Savannah State University (SSU) presents the Friends of African American Arts (FAAA) 2022 Exhibition at SSU in conjunction with Black History Month and the Savannah Black Heritage Festival. More than 25 participating FAAA artist members will exhibit work. The opening reception is on Feb. 2, 2022 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
“I am always overly excited to see what our FAAA participating artist members come up with each time year after year. Quite often, it's a reflection of what's going on in their personal lives or the environment or world around them,” said Calvin Woodum, artist (Cal Wood Art) and FAAA Chair. FAAA, is a member group of people across genders, ethnicities, and ages brought together by their appreciation of the artistic and cultural contributions of African Americans. It is FAAA mission to create public awareness and encourage the appreciation of and advancement of the art of African Americans. They are excited to continue this partnership with SSU. This is not a themed exhibition and the artwork showcased embodies a broad variety of styles and methods to art. “If you're treated like royalty, how could you not be excited about FAAA's involvement with SSU. Not only, but certainly because we are friends with the key people in the fine arts department, we are always made to feel more than welcome when we arrive on site. I only hope it expands and we have more reasons to visit more than just once a year,” said Woodum. Artist Sharonna Ray, 2nd Vice Chair of Telfair Museums' Friends of American Arts Visual Artist and SSU alum, usual participates in the show but this time she is serving in a different role. “It has been an exciting, new experience to have more of a curatorial role in planning this exhibition alongside Dr. Christen Clougherty, the Gallery Director and Professor at Savannah State University and the with guidance of Calvin Woodum, our President of TM's FAAA,” said Ray about co-curating the 2022 FAAA at SSU exhibit. FAAA members get exposure from their work being in the exhibitions at the Telfair Museum Jepson Center and SSU. For FAAA these shows aim to put the artist and their artwork in a spotlight of significance and importance. “Representation absolutely matters. FAAA has provided me with the opportunity to grow in a leadership role by engaging and encouraging new artists to join and how to professionally showcase their work,” said Ray. “FAAA is beneficial because it inspires me to keep producing more art, not only producing more art but perfecting it as well and to learn from fellow artists,” said Akeem R.A. McMichael, artist Unconventional Lines. His work which is acrylic on canvas is featured in the show. “The inspiration for my piece is Africa and the wind. Africa is full of color whether it’s the people, clothing, or the natural resources. I wanted to show those colors in the wind,” said McMichael. FAAA is not just for visual artists. Members also consist of art appreciators and creators of all kinds. FAAA offers opportunities for their members to network, introduce themselves to others and make friends with the many supportive art patrons and art professionals from around the world who visits the museum. “FAAA provided me the platform to showcase my artwork in a world class museum such as the Telfair's Jepson Center and it had awarded me with a new experience of co-curating an exhibition. Not only do I aspire to tell my own story through showcasing my work, but I’ve also longed for the opportunity to be able to tell the stories of other artists. Our voices need to be heard and our talents need to to take up more space,” said Ray. The exhibition opens Feb. 2 and will be up through Feb. 28 at the Savannah State University’s Kennedy Fine Arts Gallery. For more information visit https://www.telfair.org/member-affinity-groups/friends-of-african-american-arts-faaa/.
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