Museum, Church Collaborate On New Program

Explores the Divine in African American Art

   The California African American Museum has forged a partnership with the Second Baptist Church to launch a unique two-part program, “Inquiries and Discoveries.”
   The first of the two programs, “The Divine in African American Art,” will begin on Saturday, January 19, run for eight Saturdays and include lectures, visits to significant murals, churches, cemeteries and relevant historic sites. Participants will also spend three Saturdays at Judson Studios in Los Angeles, which designs and makes stained glass works of art.
   Art historian Carson Anderson will begin the eight-week project with lectures and slides on January 19, and January 26. On February 2, Anderson will lead a tour of historic sites. On February 9, a third lecture is scheduled. On February 16, the group will visit Judson Studios and on February 23 and March 2, it will participate in workshops. On April 11, there will be a reception and exhibition of the participants’ work in stained glass at the church. All the sessions will begin at 11 a.m.
   While the program was created for church members, limited seating is available for non-members on a first-come, first-served basis. A historic and cultural icon in Los Angeles and a leader in the civil rights movement, and economic, political and community development, the Church, at 2412 Griffith Avenue, was founded in 1885 by Reverend S.C. Pierce. It currently has 800 members.
   The second program, “Pillars of the Community,” will focus on the architecture of and historic sites, landmarks and prominent figures in the African American community in Los Angeles. Specifically, it will study the Yoruba tradition of verandah posts, examine the works of African American architect Paul Williams, one of Los Angeles’s most prominent architects and designer of the Second Baptist church, and explore the cultural history of African Americans in Los Angeles. In studio workshops, participants will create their own two-dimensional verandah posts.
   Church Pastor William S. Epps said, “The church seeks to nourish the mind, body and spirit of our congregation. This unique partnership with the museum is one of many ways in which we can meet those goals and provide a greater degree of fellowship and cultural enrichment for our members. Furthermore, we are also proud that we will be able to display at the conclusion of the project a unique piece of art designed by and representative of the ingenuity of the church membership.”
   Now in its 20th year, the Museum embarked on a $3 million renovation in November. During the construction, the museum will be closed, but will continue to produce programs and workshops until its reopening this summer.
   For more information about the programs or the church, call Mar Hollingsworth at 213 892 1327. For information about the museum, call 213 892 1147 or visit its website at www.caam.ca.gov.