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January 28, 2025
Black History at the Chrysler Museum of Art
Stacey Shelnut-Hendrick, Deputy Director for Public Engagement and Learning
As the Chrysler Museum of Art’s Deputy Director for Public Engagement and Learning, it is my pleasure to oversee the development of public programs for Museum visitors of all ages, as well as school programs and outreach initiatives. I enjoy my role because it constantly presents opportunities to learn something new and to share my enthusiasm for art and culture with our visitors and community. As a Black woman myself, it has been a joy to learn about the African American artists in the Chrysler Museum’s collection—some of whom are well-known, while others have had less notoriety.
For example, within the past five years, the Museum organized the traveling exhibitions Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club and Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful—both history makers within the arts. Jacob Lawrence was the first African-American painter to be exhibited by the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, which opened the doors for others. In his work, he tried to document and share the African American experience through paintings featuring subjects such as Toussaint L’Ouverture, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and the Great Migration. Alma Thomas was the first graduate of Howard University’s fine arts program, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in sculpture in 1924. She was also the first Black woman to have work acquired by the White House.
Nick Cave’s ‘Sound Suit’ in Gallery 223, McKinnon Modern and Contemporary Galleries
Thomas and Lawrence are names that are essential to any discussion of Black history and art, but the list goes on and on. For those interested in learning more, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.
If you wish to learn more about the African American artists currently on view at the Chrysler Museum, there are a ton of works to discover—such as Beauford Delaney’s brilliant portrait of James Baldwin, a sound suit by Nick Cave, and glass works by Kara Walker and Debora Moore. This February, I’m particularly drawn to looking at artwork that confronts the violence embedded in African American history with deep looks at three specific works: Hank Willis Thomas’ Strange Fruit, Bob Thompson’s The Hanging, and Whitfield Lovell’s Freedom. I have to admit, these are some challenging pieces, but it’s so important for citizens (of any country) to confront and grapple with the more challenging aspects of its history.
Joyce Scott: Messages
Joyce J. Scott (American, born 1948), ‘Mz. Teapot,’ 2022, Teapot, glass beads, plastic beads, thread, wire, armature, woven and peyote stitch, Courtesy of Mobilia Gallery
Image credit: © Michael Koryta
Artist Joyce J. Scott (American, born 1948) states, “I think art has the ability, if not to cure or heal, at least to enlighten (you), slap you in the head, wake you up.” Her exhibition Joyce Scott: Messages, on view February 6—August 17, 2025, does exactly that. For more than three decades, Scott has captivated viewers with her off-loom, hand-threaded glass bead sculptures, wall hangings, and wearable art. Her work draws on African American history, craft traditions, and intricate Native American techniques like the peyote stitch to create art that is visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking.
The Chrysler Museum has the honor to give our community three unique opportunities to hear and experience Joyce Scott in person:
Glass After Dark
Thursday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Hot glass and live music come together for memorable evenings during Glass After Dark.
Joyce Scott: Bead Exploration
Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m.
In this exploration, Scott will uncover the intricate details of beads, color theory, and innovative design strategies that have defined her illustrious career. Then, participants will make their own beads at the new Perry Glass Studio.
Creative Minds
Sunday, March 23, 2 p.m.
Hear from this prominent sculptor, quilter, performance artist, installation artist, printmaker, lecturer, and educator talk about her work and the powerful ideas behind it.
Additional Black History programs include:
Out of the Vault: Black History on Paper with Nyree Dowdy
Tuesdays in February, 1 p.m.
Join Nyree Dowdy, Chrysler Museum’s Art Bridges Fellow, to examine highlights from the Works on Paper vault. Situated in the newly opened Works on Paper Center, Nyree will show off and discuss rarely viewed collection highlights that showcase the strong legacy of Black history.
History Speaks: Struggle for Freedom
Sunday, February 2, 1 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month and honor the contributions of Norfolk’s early African American citizens as we consider their lives and legacies at the Myers House.
Mixtape First Thursdays featuring Iron Sharpens Irons
Thursday, February 6, 5 p.m.
This First Thursday marks, the thirtieth anniversary of the controversial exhibition Black Male: Representations of Masculinity in Contemporary American Art, (November 10, 1994–March 5, 1995), curated by Thelma Golden, now Director and Chief Curator at the Studio Museum of Harlem.
Enjoy performances by local university music fraternity brothers, create a remembrance to honor well-known and everyday role models, and then contribute to a custom graphic novel. In partnership with community service organizations, Norfolk Councilmember JP Paige will hold a special community event, “Iron Sharpens Iron,” in Kaufman Theater for men of all ages, religious beliefs, and political affiliations.
Teacher Workshop: Storytelling in Beadwork
Thursday, February 6, 5:30 p.m.
Educators are invited to learn about Baltimore-based artist Joyce Scott in her exhibition Joyce Scott: Messages. Unpack the layers of her intricate work during a gallery discussion, then try using bead looms and other bead processes in the Education Workshop.
Black History Month Children’s Concert
Wednesday, February 12, 10:30 a.m.
This inspiring concert for young audiences features local musician and rising star Roberta Lea, member of the Black Opry collective, inductee to The Recording Academy’s class of 2023, and CMT’s Next Women of Country. She will perform a captivating musical showcase that focuses on the power of storytelling through song.
Glass After Dark
Thursday, February 20, doors open at 7 p.m. and event begins at 8 p.m.
Therman Statom, a pioneer of the contemporary glass movement will be the featured artist at Glass After Dark in February. A sculptor, glass artist, and painter is known for his life-size glass ladders, chairs, tables, constructed box-like paintings, and small-scale houses.
Black History Month Film Afternoon
Saturday, February 22, 3 p.m.
Celebrate the iconic legacy of local nurses and the artistic storytelling of local filmmaker Denetra Hampton with two important short-film documentaries.
In 1976, U.S. President Gerald Ford designated time to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February since, and it is our honor to present Black artists and stories from the African diaspora—not just in February but all year round. We look forward to welcoming you to the wide variety of programming options at the Chrysler Museum of Art.