past exhibits

African American Artists in Los Angeles: A Survey Exhibition: Pathways (1966-1989)

January 13, 2005- April 2, 2005

The City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, in partnership with the Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex, California State University, Los Angeles, is presenting a three-part citywide survey exhibition of works created by African American artists in the Los Angeles area from 1945 through 2003.

The exhibition, African American Artists in Los Angeles, a Survey Exhibition, seeks to commemorate and celebrate the artistic and cultural contributions African American artists have continued to make to the City of Los Angeles, its residents and visitors. This exhibition started in January 2004 as part of Celebrate 2004, the City of Los Angeles’ official events celebrating African American Heritage Month, and will culminate with the city’s celebrations in 2005.

The three individual parts of the program each cover a unique time period in the life of the city and its artists. Part One of the exhibition, entitled Fade, was presented and concluded in early 2004. Now we are pleased to announce Parts Two and Three of the exhibition opening in January 2005.

Part Two of the exhibition, Pathways, includes artwork created between 1966 and 1989. Pathways will be presented at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery in Barnsdall Art Park and the California African American Museum in Exposition Park. Pathways is curated by Dale Brockman Davis who, alongside his brother Alonzo, established one of the city's first and oldest gallery showing the work of African American artists.

Part Three, entitled Reaction, includes artwork dated 1945 through 1965 and will be sited alongside Pathways at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, located in Barnsdall Art Park. Reaction is curated by Leonard Simon, with assistance by Bruce Picano. Reaction promises to present works rarely seen by the public that carry great significance to the city of Los Angeles, the nation, and the international community.

Black Olympians—Moments of Inspiration

August 13, 2004 – February 26, 2005

This exhibition paid tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments of Olympic athletes and contained over 100 photos that demonstrated the courage, perseverance and energy of the African American competitors.

sampling of works presented