Museum News
The “Reel-life” Warriors of Wakanda Tour
March 17, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.
March 18, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.
March 20, 3-4 p.m.
March 24, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.
March 25, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.
March 27, 3-4 p.m.
Space is limited; please RSVP via Eventbrite
Black Panther fans, arm yourselves with knowledge of Africa’s arts and cultures! On this special docent-led tour (only offered for a limited time) explore the historical artistic influences that inspired the Afrofuturistic warriors of Wakanda on the big screen. Discover your inner Dora Milaje and T’Challa while exploring African art history and considering themes both “reel” and real. This fun and interactive tour is suitable for all ages—don’t miss out!
Free and open to the public
Workshop Wednesdays
Creating with African Textiles
April 18
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Create your own custom apron out of African textiles with local artist Velma Crawford. Learn about the incredible diversity and richness of African textiles and about the symbolic meaning behind adinkra symbols from Ghana. Then, select your favorite adinkra symbol to create a pattern for your one-of-a-kind design. You can even add a favorite keepsake to make your apron extra special!
This workshop is presented as part of the museum’s series of Workshop Wednesdays. Every first Wednesday of the month, stop by the museum for drop-in classes from trained teachers. Stay for as little or as long as you like to complete your masterpiece. All skill levels and ages welcome; participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This workshop requires registration and space is limited! Please click here to reserve your spot, and visit here for a full list of upcoming workshops.
Free and open to the public.
Workshop Wednesdays
Bead Making
May 2
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Throughout Africa, people have long utilized colorful, distinct beads to adorn their bodies and to express identity and status. Create your own version of the paper beads crafted in many African villages. Then, string them together to create a unique piece of jewelry!
This workshop is presented as part of the museum’s series of Workshop Wednesdays. Every first Wednesday of the month, stop by the museum for drop-in classes from trained teachers. Stay for as little or as long as you like to complete your masterpiece. All skill levels and ages welcome; participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required, but please remember that these events are first-come, first-served. Visit here for a full list of upcoming workshops.
Free and open to the public.
Workshop Wednesdays
More Than Doors
July 18
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Make a grand entrance! West African artists have a long tradition of producing beautiful doors and locks for granaries, shrines, homes, and royal palaces. Of equal interest are the beautiful doors and door frames that adorn homes and buildings along East Africa’s Indian Ocean coast, typical of Swahili architecture. Join us to discover the beauty and symbolism this rare form of art and architecture. Then, create your own personal version using cardboard and other materials for embellishment!
This workshop is presented as part of the museum’s series of Workshop Wednesdays. Every first Wednesday of the month, stop by the museum for drop-in classes from trained teachers. Stay for as little or as long as you like to complete your masterpiece. All skill levels and ages welcome; participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required, but please remember that these events are first-come, first-served. Visit here for a full list of upcoming workshops.
Free and open to the public.
Workshop Wednesdays
Swahili Arts: Music and Dance
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Get ready to dance with artist, actress, poet, and performer Ana Mwalagho! East Africa’s coast has been a vibrant arena of global cultural convergence for over a millennium. Its location on the Indian Ocean has brought together people from the Arabian Peninsula, Asia, Africa, and Europe to form something unique: Swahili, or WaSwahili, culture. Join us for a workshop featuring the incredible, diverse music and dance of the Swahili coast. Come prepared to move!
This workshop is presented as part of the museum’s series of Workshop Wednesdays. Every first Wednesday of the month, stop by the museum for drop-in classes from trained teachers. Stay for as little or as long as you like to complete your masterpiece. All skill levels and ages welcome; participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required, but please remember that these events are first-come, first-served. Visit here for a full list of upcoming workshops.
Free and open to the public.
Workshop Wednesdays
Swahili Arts: Proverbs and Poetry
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Discover the proverbs and poetry of Swahili with artist, actress, poet, and performer Ana Mwalagho! Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a Bantu language and the first language of the Swahili people. In the African Great Lakes and Southeast regions, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is considered a true lingua franca. Get to know Swahili, and how it has been used in art, in this fun and engaging workshop.
This workshop is presented as part of the museum’s series of Workshop Wednesdays. Every first Wednesday of the month, stop by the museum for drop-in classes from trained teachers. Stay for as little or as long as you like to complete your masterpiece. All skill levels and ages welcome; participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This workshop requires registration and space is limited! Please click here to reserve your spot, and visit here for a full list of upcoming workshops.
Free and open to the public.