MAY 07, 2017
Pre-opening Gala, Signs for Life: William Pleasant, Jr. Retrospective and Community Arts Event at the Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Ctr.
PLEASANT Institute, in association with CAT Sparks Art, Inc. will present, Signs for Life: an exhibition and community participation event. This Smithsonian Signature Series program is preceded by a free and open to the public Pre-exhibition Gala @ Malcom X Public Library, 5148 Market St, San Diego, CA 92114 Call: (619) 527-3405, 2:00-3:00pm, May 7, 2017. It features the sign art legacy of Southern artist William Pleasant, Jr. Pleasant’s work is a featured part of the Cultural Expressions exhibit in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American Culture and History. Signs for Life will explore Civil Rights and Black Power through the related paintings and signage of William Pleasant, Jr. The afternoon events include cultural food, hands-on community art-making and signage, music making, and much more.
Call: 619.435.1504 studio 619.301.9130 mobile. See: Pleasantinstitute.com, www.davidpleasant1.com ; Catsparksart.com.
OFFICIAL OPENING
MAY 13, 2017>
Signs for Life: William Pleasant, Jr. Retrospective and Community Arts Event
Pleasant Institute, in association with CAT Sparks Art, Inc. presents, Signs for Life: an exhibition and community participation event, May 13, 2017, 7p. The event features the sign art legacy of Southern artist William Pleasant, Jr. Pleasant’s work is a featured part of the Cultural Expressions exhibit in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American Culture and History. Signs for Life will explore Civil Rights and Black Power through the related paintings and signage of William Pleasant, Jr. (b. 1928, d. 1997). While highlighting the appreciation of hands-on analog creativity and engaged participation, a type of direct contact and change, evening events include hands-on community art-making, music making, and readings from the David Sax book, Revenge of the Analog.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), situated on the National Mall, is a place where everyone can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience. NMAAHC is a place that transcends the boundaries of race and culture, and weaves together a story that unites us all.
Lift Every Voice is a global initiative to showcase the depth and breadth of African American history and culture across the nation and around the world. We look to you to make NMAAHC’s much anticipated opening accessible to all who want to participate. We will feature public registered events on our website throughout our inaugural year (September 2016 - December 2017).
"The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution and is located at the foot of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The museum provides for the collection, study, and establishment of programs and exhibitions related to African American life, history, art, and culture. It is a place where people can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience; it is a place of meaning, memory, reflection, laughter, and hope."