Becoming the Sea Community Day

The Gantt welcomes the community to experience our newest exhibition, Becoming the Sea, with programming designed for all to explore the show's deeper themes and context.

We are excited to unveil the works of 12 artists who were early participants in the esteemed Black Rock Senegal artist residency in Dakar, Senegal. The exhibition is the only of its kind in the United States, intentionally highlighting the talent that rises from Black Rock.

Our weekend celebration of Becoming The Sea begins with the opening reception on Friday, August 9, and extends to a Saturday of discussion, hands-on art, behind-the-scenes exhibition exploration, live music, and more – all of which have ancestral and diasporic influences that form a bridge between Dakar and Charlotte. It is a day of experiences that our community can enjoy.

Event Schedule

10 am - 6 pm (3rd Floor Mezzanine)
Diaspora Crafts: Drop-In Art Activities

Complete a series of quick crafts that reflect foundational themes, such as replicas of drums, basket weaving, and beadwork.

11 am - 1 pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)
Figures in Color: Family Figure Painting

With the medium of watercolor, participants use figurative art and creative writing as vehicles to explore generational influences on body positivity in the Black community. Led by instructor Ida Mae, and part of the Dark & Divine series created by Dasia Hood.

12 noon - 2 pm (4th Floor)
Family First: Captivating, Colorful, and Creative Accessories 

Enjoy the process of creating captivating lapel pins, beads, buttons, fabrics, paints, and an array of embellishments to ensure your accessories are stylish, vibrant, and one-of-a-kind.

1 pm - 2 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)
Creating the Exhibition: A Conversation with the Curator & Black Rock

Hear the story of how the exhibition came to fruition from the perspective of its curator, Dexter Wimberly, and Executive Director of the Black Rock Global Arts Foundation, Zoé Fortin. The conversation includes an audience Q&A.

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)
Cultural Storytelling: Voices of Our Ancestors

This two-hour collection of experiences includes creative writing, storytelling, and sound bathing to honor cultural heritage and personal stories, equip participants with a deeper understanding of the art of storytelling, and foster a sense of community and shared cultural identity. Led by cultural media platform, Melanotion.

3 pm - 4 pm (Gallery West, 3rd Floor)
In-Gallery Tour with Curator Dexter Wimberly

Becoming the Sea curator Dexter Wimberly provides an in-gallery tour of the exhibition, giving deeper context to his design and selections. The tour includes points of Q&A and discussion with the curator.

4:30 pm - 6 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)
The Drums, A Diasporic Foundation

We close out the day with a live DJ and drum set combination that soundtracks the diverse manifestations of the drum. Featuring sounds from Manu Dibango, Celia Cruz, Libianca, and more. Co-curated and performed by DJ and drummer WALT.