Exhibitions
Wattstax: I Am Somebody! August 9 – October 28, 2007 Theatre Gallery This rare collection tells the story of one of the most important events of the Civil Rights Movement. Wattstax was an event of soul music and soul solidarity––a peaceful, astounding, and vivid celebration of self-expression Isaac Hayes performs at “Wattstax,” shown with concert host, Jesse Jackson. 1972. Photographer unknown. and self-respect with a positive and empowering message. The sixty images featured in the exhibition capture the energy and history of this landmark event, as well as performances by musical icons the Staple Singers, the Bar-Kays, Albert King, and The Dramatics among others. This exhibition was organized by the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis, TN.
A family compound in Sirigu, Ghana, ca 1986. Margaret Courtney-Clark.
Lasting Foundations: The Art of Architecture in Africa May 17 – August 19, 2007, Gallery II Containing over 60 works of art and 50 photographs, this exhibition surveys the innovative and varied architecture used in African homes, palaces and public spaces. From Timbuktu to Johannesburg, the exhibition presents architectural elements in both urban and rural settings, including magnificent carved house posts, doors, locks, and window frames alongside photographs, video, and works by contemporary artists. Lasting Foundations explores the symbolic and aesthetic significance of architecture meant to last for generations, or ebb and flow with daily life. This exhibition was organized by the Museum for African Art, New York, with support from Merrill Lynch.
Backdrops circa 1940s, 1998. Lorna Simpson. Two serigraphed felt panels.
Blacks In and Out of the Box September 13 – December 30, 2007 Gallery II This exhibition focuses on African Americans as artists and subjects throughout the history of photography. Thematically, it highlights California’s influence on Blacks in front of and behind the camera and the on-going dialogue African Americans have with the images of their past. The show features unique early photographs from the Steve Turner collection, as well as contemporary images of black photography and videography.
programs Sunday, July 1, 11am-5pm / EVENT
Thursday, August 23, 7pm-9pm / SCREENING
TARGET SUNDAYS @ CAAM – Hot Fun in the Summertime!
Wattstax - 35th Anniversary Screening
Kick-off summer with CAAM! A day of performances, art, music and food celebrating our community, our pride, and ourselves. Program begins at 1pm, including a kite workshop, drumming lessons and special live performances.
Revisit history through this dynamic film of the 1972 concert attended by more than 100,000 people. Nominated for a Golden Globe in 1974, Wattstax features performances by Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, The Bar-Kays, and comedy riffs by Richard Pryor––a treasure all in itself.
Saturday, July 14, 1pm-3pm / DISCUSSION
Sunday, September 2, 11am-5pm / EVENT
CONVERSATIONS @ CAAM - John Outterbridge, a Watts Artist
TARGET SUNDAYS @ CAAM – CAAM/Stax Block Party
From the 1960s to the present, John Outterbridge’s work evolved through a series of various works addressing social injustices and the urban blight that surrounds the lives of so many. In a discussion with Mark S. Greenfield, Director of the Barnsdall Art Park, Outterbridge reflects on his wide-ranging body of work, his political and social influences, and his distinguished career as the director of two important community arts centers in Watts and Compton, California. Conversations @ CAAM is supported by Sempra Utilities and Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum.
CAAM and Concord Music Group celebrate the 35th anniversary of the legendary concert, Wattstax, and the 50th anniversary of Stax Records. The day will feature music from Stax recordings old and new, live performances, special give-aways, roller skating fun for all and a competition for those with old school skills. Program begins at 1pm. Dust off those skates, and join in the fun!
Saturday, July 14, 1pm-3pm / WORKSHOP
EXTERIOR EXPRESSIONS Inspired by the Lasting Foundations exhibition, artist Fernando Vargas guides you to adorn your own South African abode. Surface decoration reflects Africa’s varied cultural landscape––women paint magnificent murals on the interior and exterior of their homes, while men incorporate plaster relief designs and wood sculpture into ceremonial buildings. The workshop also incorporates the Ndebele and Zulu people’s bright palette of abstract design. Ages 9 and up.
Front cover: Fiona, 1987. Allison Saar. Mixed media.
Polynesian Woman, ca 1953. William Smith. Ink drawing on paper.
A Woman’s Journey: The Life and Work of Artis Lane September 27, 2007 – March 2, 2008, Gallery I This first retrospective of Artis Lane is an exploration of a painter/sculptor’s work spanning more than 60 years. Her creative vision is captured in drawings and sculptures, ranging from studio nudes, to traditional portraits, to more abstract creations. The exhibition includes self-portraits, as well as representations of family and friends, and busts and paintings of historical figures. Painted portraits include world-renowned figures, such as Oprah Winfrey, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Aretha Franklin, and others whose public image is captured so personally. The exhibit also includes Lane’s current metaphysical, sculptural pieces, reflecting her continuing evolution as a woman and an artist.
Sheldon Epps, television director/producer and Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse is interviewed by Beverly La Fontaine of the CAAM History Council. Epps has directed a number of hit plays since joining the Playhouse in 1997, including Fences and Purlie. On Broadway, Epps conceived and directed the Duke Ellington musical, Play On!, nominated for three Tony Awards, as well as the highly acclaimed musical revue, Blues in the Night, nominated for a Tony Award as Best Musical of the Year. Epps recently initiated the Theatrical Diversity Project, supporting his vision to establish and preserve diversity on stage and off at the Playhouse. Conversations @ CAAM is supported by Sempra Utilities and Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum.
Saturday, July 21, 1pm-3pm / WORKSHOP
FANTASTIC CREATURES Make a fantastic creature from cut out shapes and write a story about it based on the work of artists in Between Two Worlds. A CAAM Gallery Educator provides the inspiration. Ages 10 and up.
Saturday, September 8, 12pm-2pm / WORKSHOP
Design Your Album Cover! A music industry designer guides participants to create their own album covers or recreations of their favorites. CAAM provides all the materials, as long as you have a design in mind. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Reservations required: 213-744-2024.
Saturday, July 28, 1pm-3pm / DISCUSSION
LIVING THROUGH ART Dr. Jill Moniz, CAAM Visual Arts Curator, and Alitash Kebede discuss Kebede’s life, politics and collecting. Sunday, August 5, 11am-5pm / EVENT
Between Two Worlds: The Alitash Kebede Collection June 14 – September 2, 2007, Gallery I Alitash Kebede’s collection is a powerful exhibition of more than 80 works that document Kebede’s friendships, influences, politics and finally, her own identity represented through her choices as a collector, as an Ethiopian and a naturalized American citizen. The show honors Skunder Boghossian, Kebede’s artistic inspiration, and includes major African American artists she came to know and collect. Artists represented include Richard Mayhew, Betye, Allison and Lezley Saar, Jacob Lawrence, James Vander Zee, and Todd Gray. The original touring exhibition, The Alitash Kebede Collection of African American Art, was organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, and subsequently modified and curated by the California African American Museum.
Saturday, September 8, 1pm-3pm / DISCUSSION
CONVERSATIONS @ CAAM – Sheldon Epps, Award-winning Producer & Director
TARGET SUNDAYS @ CAAM – Upon Whose Shoulders… Building for the Future Inspired by Lasting Foundations, this day of programming explores the significance of building strong foundations for the home, for the mind, for social interaction and for the neighborhood. Program begins at 1pm, including workshops, drumming lessons and special live performances. Sunday, August 12, 1pm-3pm / DISCUSSION
IN WHOSE HANDS? Dr. Jill Moniz and Steven Nelson, Assistant Professor of Art History at UCLA discuss the whereabouts of pillaged and contemporary African art––who owns it, where is it displayed, and why is so much of Africa’s art retained outside the continent? Thursday, August 16, 6pm-8pm / DISCUSSION
Sunday, September 16, 1pm-3pm / DISCUSSION
PHOTOGRAPHY THEN AND NOW Collector Steve Turner and artists Todd Gray and Kendell Carter engage in a comparative dialogue of photographic practices from the 19th century to today. Panelists focus on the malleability of the medium from still photography to conceptual video. Dr. Jill Moniz, CAAM Visual Arts Curator, moderates. Sundays, September 23 and 30, 1pm-3pm / EVENT
“SOMETIMES I CRY” – Sheryl Lee Ralph The one-woman show, written and performed by award-winning actress and honored AIDS activist, Sheryl Lee Ralph, creatively examines the female struggle when coping with HIV/AIDS. Ms. Ralph chronicles the lives of women of varying backgrounds and cultures through spoken word, movement and song. Reservations and ticket information: 213-744-7469. Saturday, September 29, 1pm-3pm / SPECIAL TOUR
REGARDING THE SPRITUAL IN ART Mar Hollingsworth, CAAM Museum Curator, leads patrons through A Woman’s Journey: The Life and Work of Artis Lane, discussing the artist’s expression of transcendence as revealed in her larger-than-life sculptures.
Development of the Stax Sound Music industry professionals and historians reflect on Stax Records, discussing the development of the celebrated music label, its history and former and current contributors.
Saturday, October 6, 12pm-2pm / DISCUSSION
Saturday, August 18, 1pm-3pm / WORKSHOP
Music professionals discuss current trends in the industry, including art of promotion, demo solicitation, and negotiating contracts, concluding with a question and answer session. Reservations required: 213-744-2024.
BASICS OF WATERCOLOR PAINTING Release, 1982. Artis Lane. Bronze with patina. Collection of Marla Gibbs.
Generously supported by The Annenberg Foundation, The City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, The James Irvine Foundation, and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
The African American Journey West: Permanent Collection Continuously on view in Gallery III
Participants learn techniques, such as wet-into-wet blending, to create an original watercolor painting. Maybe somewhere within you lurks the talent of a Richard Mayhew, Romare Bearden or Richard Yarde, artists in Between Two Worlds. Guest instructor: Milton Loupe. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, participants must be available for the entire session. Reservations: (213) 744-2024.
Accessing the Music Industry