The Village Theatre Art Gallery Presents:

Art of the African Diaspora

The Town of Danville’s Village Theatre Art Gallery is pleased to partner with the Richmond Art Center (RAC) as a satellite exhibition space for the RAC’s 24th Annual Art of the African Diaspora Exhibition (formerly titled the Art of Living Black).  The exhibition will feature the talents of Bay Area artists who are of African descent.  

Co-founded by the late Jan Hart-Schuyers and the late Rae Louise Hayward, The Art of Living Black is a group exhibition showcasing works of more than 150 artists—the exhibition at the Village Theatre Art Gallery will spotlight a number of these artists. This event is organized by The Art of Living Black Steering Committee in partnership with the Richmond Art Center. The Steering Committee is a dedicated group of established Bay Area artists whose mission is to preserve and expand the vision of Hart-Schuyers and Hayward by supporting emerging, mid-career and established artists of African descent.

Art by 12 Bay Area artists of African descent will be on view in this thought-provoking exhibition.  Included in the exhibition are selected works on loan from Danville art collector, Laurie Ferreira, featuring prominent, nationally and internationally recognized artists of African descent.

The exhibition dates are January 16 - February 29, 2020.  There is an Opening Reception set for Thursday, January 16, 2020. During the opening, a screening of filmmaker Cheryl Fabio’s award-winning documentary Evolutionary Blues will be held, followed by a Q & A.  Evolutionary Blues is a documentary about West Oakland’s music legacy.  

The Gallery will open at 6:00 p.m. and guests will have the opportunity to take in the exhibition.  The film will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Q & A session with the filmmaker.  A Closing Reception is scheduled for Thursday, February 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served, and attendees can enjoy live jazz provided by local musician David Goodlett while checking out the outstanding art on display. This event is FREE and open to the public. 

For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 314-3460 or mnelsonbleier@danville.ca.gov.