We Found Joy In Art-Making / Encontramos La Felicidad Haciendo Arte
Sharing these wonderful photos by R.D. Lopez/Shots From Richmond & Froggie Violet Vega documenting Rebeca García-González creating a new mural at the 25th Street entrance of Richmond Art Center. The mural is called We Found Joy In Art-Making / Encontramos La Felicidad Haciendo Arte and was completed in December 2021.
Rebeca was assisted by Richmond youth, Leslie Poblano and Denise Campos.
For Black History Month, Richmond Art Center will present Patricia Mapps: From Africa to Richmond, on Monday, February 28 at 7pm. Through archival research, oral history, and DNA, Patricia has traced her ancestors to Africa and uncovered a story of enslavement, emancipation, the decision to purchase and live on the land they “tamed” when enslaved, their transition to farm laborers then to farmers, and Civil Rights activism in Richmond. In this special online event, Patricia will share the story her research has uncovered in a presentation which will be followed by a Q&A session. This event is free but registration is required to access the zoom link.
Scroll down to see Art of the African Diaspora at Richmond Art Center listed in the San Francisco Chronicle among many awesome events happening during Black History Month!
Black History Month 2022: events, performances and more ways to celebrate in the Bay Area
Anne Schrager January 31, 2022Updated: February 2, 2022, 3:23 pm
February is officially dedicated to celebrating the legacy of African culture in America. However, with events commemorating the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. starting in mid-January, the San Francisco Public Library programming notes that it’s “More Than a Month.”
As we enter the third year of the pandemic and face other worldly challenges, community members may take pause and look inward, asking what they can do to better confront racism and inequality and take part in making our world a healthier, happier and more peaceful place to live. Through visual art, social action, lectures, performances and more, we can honor the people, events and achievements that originate from the diverse African diaspora.
Here’s how some Bay Area organizations and arts institutions plan to celebrate Black History Month in 2022. Event information is subject to change, so check the venue or organization website for the latest updates.
Meditation in the S.F. Public Library African American Center
Take time each week to build up your mindfulness through weekly secular meditation, hosted by Dennis Billups, blind disability rights activist and contributor to the Netflix documentary “Crip Camp.”
Noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23. Free; vaccination proof and masks required. African American Center Exhibit Space, S.F. Public Library, main branch, 100 Larkin St., S.F. 415-557-4400. sfpl.org
“More Than a Month” is San Francisco’s celebration of Black History Month, featuring events and exhibits at the main branch of San Francisco Public Library.Photo: More Than a Month
Marin Theatre Company presents: ‘Pass Over’
Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu’s acclaimed play about two Black men trapped by fear and confusion, in a world where many of their peers have been killed by police, was originally scheduled to start on Jan. 27 but was postponed. Performances will now begin on Wednesday, Feb. 2, and run through Feb. 20.
Wednesday, Feb. 2. Through Feb. 20. $25–$60; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415-388-5208. marintheatre.org
24th annual S.F. Independent Film Festival presents: ‘The Sleeping Negro’ and ‘Across’
Filmmaker Skinner Myers presents a tale focused on a young Black man who struggles for self-peace after committing fraud under orders from his white boss in “The Sleeping Negro.” This festival opening-night screening is also set to include Matthew Riutta’s short film “Across” and a discussion moderated by San Francisco Examiner race and equity columnist Teresa Moore.
7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. $14-$15; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Available to view online from Feb. 3-10. Roxie Theater House, 3117 16th St., S.F. sfindiefest2022.eventive.org
BAMPFA presents: An online conversation with Robert Moses
Join a live-stream discussion from the museum with the Robert Moses Kin director/choreographer. Moses has choreographed for many companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the San Francisco Opera and Lorraine Hansberry Theater, and has taught at festivals and college campuses across the world.
The Grammy Award-winning trumpet player is set to perform in celebration of his quintet’s 25th anniversary and Black History Month. Featuring saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Anthony Wonsey, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Adonis Rose.
7 and 8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Feb. 4-6; 10:15 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 4-5. $25-$45; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Black Cat Club, 400 Eddy St., S.F. 415-358-1999. blackcatsf.com
Camille A. Brown & Dancers in “ink,” a work that examines the culture of Black life that is often appropriated, rewritten or silenced.Photo: Christopher Duggan / Hammer Theatre Center
Hammer Theatre Center presents: Camille A. Brown & Dancers
The New York choreographer Camille A. Brown offers a historically informed dance theater piece focused on issues of race, culture and identity.
7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 4-5. $25-$60; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Live-stream viewing option available. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408-924-8501. hammertheatre.com
MoAD and the Lorraine Hansberry Theater present: ‘The DePriest Incident’ online reading
Award-winning playwright Charles White’s drama, set in 1929, depicts a Black civil rights advocate elected to represent Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives who stages a debate focused on political strategy practices for social change.
Pear Theatre presents: ‘The Mountaintop’ and ‘Sunset Baby’
Directed by Sinjin Jones, playwrights Katori Hall and Dominique Morisseau’s works address Black activism through the eyes of a chambermaid in 1968 Memphis and a widowed black revolutionary with an estranged daughter.
“The Mountaintop” performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays; “Sunset Baby” at 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Friday, Feb. 4. Through Feb. 20. $20-$42; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Live stream available. Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. 650-254-1148. thepear.org
Flutist-composer Nicole Mitchell will perform at Mills College on Saturday, Feb. 5.Photo: Mills Music Now
Mills Music Now: Nicole Mitchell
Mills College Music Department and the Center for Contemporary Music present a performance from Jean Macduff Vaux 2021-22 composer in residence flutist Nicole Mitchell. Her weeklong residency will culminate in this concert featuring her works with harpist Zeena Parkins.
8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Free-$15; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Live-stream viewing link provided on the day of the event. Littlefield Concert Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-2191. performingarts.mills.edu
Melvin Seals and JGB
The former Jerry Garcia Band keyboardist and vocalist invites attendees to dance the night away to the jam-band quartet’s good vibes.
Jazz saxophonist Kenny Garrett will join Faye Carol at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle on Sunday, Feb. 6.Photo: Geoffrey
Faye and the Folks February Jazz Series
A weekly Sunday concert series celebrating Black History Month will be hosted by vocalist Faye Carol, in collaboration with renowned jazz artists including saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Essiet Essiet, vocalist Kenny Washington, drummer Dennis Chambers, trombonist Steve Turre, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph and others.
Thomas’ multidisciplinary artworks include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and installations addressing issues of race and gender and reflecting feminism through the lens of African American protest and social traditions. See her work at Mills College Art Museum in “Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of the Paulson Fontaine Press,” an exhibition on display through March 13. The college also plans to host other Black History Month events online throughout the month. See its website for more information.
7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9. Free; registration required. Online event. Mills College Art Museum, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-2164. mcam.mills.edu
Quincy Troupe in online conversation with Danny Glover & Terry McMillan
Troupe is joined in conversation by actor Danny Glover and best-selling author Terry McMillan in an online discussion moderated by Kim McMillon, celebrating the release of Troupe’s new poetry collection, “Duende: Poems, 1966–Now” (Seven Stories Press). The program will also feature appearances from artist-educator Mildred Howard and musicians Will Calhoun and J.D. Parran.
2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10. Free; live stream available on the S.F. Public Library YouTube channel. 415-557-4400. sfpl.org/events
Zaccho Dance Theatre presents: ‘Love, a State of Grace’
A dance performance installation, with choreography and direction by Joanna Haigood, in one-hour cycles repeated over three hours on each performance date. The program features Bay Area aerial dancers performing to composer Walter Kitundu’s score, which incorporates recorded and live music activation within the space. Theologians Yohana Junker and Cláudio Carvalhaes will offer meditation and small rituals that the audience may engage with as they move freely throughout the cathedral.
‘Reparations’ — an all-Black drag show with Kerri Colby
Nicki Jizz hosts the late-evening show featuring performances from Mahlae Balenciaga, Sir Joq, Dvvsk, bebe Sweetbriar, Alotta Boutte and others with music from Jason Godfrey.
Pianist Michelle Cann is scheduled to perform as part of the Santa Rosa Symphony’s “American Rhapsody” program at Green Music Hall on Feb. 12-14.Photo: Santa Rosa Symphony
Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘American Rhapsody’
2020 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award winner Aram Demirjian is set to conduct the symphony in a performance of works by American composers Florence Price, William Grant Still and George Gershwin, featuring pianist Michelle Cann. There will be half-hour pre-concert talks with Demirjian and Cann one hour before each performance.
2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 (open rehearsal); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 and Feb. 14; 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. $10-$97; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. 707-546-8742. srsymphony.org
54th California International Antiquarian Book Fair: ‘Collecting Oakland’s Activist Roots — Black Panthers and Beyond’
As part of the event’s multiday lineup, Black Panther Party archivist, publisher and activist Lisbet Tellefsen and historian/Bolerium Books owner Alexander Akin plan to show and discuss a selection of historical ephemera from past social movements in Oakland. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual book fair will be available online from 9 a.m. Feb. 12 through 5 p.m. Feb. 14 at abaa.org/vbf.
4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Included with admission to the fair. Event hours: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. $10-$25. Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. 415-919-9220. cabookfair.com
SFBATCO Presents: ‘I, Too, Sing America’
Composer Othello Jefferson’s work presents a diverse cross section of people of color in theater, represented through stories focused not on negativity, but rather joy, striving and other positive themes through poetry, music and dance. The program features direction by Jamie Yuen-Shore and choreography from Christine Chung.
8 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays through Feb. 13. $15-$40, vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St., S.F. 415-484-8566. sfbatco.org
The Marsh presents: ‘Talk to Your People’
Award-winning actor and playwright Dan Hoyle returns to perform his latest thought-provoking, video- and music-laced comedic performance piece addressing race, power, privilege and masculinity in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement.
7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11; 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Through April 16. $25-$100; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. themarsh.org
10th Annual San Jose Jazz Winter Fest presents: Tiffany Austin
The jazz vocalist will perform with her quartet, featuring drummer Leon Joyce, bassist Marcus Shelby and pianist Adam Shulman. The festival runs from Feb. 11 to 27. See the website for the full performance schedule.
8 p.m. Feb. 17. $25; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Hammer4 Theater, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408 288-7557. sanjosejazz.org
Brian Copeland: ‘Not a Genuine Black Man’
Told with wit and clearheaded honesty, Copeland’s one-man comedy show confronts what it meant to grow up as an outsider in a largely white Northern California suburb in the 1970s.
2 p.m. Feb. 20. $20, vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Arts and Education Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro. sanleandrohistory.org
Black History Month film screening: ‘Evolutionary Blues … West Oakland’s Music Legacy’
A full-length documentary featuring interviews with artists who played regularly in clubs that used to line the blocks of Seventh Street, before an “urban renewal” plan decimated the formerly musically vibrant West Oakland Black neighborhood. A discussion with the director, Cheryl Fabio, is planned following the screening.
6:30 p.m. Feb. 24. $14; vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Grand Lake Theatre, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. 510-452-3556. oakland-rotary.org
SFJazz and MoAD present: Black History Month concert with Martin Luther McCoy
A closing reception for “Amoako Boafo: Souls of Black Folk” and “Billie Zangewa: Thread for a Web Begun” exhibitions with a performance from San Francisco native Martin Luther McCoy (the Roots).
4 p.m. Feb. 26. Included with museum admission. Vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., S.F. 415-358-7200. moadsf.org
Paradise DuBois at the Black Joy Parade in Oakland in 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle 2018
Fifth annual Black Joy Parade and Festival
This family-friendly event celebrates joy in California’s Black community. The festival is set to feature more than 200 local artists, food and drink vendors, live performances, and more.
12:30 p.m. Feb. 27 parade; noon-7 p.m. festival. Free; registration highly encouraged. Parade starts at 14th and Broadway, Oakland. Festival entrance at 20th Street and Broadway, Oakland. blackjoyparade.org
‘Dust Specks on the Sea’: Contemporary Sculpture From the French Caribbean and Haiti
A mixed-media group exhibition focused on sculptural works by contemporary artists from Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and Haiti. Curated by Arden Sherman with Katie Hood Morgan and Marie Vickles for Hunter East Harlem Gallery in New York, it includes works from Mathieu Kleyebe Abonnenc, Raphaël Barontini, Sylvia Berté, Julie Bessard, Hervé Beuze, Jean-François Boclé, Alex Burke, Ronald Cyrille, Jérémie Paul, Marielle Plaisir, Tabita Rezaire, Yoan Sorin, Jude Papaloko Thegenus and others.
Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Through February. Free, masks required. Walter and McBean Galleries, S.F. Art Institute, 800 Chestnut St., S.F. 415-749-4500. sfai.edu
Museum of the African Diaspora February exhibitions
“Soul of Black Folks,” is a solo exhibition of paintings created from 2018 to 2021 by Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo. “Thread for a Web Begun” presents Johannesburg artist Billie Zangewa’s first solo U.S. museum exhibition including layered silk tapestry works. The “Beyond the Sky” installation features short films from a selection of contemporary African filmmakers. Films include Kalu Oji’s “Beyond the Moon,” Lebohang Kganye’s “Ke sale teng,” Yo-Yo Gonthier’s “Burey Bambata” and Tabita Rezaire’s “Deep Down Tidal.” Also, 2019-20 Emerging Artist Vincent Miranda’s “Florida jitt,” an exhibition of sculptures, and “Sam Vernon: Impasse of Desires,” a site-specific installation and exhibition of paintings and prints.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $6-$12, under 12 free. Through Feb. 27. Vaccination proof, masks and reservations required. Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., S.F. 415-318-7152. moadsf.org
Fan Lee Warren’s “Legacy-B {Migration},” 2015. Acrylic and watercolor on monoprint will be part of the “Art of the African Diaspora 2022” group exhibition.Photo: Art of the African Diaspora/Richmond Art Center
Richmond Art Center presents: Art of the African Diaspora 2022
The 25th anniversary Bay Area Black artists group exhibition features works from more than 100 artists of African descent showcased at the Richmond Art Center as well as in open studios and satellite exhibitions at different venues across the Bay Area. See website for offsite schedule details.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Through March 19. Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 510-620-6772. richmondartcenter.org
‘We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California’
A touring exhibition and education program highlighting the diversity of experiences of African American pioneers, miners, farmers and civic leaders in rural California. An adjacent exhibition also features portraits from the collection of the African American Museum and Library in Oakland, artifacts on loan from the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum and images of rural life during the early years of statehood, courtesy of California State Parks.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Through Aug. 12. Free, masks required. Society of California Pioneers Museum and Library, 101 Montgomery St., S.F. Presidio. 415-957-1849. californiapioneers.org
We have updated our vaccination requirement for students taking in-person classes at Richmond Art Center. As of 2/1/22 all students must be fully vaccinated to the maximum extent for which they are eligible. Students enrolled in current classes should have their proof of vaccination documents ready to show a RAC staff person at their first class. See below for more information.
IN THE STUDIOS
Proof of vaccination is required to attend in-person classes at Richmond Art Center. This policy applies to everyone five years old and above. Please refer to the below list of acceptable forms of vaccination verification.
How to Show Proof of Vaccination You can show proof of vaccination by showing photo ID and one of the following items:
A Vaccination Card issued by the CDC or a foreign governmental jurisdiction
IN THE GALLERIES, PUBLIC SPACES AND AT SPECIAL EVENTS
Mask wearing and signing a Visitor Waiver is a condition of entry to RAC galleries, courtyard and public spaces. We track attendee numbers to ensure spaces do not get too crowded.
Our galleries are currently open Thursdays through Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Entry is free and no advance appointment is required. Please observe social distancing in the galleries.
Deadline to Enter: Monday, February 21 (free entry!)
All artists who live and/or work in Richmond are invited to submit work for Right Here, Right Now: A Biennial of Richmond Art. Now in its second iteration, this exhibition looks at the excellent and risk-taking new work being made in our city. The exhibition will be installed in Richmond Art Center’s South Gallery in March.
Background image: Artwork by Roz Ritter, Missing, 2019, Hand embroidery of pancreatic beta cells. Roz was an exhibiting artist in Right Here, Right Now in 2020.
This event also celebrates the unveiling of a new permanent mural by García-González, We Found Joy In Art-Making / Encontramos La Felicidad Haciendo Arte located at Richmond Art Center’s 25th Street entrance.
We Found Joy In Art-Making was made possible with generous support from Blue Shield California.
Rebeca García-González (foreground) at work on the mural. Rebeca was assisted by Richmond youth Leslie Poblano and Denise Campos. Photo by Shots from Richmond
*In-person activity dates are subject to change as we see further developments in the Covid-19 pandemic. Mask wearing and signing a Visitor Waiver is a condition of entry to RAC events. We track attendee numbers in the courtyard and galleries to ensure spaces do not get too crowded. Read more about Richmond Art Center’s Covid-19 safety measures HERE.
Join us for a special reception on Sunday, March 6, 12pm-4:30pm for Art of the African Diaspora 2022! Mix and mingle with exhibiting artists, enjoy art and music, and let’s celebrate 25 years of the Bay Area’s Black Artists Exhibition at Richmond Art Center.
Space is limited, RSVP required, don’t forget to reserve your space!
Live Music by Sean Norris
Gathering During a Pandemic: Because of the Covid-19 pandemic we are organizing the reception a little differently this year. To maximize social distancing and the flow of people through the galleries, folks are invited to sign up for ‘timeslots’ to ensure spaces do not get overcrowded. Our courtyard will be open for mingling and refreshments, and gallery numbers will be monitored. Mask wearing is required.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Art of the African Diaspora in 2022.
Due to the surge in Covid-19 cases we are postponing on-site classes for the safety of everyone involved for a few weeks. Students enrolled in in-person actvities will receive updates about their classes.
Exhibitions
New winter exhibitions are scheduled to open on January 20, 2022. To prevent the spread of Covid-19, mask wearing and signing a waiver/tracking form are currently a condition of entry to Richmond Art Center. Only a limited number of visitors will be allowed in our galleries at one time. Read more about our Covid-19 Prevention measures here: richmondartcenter.org/about/covid/
Gallery Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10am-2pm
Please check our website for updates and before you plan a visit to Richmond Art Center – things could change suddenly!
For any questions please email admin@richmondartcenter.org
My family’s path from freedom in Africa to enslavement and emancipation in the American South and on to Civil Rights activism in Richmond, CA
Join us for a special presentation by Patricia Mapps, From Africa to Richmond, on Monday, February 28 at 7pm. Through archival research, oral history, and DNA, Patricia has traced her ancestors to Africa and uncovered a story of enslavement, emancipation, the decision to purchase and live on the land they “tamed” when enslaved, their transition to farm laborers then to farmers, and Civil Rights activism in Richmond.
In this special online event, Patricia will share the story her research has uncovered in a presentation which will be followed by a Q&A session.
About Patricia Mapps: Patricia Mapps was born in Martinez, CA, and lived and attended school in Richmond, until her family moved to a home in San Pablo. Her mother and father were among the throng of migrants moving to the Bay Area in the 1940s, and became active in early civil rights’ struggles at Richmond.
Patricia attended Walter T. Helms Junior High School and Richmond Union High School, graduating in the top 1% of her class. She was a student at Reed College in Portland, OR, and became an IBM Computer Systems Engineer, working with the company for more than a decade. Later, she opened a consulting firm providing technical support for IBM Mainframe users.
Today, Patricia lives in Berkeley with her husband, Patrick Salmon. Upon retirement, she began researching her family history. She is now a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Top Main Image: Patricia Mapps’ Graduation Portrait from Richmond High School; Background Image: Patricia Mapps’ Family Tree. Graphic design/image production by Ann Miller. Images Courtesy of Patricia Mapps
Cover image: Detail of a color study by Rebeca Garcia-González for a large-scale mural to be unveiled at RAC in 2022. Rebeca is also teaching Fundamental Drawing this winter.
