"Beyond Emancipation" through FEB
Opening Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, Kennedy Heights Arts Center in partnership with Juneteenth Cincinnati is pleased to present a stunning new exhibit entitled "Beyond Emancipation." The show is an exploration of African-American culture through contemporary art, with works on display representative of the connection between the past and recent history.
This exhibition honors the 25th anniversary of Juneteenth Cincinnati. "Juneteenth" or "Emancipation Day" celebrations are held across the country annually on or near June 19th as an occasion to celebrate one of the most important events in American history -- the end of slavery in America. Cincinnati has held an annual Juneteenth festival since 1988.
Curator Barbara Gamboa describes the exhibiting artists in Beyond Emancipation as "a rich and powerful group". The show will include contemporary paintings, photographs and three-dimensional work from talented and influential Cincinnati artists Jimi Jones, Robert Harris, Michael Todd, Kelly & Kyle Phelps, Melvin Grier, Jymi Bolden, Terrance Hammonds and Thom Shaw.
A selection of historical photographs lent from Cincinnati families will supplement the artwork, and together, these images take the viewer on a journey through ideas and culture -- recognizing and celebrating the connection between past and present.
"Beyond Emancipation" will be on display in the Kennedy Heights Arts Center gallery from January 14 to February 25, 2012. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday 10am to 5pm, and Saturday 11am to 4pm.