Reflections: African American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection

The Krasl Art Center in St Joseph, Michigan is pleased to announce Reflections: African American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection, an exhibition which honors the lives, traditions, and environments of African Americans in the 20th century.  Featuring more than 50 pieces from the collection of renowned costume designer and arts patron, Myrna Colley-Lee, Reflections tells a story of heritage, community, and place. Organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. in collaboration with Myrna Colley-Lee, Reflections is on view at in the main galleries from April 14 through June 25, 2017.

Comprised of paintings, photographs, textile pieces and works on paper, the exhibition is thoughtfully curated to reflect the culture and experiences of African Americans, celebrating their unique style, and providing insight into their Southern roots and migratory history.  The imagery in Reflections focuses primarily on narrative works and landscapes of everyday life, past and present.  With this multifarious selection, figurative artworks lead viewers on a journey into memory and beyond. Each piece reveals a portion of the inspiring story of the African diaspora that the entire collection portrays so elegantly.

This collection both represents a dialogue between the artists and the ever-evolving African American identity, and reflects the attitude and eye of Colley-Lee-artist and cultural connoisseur with great respect and understanding for the African storytelling tradition. 

OPENING PARTY: FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 6-8 PM

Join us for the opening of Reflections and the Zine Reading Room. Join Luz Magdaleno, organizer of Brown & Proud Press, at 6 PM in the KAC Library to learn about the DIY culture of zines and the important work they accomplish. A selection of Brown & Proud Press zines will be for sale during the event.  Live music, small bites and a cash bar will provide a unique and elegant evening out.

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR: MONDAY, APRIL 17, 9 AM

Join KAC curator Tami Miller for an intimate tour in the galleries. Discover the narratives and historical significance of the artworks on view and information about the artists who made them.

LECTURE BY BELINDA TATE: TUESDAY, MAY 2, 6 PM

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Executive Director Belinda Tate will speak about the significance of the Reflections exhibition. Tate served as Director of the Diggs Gallery at Winston Salem University, one of the nation's top African American art galleries, for 15 years. She began her tenure at the KIA in 2014.

GEORGE KRASL MEMORIAL CONCERT: TUESDAY, MAY 2, 7 PM

Explore African American history through music inspired by the art of Reflections. This concert is presented in memory of George Krasl. Donations appreciated.

KRASL ART CENTER

The Krasl Art Center is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The Krasl Art Center is located in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan overlooking Lake Michigan. The KAC has three public galleries, five studios, a library/lecture room, a black and white wet darkroom, a gift shop, and a permanent collection of 42 works of sculpture. Through its mission to bring people and art together, the KAC offers thoughtful exhibitions, engaging classes and camps, community events such as Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff and the Artisan Market, outreach opportunities, and cultural exploration. The Krasl Art Center is funded in part by the Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Krasl Art Center galleries are open Monday-Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 10-4; Thursday from 10-9; and Sunday 1-4.  Admission to the galleries is free of change.  For more information, please contact the Krasl Art Center at 269.983.0271, or visit www.krasl.org.