
building designed by Frank Furness and George Hewitt.
For information, 215-972-7600 or www.pafa.org.
