Bringing Art to the Community, Bringing the Community to Art

The Kokomo Art Association will be kicking off Black History Month in Kokomo with a special exhibition entitled “ Black Pearls”, featuring our city’s venerable local talents illuminating “Black Wisdom, Beauty and Culture” at Artworks Gallery on February 3rd, 2023. 

 

The opening reception from 6–9:00 PM will feature music by Jazz pianist Christopher Washington, refreshments, thought-provoking art and a book signing.

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Local author Reba Harris, who also serves as executive director of the Gilead House, will be launching her new book, “Living Life After the Fires of my Sorrows”. Harris will make an appearance to sign her book, which will be available for purchase at the event.

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The Kokomo Art Association's  guest artist for February is ethnographer and ethnomusicologist Robin Williams, presenting a photography exhibit on traditional Jazz Funerals, “Love is a Second-Line: Celebration of Life in New Orleans”. Williams work documenting Black culture has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution and the Center for Black Literature & Culture in Indianapolis.

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A special group exhibition on the 2nd floor of the gallery will feature dynamic works of several local and regional artists, including J.C. Barnett III, Shailyn Nash, Tashema Davis, Sunday Majaha and Ramona Daniels.

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Daniels currently serves as the Artworks Gallery coordinator and curator for this exhibition. Over the last several years she has personally witnessed the trajectory of Kokomo’s artistic landscape change for the better, becoming more inclusive. “As a local artist, I believe in raising the bar after each accomplishment so that other artists in this community will have access to the same or better opportunities,” Daniels emphasizes. “Through ‘Black Pearls’ we will spotlight and amplify the wisdom, beauty and cultural diversity that exists right here in our own backyard,” states Daniels. “We are excited to share these treasured talents with the greater community.”

 

KAA’s “Black Pearls” exhibition will run from February 3rd— February 25th at Artworks Gallery, located at 210 N. Main St, in Downtown Kokomo. Artworks Gallery is open Monday - Saturday from noon - 4:00pm.