Special to Independent Newsmedia
Sedona Arts Center will present “Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” in February.
An immersive arts experience, “Vision & Sound” broadens the understanding and appreciation of African American art and music for multigenerational and multicultural audiences, a press release explains. This program, which features an exhibition, lectures, artist demonstrations, musical performances, and a symposium, builds relationships to encourage cultural equity throughout Arizona, and recognizes that professional American artists of African descent are too often overlooked.
“We are thrilled to present this wide-reaching and inspiring experience that celebrates Black artists in the visual and performing arts,” Julie Richard, Sedona Arts Center CEO, stated. “The exhibition and related programming amplify BIPOC voices and provide an opportunity for expansive thinking about Arizona’s Black artists and their achievements.”
The “Vision & Sound” exhibition showcases artworks by Patricia Bohannon, Dorrell Bradford, Jacqueline Chanda, Michael Cunningham, Amber Doe, Debra Edgerton, Jerome Fleming, Isse Maloi, Chip Thomas and George Welch. The paintings, photography, sculptures, fiber, and mixed-media pieces explore identity, agency, beauty, shared histories and cultural experiences. While the artists’ backgrounds and approaches vary, their artworks illuminate the connections that art makes possible between individuals and communities.
Founded in 2014 by Norma and Michael Cunningham, “Vision & Sound” began as a week-long exhibition in the West Valley programmed during Black History Month. Over the past decade, the event has expanded in scope, duration, artists and audiences, finding a permanent home at Sedona Arts Center in 2022 — a new venue for artists to engage with northern Arizona residents and visitors.
While SAC’s exhibition and programs anchor the event, satellite exhibitions and free programs are planned for Goodyear and Peoria beginning in January.
“Vision & Sound” is presented in partnership with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy and is sponsored by the AZ Community Foundation, city of Goodyear and city of Peoria.
Exhibitions: Sedona, Goodyear & Peoria. All are free.
- Jan. 6-March 27 – Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe St., Peoria. Featuring artwork by Patricia Bohannon, Jacqueline Chanda, Michael Cunningham, Dorrell Bradford, Jerome Fleming and Isse Maloi.
- Jan. 31-March 6 – Georgia T. Lord Library, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear. Featuring artwork by Patricia Bohannon, Dorrell Bradford, Amber Doe, Debra Edgerton, Jerome Fleming and Isse Maloi.
- Feb. 1-29 – Sedona Arts Center Special Exhibition Gallery, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona. The exhibition is on view in the Special Exhibitions Gallery. Free parking located behind SAC’s Art Barn.
Events: Sedona, Goodyear & Peoria. All are free.
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 – Martin Luther King Day Celebration, Peoria Community Center, 8335 W Jefferson St., Peoria. Enjoy artist demonstrations and workshops by select artists.
- 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 – Concert by the Franchise Band, Goodyear Civic Center, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear. Celebrate Black History month and enjoy an afternoon of smooth jazz and R&B by one of Arizona’s favorite bands.
- 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Opening Reception & Celebrate Sedona, Sedona Arts Center Special Exhibition Gallery & Upper Parking Lot, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona. Celebrate Black History Month and enjoy artist demonstrations, food, wine and beer, and blues music by the Tommy Dukes Band. Free parking is located behind SAC’s Art Barn.
- 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 – Global Sounds Concert, Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day concert with Don Williams & Friends featuring R&B, Motown, and smooth jazz.
- Feb. 25-26 – Vision & Sound Symposium, Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona. The Symposium features keynote speaker artist Chip Thomas, a workshop lead by MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow Liz Lerman, artist talks in a Pecha Kucha format, performances, receptions and reflections. Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) training will be included throughout, incorporating Critical Response methodology. Free parking is located behind SAC’s Art Barn.
Peoria Arts & Cultural Festival. Free.
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Old Town Peoria (Peoria and Grand avenues)
