Wadsworth locals

“Celebrate African Culture With The Wadsworth Atheneum”

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HARTFORD, CONN. — Join the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and The Amistad Foundation for an enlightening celebration of African culture in many forms. It begins with the three-day festival, “Miawoezor!” February 11–13, and culminates June 17–19 with the 14th annual “Juneteenth Celebration.” In between are the “African Voices” film series, plus lectures, performances, family programs and more clustered around “First Thursdays” in March, April and May. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main Street. For information, 860-278-2670 or WadsworthAtheneum.org.

HARTFORD, CONN. — On Thursday, March 3, at 6 pm, the Wadsworth Atheneum will host the lecture, “Aesthetic of the Cool: The Life and Art of an African Woman” by Robert Farris Thompson, Colonel John Trumbull professor of the history of art, Yale University. The life and art of Abatan, a sculptress of Southwestern Nigeria, is presented in video, music and slides. Professor Thompson will explore how the aesthetic principles that govern the shaping of her art also apply to contemporary hip-hop, and discuss the relationship of historical and contemporary Africa and the diaspora from Africa to the Americas. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is at 600 Main Street. For information, 860-278-2670 or www.Wadsworth Atheneum.org.

HARTFORD, CONN. — On Saturday, March 5, at 10 am, the Wadsworth Atheneum will host “Art Explorers: Masks and Masquerades” for ages 6 to 10 and their adult companions. Discover how masks are used by different African cultures, and then make your own wearable, three-dimensional mask. Advance registration required; call 860-838-4049. For information, WadswothAtheneum.com. The museum is at 600 Main Street.

HARTFORD, CONN. — The Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main Street, will offer an art history course on Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 12, 19, at 6 pm, “Six Steps Closer to Africa.” Learn what art means for the African people who produce and use it with Amanda Carlson, assistant professor of art history, University of Hartford. Marvelous examples of sculpture, metalwork, performance art, pottery, painting, textiles and photography will inspire any art lover, regardless of prior familiarity with the subject. The “six steps” taken on consecutive Tuesdays are: Art and Communication; Art, Motion and Music; Artistry and Gender; Royal Arts; The Body; and Photography and Contemporary Art. For information, 860-838-4049 or WadsworthAtheneum.com.

HARTFORD, CONN. — On Wednesdays, May 4, 11 and 18, at 5:30 pm, the Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main Street, will present a gallery course, “No Mystery Art History: African Art.” Examine the aesthetic characteristics, cultural meanings and the role context and environment plays in interpreting works from Africa. For information, 860-278-2670 or WadsworthAtheneum.org.