The William Grant Still Arts Center presents The 43nd Annual Black Doll Show, Conjure: Reclaiming African American Traditions Through Hoodoo and Other Spiritual Dolls
Opening reception, Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The William Grant Still Arts Center (WGSAC) is proud to announce the longest running annual exhibition in Los Angeles, The 43rd Annual Black Doll Show entitled, Conjure: Reclaiming African American Traditions
Through Hoodoo and Other Spiritual Dolls. The exhibition explores the many protective, liberatory, and loving ways that dolls, amulets, quilts, charms and other items are used in African-American spiritual traditions.
Dolls in African spirituality are powerful tools that offer an opportunity for ritual healing through veneration of ancestors, protection, good fortune, education, and overall well-being. Chosen by curator Monica Bailey, “Conjure” will use dolls and other spiritual objects to immerse viewers in African cosmology through an African- American lens. The exhibit, co-curated by Oluwo Fakolade (Babalawo), encourages viewers to ask the question, “How can these tools help us flourish our connection with our origin stories and honor these histories going forward?”
This year’s Black Doll Show will run from December 2, 2023 – February 10, 2024 with an opening concert on Saturday, December 2nd. WGSAC will host an array of engaging workshops led by seasoned artists and practitioners. Beginning on December 16th, there is an Altar workshop with Dr. Cynthia Davis and Beverly Heath. The first Doll Making Workshop will be held January 13th, 2024, followed by one with Dolls of Hope on January 20th. In addition to doll workshops, this year WGSAC will host a Candle Making Workshop with The AfroMystic on January 27th. The final Doll Making Workshop with Aiysha Sinclair will take place February 3,
2024.
Other events during this year’s Black Doll Show include a Panel Discussion and Master Workshop on January 6 with Griffin Lotson (Gullah Geechee Historian and Manager of the Geeche Gullah Ring Shouters) and other esteemed guests. There will also be a Film Screening February 2nd with Sharon Alile Larkin Filmmaker (LA Rebellion) as well as a Performance Art piece by Jade Daniels. The center will host an opening and closing concert with live music on December 2, 2023.
For more information, please visit https://culturela.org/event/the-43rd-annual-black-doll-show-at-the-william-grant-still-arts-center/.
