At the heart of the African American experience in the Northwest is the story of our Journey to this region, the establishment of our vibrant community and the ways in which we have survived. To tell this ever-unfolding story, the Museum’s exhibits and programs will feature the visual arts, music, crafts, literature and history of African Americans in the Northwest. |
Xenobia Bailey: The Aesthetics of Funk
October 29, 2011 - May 6, 2012
 Other Suns: Crochet Wall Mandala
 Golden Triology
This exhibition features the work of Seattle native Xenobia Bailey. With a background in industrial design and fiber arts, Bailey’s crochet works explore the ways history, memory, style, spirituality and social performance intersect. Incorporating a vast array of social and visual issues, Bailey’s solo show at NAAM will transform the gallery into a gathering/viewing/participatory space where the domestically charged crochet objects will incite conversation and public engagement. Centered on the idea of an African American visual aesthetic, the installation will include large scale wall mandalas, sculptural hat forms and other elements.
Xenobia would like to dedicate this exhibition to her parents, Joseph and Alice (Bobby) Bailey.
Guest Curator: Sandra Jackson-Dumont
Exhibition Sponsors:
 William & Ruth True
NAAM is proud to provide a new venue for the installation to be seen and the collected narratives of our community to be heard.
The Journey Gallery
Photo by Jennifer RichardWhat does it mean to be African American in the Pacific Northwest? It is a beautiful range of colors and hues; a diversity of experiences and locations; a variety of countries of origin, both known and unknown; an assortment of religions; a staggering array of occupations; a multitude of co-workers, neighbors, friends and families; an ever -evolving community that continues to shape and reshape the human experience.
The Journey Gallery takes visitors on a fascinating journey through space and time, introducing the history, culture, and art of the region’s African American Community. Using a mix of photos, artifacts and compelling narratives, the Journey Gallery invites you to explore this continually changing story, for it is yours, it is mine, it is ours.
Curated by Barbara Earl Thomas, Deputy Director/Curator. Special thanks to Formations, Inc., Exhibit Design/Fabrication; Jackie Lawson, Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc.; Marsha Rooney, Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture; Pat Thomas, Black Historical Society of Kitsap County; Tim Detweiler, Executive Director of the James W. Washington, Jr. and Janie Rogella Washington Foundation.
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