FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shared Exhibit Probes Meaning
of Hair in African American Culture

HairStories on View at the Crocker
and 40 Acres Art Gallery this Summer

June 20, 2005 – Sacramento, Calif. – The final presentation of an exhibit exploring the significance of hair in contemporary African American culture will be hosted at both the Crocker Art Museum and 40 Acres Art Gallery this summer. The nationally traveling exhibit, HairStories, runs July 9 – September 11 and showcases the voices of contemporary African American artists.

Hair is one of the most immediate markers of race and identity. Black hair is a complex subject of pride, prejudice, fashion, assimilation, ridicule, technical invention, self-signification, black power and common rituals. Hair appears in the artwork of generations of major black artists, and through their eyes it is sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-wrenching, but always a powerful touchstone of identity.

Four primary themes are explored in HairStories: the syndrome of “good hair/bad hair;” the importance of the barbershop and the beauty salon as communal gathering places; the social and political symbolism of black hair; and hairstyles as an expression of individuality.

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The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday; Thursday until 9 p.m. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

The 40 Acres Art Gallery is a part of the nonprofit community development corporation, St. HOPE Academy, founded in 1989 by NBA all-star and Oak Park native Kevin Johnson to bring revitalization to this inner-city Sacramento community through public education, civic leadership, economic development and arts enrichment.  The 40 Acres Art Gallery, which features contemporary African American art, is a museum-level space integrated within the 23,000 square foot multi-use 40 Acres Art Gallery and Cultural Center, located on the southwest corner of 35 th Street and Broadway in Oak Park, Sacramento. Gallery hours are 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday – Friday; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on exhibits and programming call (916) 456-5080 or www.40acresartgallery.org.

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Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Media: (916) 264-1963
Mobile : (916) 213-9402
Public: (916) 264-5423
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org

40 Acres Media Contact: Adrianne Hall
Media: (916) 275-9540
Public: (916) 649-7900
www.40acresartgallery.org