Introduction to the Exhibit
A new exhibit, highlighting the history of Black communities and culture in Altadena, opened this month at the California African American Museum in L.A.’s Exposition Park. The free, mixed-media exhibit showcases intergenerational artists and Black excellence, organizers said. “Ode to ‘Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena” was born out of a desire to preserve the art and history of the area after the Eaton fire in January destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, including many owned by Black artists.
The Exhibit’s Purpose and Scope
The exhibit, open through Oct. 12, aims to showcase the “rich and dynamic Black cultural heritage of Altadena,” said curator Dominique Clayton. It surveys the town’s enduring legacy, despite loss, through the work and stories of a diverse group of “artists and culture bearers that have called it home.” The exhibit features 25 globally known and community artists showcasing the Altadena community through the lens of photos, paintings, and sculpture.
Featured Artists and Their Works
“A Family Treasure Found” by Dominique Moody is part of the new exhibit. The show celebrates the Black artistic and intergenerational legacies in Altadena, which sustained extensive losses in the Eaton fire. The community was once hailed an epicenter of Black arts activity in L.A. County. Other notable pieces include “Sound of Silence” by Charles White, “Moses” by Marcus Leslie Singleton, and “Three Monkeys with a Flag” by La Monte Westmoreland. Visitors can walk through the exhibit and experience the vibrant culture of Altadena through the various artworks on display.
The Story of Altadena
During the 1950s and 60s, Altadena became known as an epicenter of Black arts activity in L.A. County. Though this later shifted to South L.A. following the Watts Riots, Altadena and its neighboring Pasadena continued to develop as a vibrant, creative haven with a distinctive Black cultural imprint, museum officials said. The area remained a hub of creativity for Black artists, educators, musicians, entrepreneurs, and activists.
Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience
Altadena resident Michael Chukes has one sculpture in the exhibit, entitled “Protector of the Next Generation.” The piece shows a man holding and kissing the head of a young child, and is also on the cover of his art book “Identity Theft.” Chukes lost his art studio in the fires, which contained decades of his life’s work. “It’s important for me to let younger artists know that even in the midst of devastation, there must be resilience,” Chukes, 64, said.
Multigenerational Families and Their Contributions
The exhibit also features two Black multigenerational families, with artists who lived and lost in Altadena and Pasadena. One is the Davis family. Keni “Arts” Davis is a community artist who has been painting Altadena and Pasadena for decades before the fires. In hopes of processing the loss of his home and his artwork — and the works of many family members — to the Eaton fire, Davis started a series, “Beauty for Ashes,” which documents the locations as they are now, post-fire — showing the burnt wreckage of community landmarks.
Other Featured Artists and Works
Three generations of Davis family artwork are part of the show, including art from the youngest. Davis’ wife, Mildred “Peggy” Davis, is a craft quilter whose work honors the legacy of African American quilting. A vintage map of Altadena was created by daughter Kenturah Davis, a contemporary artist with three pieces displayed. Her two-year-old, Micah Zuri Davis-O’Connor, also started learning watercolor and will have two paintings as part of the show.
Conclusion
The “Ode to ‘Dena” exhibit is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Altadena and its people. Despite the devastating losses suffered by the community, the exhibit showcases the resilience and creativity of its artists. The exhibit is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of Altadena and its people.
FAQs
Q: Where is the California African American Museum located?
A: The California African American Museum is located in Exposition Park, 600 State Drive, in Los Angeles.
Q: How long will the “Ode to ‘Dena” exhibit be open?
A: The exhibit will be open through Oct. 12.
Q: What type of artworks are featured in the exhibit?
A: The exhibit features a mix of photos, paintings, and sculpture by 25 globally known and community artists.
Q: Can I visit the exhibit for free?
A: Yes, the exhibit is free to visit.
Q: What is the significance of the “Ode to ‘Dena” exhibit?
A: The exhibit aims to showcase the rich and dynamic Black cultural heritage of Altadena, despite the losses suffered by the community in the Eaton fire.
