Trip to Cuba Press Release

North Brentwood, MD (Dec. 1, 2016) – Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC), in conjunction with the Office of the County Executive Rushern Baker, visited Cuba, from November 15th- 20th to promote business international opportunities and artist exchanges for Prince George’s County.  Chanel Compton, PGAAMCC Executive Director, took part in this delegation, and spoke with local Cuban artists and cultural organizations such as UNEAC and the Cuban Ministry of Culture.  PGAAMCC looks forward to partnering with local organizations and agencies such as the Prince George’s Humanities Council, who also attended the Delegation, to foster connections with Cuban artists and arts organizations and build towards future partnerships, specifically within the Museum’s Education Department.

The Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center is committed to promoting the process of cultural exchange as it relates to the African Diaspora and artistic expression. In 2014, PGAAMCC created and facilitated a year-long cultural exchange project in partnership with Museu Afro in Sao Paulo, Brasil. Through this exchange, PGAAMCC’s teen after school program, Culture Keepers, collaborated with the Museum's Afro’s program for local youth, Onarin Koja, to create works of public art and promote cross-cultural communication. It was a transformative experience for everyone involved in the program. PGAAMCC is committed to developing more Diasporic cultural exchanges for our youth and local artists, and we are excited for the opportunity to develop such partnerships in Cuba.


#Giving Tuesday- Honor Your Mentor This Holiday Season!

This year, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 through the Holiday Season, you can participate in #GivingTuesday by honoring a mentor through the gift of a donation to the Museum.

When you donate, PGAAMCC will send your special message via email to your mentor to inform him or her of your gift in their honor. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt via email. The opportunity to give your gift in honor of your mentor will run throughout the Holiday Season.

Visit our click & pledge page to make a donation in honor of your mentor https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=123402

PGAAMCC Executive Director, Chanel Compton says “PGAAMCC believes in the legacy of those who have paved the road for us. I hope that local residents will join the #GivingTuesday movement and make a donation to the Museum in honor of that special individual in their life that has contributed to his or her success.”


Act Now! Help Build Our Future

Act Now! Help Build Our Future To celebrate Maryland's 152nd year of emancipation during the month of November, the Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center is offering one final opportunity to enjoy a Lifetime Membership at the Museum for a contribution of only $152.00.  Become a Lifetime or Annual Member Today!

Did you know PGAAMCC serves 3,500 children in Prince George's County Public Schools annually?  We accomplish this through our Cultural Education Passport Program, which includes Museum-In-A-Box (in-class museum presentations), Culture Keepers (teen after-school program), and Early Keepers (early childhood program). While these programs deepen cultural understanding for a new generation of children, our Museum also provides year-round access to thought-provoking and locally relevant exhibits that over 2500 visitors will experience in 2017.  If you believe in the empowering impact of the arts and the fortitude that lies within our history, please consider making a contribution to PGAAMCC today!  Become a member or make a one-time or monthly contribution.

 DONATION LEVELS:
  • $25.00 supports one student participating in a Museum-In-A-Box or Early Keepers in-class presentation.
  • $50.00 supports PGAAMCC public programs (i.e. exhibition openings, book readings, film screenings, panel discussions, Black Arts Festival, Family Day).
  • $75.00 supports the presentation of the Early Keepers program in libraries and community centers throughout the County.
  • $100.00 supports gallery exhibitions.
  • $250.00 supports one month of youth-led public arts projects (i.e. murals, neighborhood beautification, community art installations).
  • $500.00 supports one student participating in the Culture Keepers after-school program for one year.

All memberships and donations are tax deductible under law. Memberships are for one calendar year from the date of purchase!

Questions about donation and membership opportunities contact - Amanda Knott, Development Director, development@pgaamcc.org, 301-809-0440 ext. 111.

 


Through Their Eyes: Creative Expressions Inspired By Prince George's County CVPA Alumni

Join us for the opening of our new exhibition:" Through Their Eyes-Art, Education, and Influence-Creative Expressions Inspired by Prince George's County CVPA Alumni." Curated by Pamela Harris Lawton, EdDCTA, MFA,

Through Their Eyes – Art, Education, and Influence: Creative Expressions Inspired by Prince George’s County CVPA Alumni” showcases the work of select alumni of the Visual Arts Programs at Suitland High School and Northwestern High School. Featuring art works and other narrative expressions inspired by curricula, teachers, pedagogical approaches, peer interactions, overall CVPA program experiences, and the schools themselves, “Through Their Eyes” celebrates the achievements of our County’s brightest artistic talents while also advocating for arts education as an integral part of the learning process.

Upcoming events related to this exciting exhibit (Click on each link below for additional info):

 

 

 

 


Dedication Ceremony Watch Party

Join us September 24th at 10 am as we celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture!

 

NMAAHC Dedication Ceremony will be streamed live
Complimentary brunch and mimosas
Free entry; suggested donation: $5
All ages admitted; must be 21+ to drink

Location: Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center

4519 Rhode Island Ave, North Brentwood, MD 20722

Click here for more information


Call for Artists

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Fall 2016 Exhibit: Through Their Eyes- Art, Education, and Influence: Creative Expressions Inspired by Prince George’s County CVPA Alumni”

Duration: October 12- Friday January 20

Submission Deadline: August 31

 

PROPOSALS

 “Through Their Eyes- Art, Education, and Influence: Creative Expressions Inspired by Prince George’s County CVPA Alumni” showcases the work of select alumni of the visual arts programs at Suitland High School and Northwestern High School. We are seeking art works and other narrative expressions inspired by curricula, teachers, pedagogical approaches, peer interactions, overall CVPA program experiences, and the schools themselves.

 

ELIGIBILITY

This call is open to:

  • All artists who are aged 18 years or older.
  • Of African origin/descent
  • Attended or graduated from the Center for Visual & Performing Arts at either Suitland High School or Northwestern High School

Alumni Call for Artists Invite

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact Laura Perez, Director of Education and Programs at

301-809-0440 ext 110

lperez@pgaamcc.org


Exploring Black Innovation Exhibit Reception Opening

On June 2, 2016, PGAAMCC held an opening reception for the newest exhibit, 'Exploring Black Innovation: A Collection of Works By Culture Keepers Students from Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. and Northwestern High Schools'. This exhibition honors the contributions of Black innovators who have shaped and impacted our world. Kudos to Laura Perez (Director of Education and Programs), the amazing students of the Culture Keepers Program and our very talented team of teaching artists for producing a breathtaking mural, a stunning exhibit and a successful program.


In memory of Joanna Blake

On behalf of the Prince George's African American Museum, we are all saddened by the passing of our dear friend and local shero Joanna Blake. Her talent, kindness, and commitment to the arts will be truly missed. We love you Joanna! https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/b60709d2-2351-11e6-aa84-42…


We Grow Together by Alexandre Keto

On Monday, May, 16, 2016, artist, Alexandre Keto, completed his mural entitled, "We Grow Together" at the Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center.

Click here to learn more about Alexandre.

Alexandre Keto Collage

We Grow Together - Mutal by Alexandre Keto

Video courtesy of Maria Saldana.

Alexandre Keto's U.S. Artist Residency is made possible by the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council.


A New Beginning at the Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center

Chanel Compton appointed PGAAMCC’s new Executive Director

chanel's photoThe Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center (PGAAMCC) appointed a new Executive Director, Chanel Compton.  As a long-time friend and dedicated colleague of PGAAMCC Ms. Compton returns to us from the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, where she was Education Director,  which involved directing instructors and staff to implement city-wide arts programs.  “We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect candidate!  Not only does she have a Masters in Arts Management from American University with extensive academic training in non-profit management, but she has a true talent for fostering strong community partnerships and support.  We have full confidence that Ms. Compton will lead this institution to new heights, bringing in new and diverse audiences in celebration of Prince George’s African American history, art, and culture” states PGAAMCC Board President, William Q. O. Shelton, Sr.  She previously served as PGAAMCC’s Education Director.   In her past work with PGAAMCC, Ms. Compton developed several signature school-based programs that received local and international acclaim; including Culture Keepers, Early Keepers, and Museum-In-A-Box.  Addressing the need for culturally relevant experiences in schools and communities, these programs garnered a 2-year partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools, annually serving more than 2,000 students and over 40 schools throughout the County. 

Ms. Compton grew up in Bridgeport, CT, and has had a love for museums and the arts since childhood, stating, In high school, my art teacher would take the class on field trips to museums and galleries; these trips were really special to me because there were absolutely no art museums or galleries near my neighborhood.  During a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I was introduced to the work of Leonardo Drew, a renowned African American artist who actually graduated from my high school.  I was very proud that an artist from my local community was featured at such a prestigious museum; showcasing artwork that enhanced me and my classmates’ knowledge of Black history.  For me, that experience illustrates that a museum can be a powerful place of learning and inspiration.   Institutions such as museums can be places that inspire a new generation of leaders and innovators; a place of unity and connection, a place of learning, and a place of individual and collective transformation.”

The Prince George’s African American Museum & Cultural Center’s mission is to celebrate and inspire the community through the cultivation, preservation, and presentation of the cultural and artistic contributions of African Americans in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  Ms. Compton believes, “We encourage our audiences to delve deeper into how they approach the Black experience, especially on a local level.”  Through exhibitions and programs, PGAAMCC shares the County’s untold stories of African Americans—starting with legacies that began with ancestors from the continent of Africa; from pre-enslavement to enslavement to emancipation; the formation of Black townships and communities; and the great thinkers of today that continue to pave the way in the arts, human rights, and innovation.  To learn more about our programs, visit www.pgaamcc.org.  Stop by to enjoy our Culture Keepers, Youth Exhibition celebrating Black Innovation, on June 2, 7pm-9pm.  4519 Rhode Island Avenue, North Brentwood, MD  20722