VALLEY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS BLACK HISTORY MONTH STUDENT ART EXHIBIT: “An Uncommon Journey to Diversity”

• “An Uncommon Journey to Diversity” highlights renowned artist Rick Hyman and students from across Los Angeles
• February 1st opening reception for free, month-long exhibit presented by the Jewish Community Center at the  Milken Jewish Community Campus in West Hills

Rick Hyman tapped a windfall when he discovered 300 grainy black and white photos from the early 1900s in a relative’s dresser drawer. The archive, ranging from casual snapshots to formal portraits, documented his family’s post-slavery migration in covered wagons to Texas oil property. Hyman was inspired to pick up a paintbrush and interpret his personal history with a bold, color-drenched flair. One painting, “My Texas Family,” was featured for years on the “Cosby” TV show. The experience also inspired Hyman and his wife, Ronda, to write a book, My Texas Family: An Uncommon Journey to Prosperity.

Last fall, the Hymans taught a mix of middle and high school students – cutting across ethnic and economic lines – how to research their heritage, and then to express those family and cultural traditions through art. Participants attend Taft High School, the Woodland Hills Academy and the New Community Jewish High School in the Valley, and Fremont High School in South L.A.

The results of the student project, “An Uncommon Journey to Diversity,” will be on display through February 28th at the Jewish Community Center at Milken in West Hills. The Finegood Art Gallery, operated by The Jewish Federation, will host a grand opening reception on February 1st at 6:00 PM. 

The JCC is sponsoring the exhibit in association with The Finegood Gallery, The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance, the Beyond the Bell Branch of the L.A. Unified School District, Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (representing LAUSD principals), and the L.A. County Human Relations Commission.

 

The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance's Finegood Art Gallery is one of Southern California's largest nonprofit galleries, and showcases primarily, though not exclusively, Jewish art and artists.

Admission is free and the gallery is handicapped accessible. Docent tours for groups are available.

Location:
The Finegood Art Gallery is located on level two of the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus, at 22622 Vanowen Street in West Hills. Click here for a map.

The Finegood Art Gallery hours are:
Sunday...............................11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Thursday.....10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday.................................10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday