Art After Dark

Our first Art After Dark experience in nearly 2 years will celebrate Black Music Month! Friday evening's schedule is FREE and packed with the best of Black music themes, from Hip Hop cyphers to African medallion creation! Starting at 6 pm, the entire building will be activated with hands-on art workshops, discussions, live music, and more!

We are also unveiling the incredibly impactful new exhibit, E. Mackey's Choose Your Weapon: Views from the Front Lines of the War for Black Lives, a collection of photos that reflect his journey as a photographing activist. It will be an experience you don't want to miss. See the schedule below:

Event Schedule

6 pm - 7:30 pm
Album Cover Art Workshop

Create record covers inspired by eclectic vinyl art from Black music history with artist Jaianna McCants.

6:15 pm - 7 pm
Classic Rap Cypher with Live Instrumental

We celebrate an early inception of Hip Hop with the classic cypher, including a live instrumental by drummer WALT. Lyricists are Mason Parker, Legend Status, Chocolate KNDY and TuKool Tiff.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Live Strings in the Museum Store

Enjoy renditions with guitar and violin by Emanuel Wynter in our Museum Store as you shop for creations from incredible local artists and vendors of color.

7 pm - 7:40 pm
Live Musical Performance by Rudy Currence

A special treat from the Grammy®-award winning artist Rudy Currence! This experience prioritizes our members and donors, so if seats are filled, we have another performance at 8:15 pm!

7:15 pm - 10 pm
Rooftop Terrace Opens

Head up to the 4th floor to our outdoor rooftop terrace to enjoy the views of Uptown.

7:20 pm - 8:20 pm
The Remix: Discussion on the Intersection of Hip Hop and Fashion

Review game-changing fashion moments in hip hop culture, and discuss the nuanced ways fashion is a form of expression in the Black community.

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Live Rooftop Painting with John Hairston

While you enjoy the Uptown views, allow master painter John Hairston to take you through his process of creating a unique piece live on the rooftop.

7:45 pm - 8:15 pm
Artist Conversation with Choose Your Weapon Artist E. Mackey

Moderated by talk show host Ohavia Phillips, tune into this exclusive conversation with the featured artist of our newest exhibit Choose Your Weapon, which will be unveiled on the same day!

8 pm - 9:30 pm
African Medallion Workshop

Create African medallions reminiscent of the late 80s early 90s natural and proud fashion, in the music era of A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Wear your medallion with pride!

8:15 pm - 9 pm
Live Musical Performance by Rudy Currence Part 2

Enjoy the incredible live sounds of Rudy Currence, whose hit song “I Belong Here” reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel charts! Enjoy his range, from gospel to R&B.

8:30 pm - 10 pm
Vibes with DJ Fannie Mae

Travel through the decades with DJ Fannie Mae highlighting the most timeless contributions of Black artists.

This experience is free and open to the public. For information on parking and directions, click/tap here.

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