For the peeps that missed the kokeshi doll show at the Japanese American National Museum, I will once again be exhibiting  5 of my jumbo KROKESHI dolls at the 28th Annual Black Doll Exhibit!!!

I’ve Got a Story to Tell

December 5 2009- February 27, 2010

History:

The Black doll show was inspired by a doll test conducted by Mamie and Kenneth Clark. The tests concluded that due to social stigmas, many black children preferred white dolls over black dolls. This test went on to become evidence in civil rights law suits. The Clarks became expert witnesses in Brown vs. Board of education and helped the landmark decision to desegregate schools. This doll test was conducted again in 2006 by 17 year old filmmaker Kiri Davis, sadly with the same results.

Inspired by the doll test, living legend artist / curator Cecil Fergerson started the Black Doll show in 1982. Wanting to change the negative self-image, Fergerson brought together hand made dolls by artists around the country into one exhibit. Through its many transformations, the Black Doll Show has been a celebration of Black Dolls from slavery, Jim Crow, freedom marches, music, dance, jazz, hip hop and more.

Our Theme:

This year’s theme, “I’ve Got a Story to Tell”, was chosen by director Joyce Maddox. Ms. Maddox states “every doll comes with it’s own story, a historic tale. The exhibit becomes almost like a gathering of souls with tales from around the world. 

The William Grant Still Arts Center is a facility of the city of Los Angeles,

Department of Cultural Affairs

2520 S. Westview St.

Los Angeles, Ca. 90016

323-734-1165

Nov. 14th will be the closing of RANDOM MINORS, MAJOR PLAYERS, a group show at the William Grant Still Arts Center.  Thanks to the curator, I have my own small room with 19 paintings on display!  Of course opening reception was a blast with yummy finger food and KJAZZ Dj’s spinning rare grooves and other cool soul/jazz/funk.  But the best part was the people there….just so very down to earth peeps. Definately a place I can take my daughter, EKA,….which I did & was her very first art opening! 

Now I’m starting to look forward to the closing reception because they are trying to get AMIRI BARAKA, the founder of the Black Arts Movement, to read his work (i think he has other performances lined up that day so we’ll see if he will be able to perform here) so if it actually goes down, the curator asked my husband, Mike the Poet, to perform his poetry also.  What a honor if Mike gets to perform after Mr. Baraka!….and a honor for me….period!

William Grant Still Arts Center  2520 S. Westview St.  Los Angeles, CA 90016