What/Who:

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is presenting a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the founding of AfriCOBRA – the black artist collective that defined the visual aesthetic of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the collective which came out of Chicago. The exhibition will be on view at MOCA from Nov. 27, 2018 – April 7, 2019.

AfriCOBRA’s visual language is defined by the use of text, bright “Coolade” colors, dynamic, gestural markings, and raw, emotive, celebratory images of confident black figures. The exhibition brings together Sherman Beck, Jeff Donaldson, Jae Jarrell, Wadsworth Jarrell, Napoleon Jones-Henderson, Barbara Jones-Hogu, Omar Lama, Carolyn Mims Lawrence, Nelson Stevens and Gerald Williams to look back at their early contributions to shaping AfriCOBRA while presenting the artists’ current works of art.

To commemorate “AfriCOBRA: Messages to the People,” MOCA will curate programming to engage and educate the public on the foundational work of one of the longest organized artist collectives by showcasing how the AfriCOBRA founders used their artistic voices to contribute to the liberation and unify the Black community as a whole.

The full lineup of “AfriCOBRA: Messages to the People” programming includes:

• MOCA Mini Makers: Sherman Beck | Saturday, Dec. 1 – 2:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m.

MOCA offers its monthly series known as MOCA Mini Makers, which occurs the first Saturday of every month. Kids can create a kaleidoscopic art piece to hang in the window, inspired by AfriCOBRA artist Sherman Beck. These creative art classes are offered to kids ages 6 through 12 on the first Saturday of every month, all supplies included

Cost: $12 for MOCA Members, $14 for Non-Members

• Opening Celebration | Thursday, Dec. 6 – 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, canapés and a special meet and greet with Curator Jeffreen M. Hayes as well as founding and early members of AfriCOBRA. Guests will also experience the foundational work of one of the longest organized artist collectives showcasing how the AfriCOBRA founders used their artistic voices to contribute to the liberation and unify the Black community as a whole.

Cost: Admission is $20 to the general public and free to Art Basel Miami Beach VIP ticket holders, MOCA members and North Miami residents

• Curator Program | Saturday, Dec. 8 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Curator Jeffreen M. Hayes will lead a guided tour of the exhibition. Hayes will answer questions and provide information related to the themes present in the exhibition and the artists’ processes.

Cost: Free with museum admission

• MOCA Makers | Saturday, Dec. 22 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Create a unique holiday gift for you and your family while learning wood burning techniques. Participants please ensure you bring in a printed portrait to etch, no larger than 8 inches x 8 inches. All other supplies included - space is limited to 10 participants.

Cost: $20 MOCA Members, $25 Non-Members

How/Cost:

For more information or to sign up visit, https://mocanomi.org/category/events/upcoming-events/

Where:

Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami

770 NE 125th Street

Miami, FL 33161

Sponsors:

“AfriCOBRA: Messages to The People” is made possible with the generous support of Miami MoCAAD, Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora. Additional support is provided by Lehman Autoworld and Kavi Gupta Gallery. The forthcoming catalogue is made possible, in part, by the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation. MOCA's exhibitions and programs are made possible with the continued support of the North Miami Mayor and Council; the City of North Miami; the State of Florida Department of State; Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council; and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

About Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is dedicated to making contemporary art accessible to diverse audiences – especially underserved populations – through the collection, preservation and exhibition of the best of contemporary art and its art historical influences. The museum is located at 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL 33161. It is open Tuesday–Friday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Mondays and major holidays). Admission to the museum is $10 and is free to MOCA members and North Miami residents. For more information, visit mocanomi.org, call 305-893-6211 or email info@mocanomi.org.

Miami Art Week Extended Hours:

Monday, Dec. 3 – Friday, Dec. 7: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 10: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.