Victory Park
1201 N. Pershing Ave.
Stockton, CA 95203
(209) 940-6300
info@hagginmuseum.org
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Victory Park |
Art of Africa: Objects from the Collection of Warren Robbins |
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April 26 - July 19, 2009 |
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Accompanied by music and photographs, the exhibition will illustrate the broader cultural context in which these art forms were created and used. The collection is on loan from the Center for Cross Cultural Communication in Washington, D.C. Warren Robbins, its founder and director, is also founding director emeritus of the National Museum of African Art, now a branch of the Smithsonian Institution. After leaving the State Department in 1962, Robbins established an interdisciplinary educational institute, the Center for Cross Cultural Communications, out of his Capitol Hill home. A year later, Robbins purchased the Washington home of abolitionist Frederick Douglas and opened the Museum of African Art on Capitol Hill, the first museum in the United States devoted exclusively to the rich, creative heritage of Africa. Its stated purpose was to “foster a deeper understanding of African culture, its history, its values, its creative tradition” and its relevance to lives of contemporary Americans. Originally collected by European explorers and ethnologists as academic specimens or curios, African sculptures had, by the end of the 19th century, begun to accumulate in European natural history museums and found their way into the hands of dealers in antiques and the “exotic” arts. At the beginning of the 20th century, a handful of European artists in France and Germany were intrigued by the unique forms and styles of African art and began to draw creative inspiration from them. The aesthetic significance of African art became highly appreciated and respected in Europe and served as a catalyst for the artistic revolution that ushered in modern art around the world. Dr. Ofori Ansa, the curator for the exhibition, is an associate professor of African art at Howard University, Washington, D.C. Born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, he has curated several contemporary and traditional African art exhibitions in Ghana and the United States. Art of Africa is organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C., a non-profit arts service organization. SPECIAL EVENTS: OPENING RECEPTION: Haggin à la Carte This year’s event will feature food and drink from some of the area’s best restaurants and wineries. Museum members will receive an invitation in the mail, but everyone is encouraged to attend this festive event. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's front desk for $35 in advance or $45 on the night of the event. Download and mail the ticket order form (PDF). For more information, call (209) 940-6316 or e-mail kanema@hagginmuseum.org. FAMILY FESTIVAL: Art of Africa The museum will be filled with activities, music and dance this Saturday afternoon in order for the whole family to discover the art of Africa. Explore family, ancestors, symbolism, masks and headdresses with hands-on activities for families with children ages 5-12. Teens will have a special activity area also. This special event is included with regular museum admission and no reservations are required. For more information, contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org. GALLERY TALK: Dr. Hope Werness, CSU Stanislaus This special event is included with regular museum admission and no reservations are required. For more information, contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org. MUSEUM INFORMATION Free docent-led tours may be booked in advance by contacting Curator of Educator Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6332 or education@hagginmuseum.org. For disabled access, call ahead at (209) 940-6311 or 940-6317. The Museum Store is open Wednesday-Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. |
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