artist talk, community arts socials, exhibition, workshop

Reflections of WEUSI: 1965 to Present

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 26 (Ended. Thank you for attending!)

Exhibition Dates: April 18 – June 1, 2025 (EXTENDED!)
The CAC gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 pm and during the special event below.

Weusi Collective

About the Exhibition: Reflections of WEUSI: 1965 to Present

The griots of the WEUSI Artist Collective have captured history using their unique creative styles to add a benchmark to the culture of Harlem and the world. This group of men and women were fearless, bold and unapologetic about their mission at a time of civil unrest in America. They made a statement, “Black images by Black people”.

The members of WEUSI continue to produce positive “Black” images using every medium, media and method known to the art world. They are modern masters of artmaking who weave their stories using paint, paper, metal, stone, photography, glass, wood, textiles, cloth to deliver powerful messages of hope and pride. The diversity of art makers in this collective continue to push the visual boundaries of storytelling with a commitment to uplift the global community of the African diaspora and serve as a building block for the future of Black art makers.

This exhibition is a tribute to these trailblazers here in Harlem where they had an undeniable and lasting impact on the culture and our lives. The exhibition is a collaboration between the WEUSI Artist Collective, Hamilton Landmark Galleries, and the Children’s Art Carnival.

Participating artist list  in alphabetical order:

Abdullah Aziz Jesse Anthony Henry Ademola Olugebefola
Kay Brown Jennifer Ivey Okoe Pyatt
Perry Cannon MLJ Johnson Ed Sherman
Robert Daniels Dindga McCannon Deborah Singletary
Jimmy James Greene Karl A. McIntosh Ken Wright
Gaylord Hassan Otto Neals


Location:
The Children’s Art Carnival, 62 Hamilton Terrace, New York, NY 10031
Hamilton Landmark Galleries, 467 West 144th St, New York, NY 10031


 

More Events & Workshops:

Thursday, May 8, 6 to 8:30 pm
The Word Wand

by Deborah Singletary and Jennifer Ivey
In this workshop, participants create a word wand to inspire them to develop practices that transform negative thinking and construct healthy, supportive thoughts. This symbolic art tool has precedence in Native American and African spiritual practices. The workshop closes with a ritual and blessing incorporating the participants’ newly created word wand.ENDED – Thank you for participating

Monday, May 12, 6 to 8:30 pm
Make a Mask


by Jennifer Ivey and Deborah Singletary
This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of creating their own unique
mask. Whether for theater, cultural celebrations, or personal expression, attendees will explore
different styles, materials, and artistic techniques to bring their vision to life.
ENDED – Thank you for participating

Friday, May 16, 6 to 8 pm
Film Screening: “WEUSI!”

A film created by David Lackey/ Whirlwind Creative  in partnership with Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group.

Independently produced documentary film tracing the roots and capturing the creative spark of the WEUSI Artist Collective, including interviews with noted WEUSI Collective members. Artist talk with members Ademola Olugebefola & Dindga McCannon, with Voza Rivers, Producer.

at the Children’s Art Carnival


Saturday, May 17, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
Stop-Action Animation Workshop

Learn about the art of Stop-Action Animation, Imagine a story you want to tell and bring it to life using these basic animation techniques. Instructor – Harmarkhis McCannon and Dindga MacCannon. (REGISTER)

at the Children’s Art Carnival


Saturday, May 24, 2 to 4 pm
Panel Discussion: “WEUSI: Sustaining the legacy of Black Arts Movements, Instruments of Cultural Preservation.”

About the Discussion:
This discussion highlights the importance of diversifying our financial portfolios by investing in our fine art marketplace.

These uncertain times require us to solidify and protect our cultural assets using strategies to uncover the personal assets in our private collections.

Featured Participants:

  • Chris BoswellModerator
    (Gallerist, Collector, Auctioneer, Appraiser)
  • Shelley Innis
    (Contributor, WEUSI Collective Archive @ David Driskell Foundation)
  • Dindga McCannon
    WEUSI Collective Member
    (Brooklyn Museum Permanent Collection)
  • Ademola Olugebefola
    WEUSI Collective Member
    (Founder, Dwyer Cultural Center)
  • Diedra Harris-Kelley
    Director, Romare Bearden Foundation
  • Marjorie Clarke
    Librarian, Langston Hughes Library

We anticipate a vibrant dialogue that will include additional stakeholders in the arts, as well as insights from our engaged audience.

RSVP

at Hamilton Landmark Galleries
467 West 144th St, New York, NY 10031


Friday,May 30, 6 to 8:30 pm
Closing Reception

at the Children’s Art Carnival and Hamilton Landmark Galleries (More information coming soon)

 

 

Press Coverage on this exhibition:

WEUSI – 5.5.25 soulful sunrise w/ Karen Taylor Bass
https://soundcloud.com/onwurd/weusi-5525-soulful-sunrise-w-karen-taylor-bass

  

VIDEO: Learn more about WEUSI Artist Collective

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