Best Exhibits At The African American Art And Culture Complex
Price: Event pricing varies; free entry for exhibitions
Building Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Hours can vary based on events)
Gallery Hours: Tues to Sat - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
When Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week in 1926, his mission was to promote African American culture as an important part of history. It has since become Black History Month and today continues to promote and teach awareness of African American heritage and culture. Continuing this legacy, the African American Art and Culture Complex in San Francisco has showcased African and African American history through exhibitions, events, classes and programs since its formation in 1989. It is the perfect place for locals and tourists alike who are looking to enjoy museums, live programs, interactive classes, or who want to learn valuable history within today's context. AAACC also houses several performing arts organizations such as the AfroSolo Theatre Company and the African American Shakespeare Company and Cultural Odyssey.
While every month is Black History month at the African American Art and Culture Complex, February is definitely one of the busiest months for exhibits and events. Check below for exhibits, events and classes to look forward to this month.
Black Flight: Our Sojourn. Our Connections. Our Stories
Visual Arts & Exhibitions (Hall of Culture, 3rd Floor)
Through Sunday, June 17, 2012
Price: Free
Black Flight is an interactive photographic and mural exhibition that showcases travels through images and words. Take a look at how and where African Americans have traveled, lessons that have been learned and cultural connections that have been cultivated through photography and art. Attendees are welcome to join in during the exhibit by using sticky notes, markers, words and images to express themselves.
Dolls: Collections, Stories, and Tradition
Visual Arts & Exhibitions (Sargent Johnson Gallery, 1st Floor)
Thursday, February 2 to Thursday, May 3, 2012
Price: Free
www.aaacc.org/gallery-future-exhibitions.php
Curated by Nashormeh Lindo, Dolls: Collections, Stories and Traditions is a unique collection and exhibit highlighting the way society looks at black dolls. View doll forms of all shapes and sizes, watch doll making and listen to talks discussing the impact of how young girls grow up with a perception of beauty through the eyes of the dolls in which they play with.
Related: Hidden Museums of San Francisco
Recording Studio/Music Production
Mon to Fri - 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Free for teens
www.aaacc.org/youth-afterschool.php
The recording studio and music production class is part of the teen program open to teens aged 13 to 18 who live around the Western Addition area. Teens can learn techniques and tricks of the trade in recording production software, audio recording and musical compositions. Students also learn professional mixing techniques, song writing and song arrangement.
Dancing and Drumming: Les Bantus Congolese Dance and Drum Classes
Every Saturday, Dance: 1 p.m., Drumming: 3 p.m.
Price: Free (adults only)
(415) 302-8692
Famed choreographer Sandor Diabankouezi of the Congolese National Dance Company teaches dance where adults learn movement to the beat of the drum.
Dance: Modern Dance Classes
Every Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Price: Adult fees apply
(415) 922-0623 or email classes@pushdance.org
Learn modern steps with dancer Raissa Simpson as she challenges your mind and body. Build a sense of balance through choreography.
Related: Best Dance Companies In San Francisco
Parmeeta Ghoman is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. She specializes in shopping and style. Find some of her work on Examiner.com.
