A special celebration of Oakland’s African-American abstract expressionist artist Arthur Monroe runs through May 26th with a series of events at 54 Washington Street in Oakland’s Jack London Square.
Begun in February, this three-month celebration of Arthur Monroe’s lifetime achievements is in preparation for inclusion in the Smithsonian Archives of American Art. It is sponsored in partnership with Visit Oakland.
The retrospective of paintings by Monroe and portfolio is on view along with a collection of African artifacts, albums, drawings and photographs assembled by Arthur’s close friends: Mary Lovelace O’Neal, Clairemont Moore, Edward Brooks, and Amarah Hicks.
The series of events commences with Oakland artist Omiiroo Nyeusi at First Friday, and performances by La Peña Cultural Arts Center and the Oakland Dance Festival with Carla S. Service, and concluding with an artist live/work fundraiser and closing celebration.
Calendar of events:
May 18th – Oakland Dance Festival “Abundance” The Museum of Moving Art with Carla S. Service showcase 3:00-5:00 p.m., 7:00-9:00 p.m; May 19th – Josh Jones & The La Peña Orquestra Big Band 2:00-5:00p.m.; May 25th – A Meal With Dignity Healthy Food Program 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; May 26th – The Oakland Cannery fundraiser and closing celebration with a performance by Jacques Ibula and more 1:00-5:00 p.m.
This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.