Charlayne Hunter-Gault
Host of PBS’s Race Matters to lead discussion on civil and human rights in the 21st century
While the Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS) is primarily about the visual arts there will be serious food for thought offered to those attending the event today (Saturday).
Prominent PBS special correspondent and contributor to the series “Race Matters”, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, will moderate “Discussions in the City”, a topical discussion series that began as part of the HFAS in 2015. Panelist for the discussion are Khalil Gibran Muhammad recently named professor of history, race, and public policy at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), Janaye Ingram, activist and organizer, artist and activist Ademola Olugebefola and Rev. James Forbes of the Drum Major Institute.
The panel starts at 2PM at Riverside Church. This year’s discussion topic “Where do WE go from here?” is focused on civil and human rights with a goal of addressing the current landscape of race relations, police brutality and lack of living wages that are plaguing communities across the United States. The primary goal of the discussion is to raise questions and put forth suggestions for healing across cultural lines.
The backdrop for this discussion is fertile given the rash of police involved shootings across the country, as well as a presidential campaign that could hinge on the engagement of majority-minority voters. “Art has long been a means of expressing society’s frustrations with issues of civil and social justice,” said Dion Clarke, founder of the Harlem Fine Art Show. You have but to tour our floor and nearly all of our artist have a statement piece that touches on these topics. We are proud to have this esteemed panel tackle this discussion head on.”
Other activities for Saturday include a wine tasting and luncheon with Gault and a reception hosted by the Sisters in the Struggle. The HFAS began on Thursday evening when nearly 3,000 poured into Riverside Church for the seventh iteration of the popular show that highlights art of the African Diaspora.
Sunday the HFAS will host Super Song Sunday in partnership with Women in Ministry State of New York (WIMSNY) from 2 :00 – 4:00 p.m. AARP will host a seminar that day entitled “Life Reimagined.”
Another highlight of the show is Visions of Our 44th President, a collective sculptural show created to recognize and celebrate the historical significance of the first African American President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Black Art In America™ is hosting the exhibit, featuring works by Barkley L. Hendricks, Charly Palmer, Najee Dorsey, Matthew Gonzales and James Pearson.
Discussion in the City with Charlayne Hunter Gault – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
The Historic Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Dr.
New York, N.Y. 10027.
For tickets visit www.hfas.org. $25 per day with discounts for students.
First held in February 2010 in New York City, the Harlem Fine Arts Show has attracted more than 80,000 visitors in venues including Martha’s Vineyard, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and New York. Attendees include collectors, art enthusiasts, educators, students, and professionals. Over 80 nationally and internationally known artist, including Leroy Campbell, Ted Ellis, Andrew Nichols, Paul Goodnight, Michael Escoffery, Frank Frazier, Woodrow Nash, Andrew Nichols, Brenda Joysmith, and Glenn Tunstull have been a part of the show. In addition, highly regarded arts establishments including Louisville’s E&S Gallery, Water Kolours Fine Art in Memphis, Golden Galleries in Colorado and New York’s Savacou Gallery have also exhibited works at the show.
