MUSEUM’S HISTORIC BLACK CREATIVITY PROGRAM RETURN

 MUSEUM’S HISTORIC BLACK CREATIVITY PROGRAM RETURN 

Black Creativity and its signature Juried Art Exhibition is open now through April 17 at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI). MSI has hosted the annual celebration for more than 50 years. This exhibition is included with Museum entry.

The longest-running exhibit of African American art in the nation, the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition showcases nearly 200 works by professional artists from across the nation as well as local student artists. Returning this year is an online art gallery, providing even more opportunity for people to view these artworks if they are unable to visit the Museum in person.

“Showcasing the groundbreaking achievements of African Americans gives young people of color the opportunity to see themselves represented in the arts and sciences,” said Chevy Humphrey, MSI president and CEO. “Black Creativity celebrates artists, creators and leaders who contribute to their community and help inspire interest in innovation through STEAM.”

Each year, MSI’s Black Creativity Program celebrates the accomplishments of African American leaders who are transforming Chicago by honoring them as Black Creativity Innovators. This distinguished group is recognized in the Museum’s Rotunda and inside the Juried Art Exhibition. This year’s group includes:

Jeffery Beckham, Jr. CEO of Chicago Scholars, Computer Programmer, Acrylic Artist

Quilen Blackwell President and Co-Founder of Southside Blooms, Social Entrepreneur

Aya-Nikole Cook Owner of Haji Healing Salon, Entrepreneur Mentor, Artist

Christopher LeMark Founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health, Hip-Hop Artist, Public Speaker

A new exhibit, Black Creativity: Architecture, is also open to guests and showcases Black architects’ strong presence throughout history. Guests can dive into an array of real architectural materials and drawings to learn what it's like to be an architect while observing models of famous buildings and artifacts. The exhibit recognizes and celebrates a tradition of greatness that continues to grow, demonstrating how past and present influential architects, including Roberta Washington, Philip G. Freelon and Georgia Louise Harris Brown, provided communities with both physical shelter and emotional uplift.

The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and Black Creativity: Architecture are included in Museum Entry.

The Black Creativity Program for 2022 is sponsored by the Allstate Insurance Company, BMO Harris Bank, Complete Care Management Partners, LLC and Zing Health, Inc.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Welcome to Science Initiative, the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSI’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.

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