For Immediate Release: April 12, 2006
Contact: Sherri Eng (415) 557-4282
seng@sfpl.org
Local Artists Pay Tribute to Black Dads
In honor of Father’s Day, 13 local visual artists will pay tribute to their fathers in the first annual Black Artists’ Expressions of Father exhibit on display May 6 – June 29 in the African American Center at the Main Library.
Black Artists’ Expressions of Father hopes to stimulate different ways of discussing and seeing the Black male – and Black fatherhood specifically. A Black artist taking time out to help his young daughter with her homework
during his art show inspired the exhibit, according to Kheven Lee LaGrone, curator and founder of the exhibit. That moment illuminated the invisibility of Black fatherhood. In the media, images of nurturing Black fathers are lost to the stereotype of the angry, violent Black male, he says.
“Black Artists’ Expressions of Father will provide a unique opportunity for local artists to present images of Black men rarely seen in mainstream media. It will be a celebration of Black fatherhood where artists pay tribute to
their fathers and provide expressions of appreciation for their love, support and sacrifices,” LaGrone says.
The exhibit brings together an eclectic mix of Black visual artists and media, including painting, ceramics, photography, wood sculpture, charcoal, gouache and mixed media. Artistic styles represented in the exhibit will
range from abstract to figurative; from sculpted felt dolls to decorated hand-held fans. Artists created much of the work specifically for the show in honor of their dads.
“I’m excited about being in the show because this is the first opportunity I’ve had to do a piece on what father means to me,” says dollmaker Karen Henderson. “I want to show my appreciation to all fathers.”
Related Programs:
- Opening Reception and Artists’ Talk
May 7, 1–3 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room
- Father’s Day Reception and Social
June 18, 1–3 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room
This exhibit and programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call (415) 557-4277.
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