Juneteenth Open House

Join the MFA for performances curated by SIDE Presents and art making, and hear talks in their latest exhibition “Touching Roots: Black Ancestral Legacies in the Americas.” This exhibition traces narratives of Blackness across the Atlantic world by bringing together work from artists—many from New England—who absorbed and reinterpreted African artistic practices, sacred customs, and cultural expressions.

Events and Activities
Drop-In Art Making: Portraits of Leadership, 10 am–3 pm, Huntington Avenue Lawn (rain location: Education Center in the Druker Family Pavilion, 159)

What does a leader look like to you? Stop by and create a portrait of a leader in your life using drawing, watercolor, or collage art materials. Whether a family member or friend; mentor, teacher, or coach, we want to see them all! For those who are interested, finished portraits will be featured in the exhibition “Portraits of Leadership,” which accompanies “The Obama Portraits Tour,” opening at the MFA on September 3, 2022.

Spotlight Talks in “Touching Roots: Black Ancestral Legacies in the Americas”, 11 am and Noon, Gallery 332

Inspired by the Kendrick Lamar song “HiiiPoWeR,” which traces the historical arc of radicalized Black movements and artistic genius, this Spotlight Talk explores color as a subliminal message within evolving pan-African consciousness. Presented by writer and curator Chenoa Baker.

The Most Estranged Fruits, 11:30 AM–Noon, 2:15–2:45 pm, and 4–4:30 pm, Huntington Avenue Exterior at Forsyth Way, Rain location: Shapiro Family Courtyard

In collaboration with the MFA and AIR Boston, SIDE Presents honors Juneteenth with a multidisciplinary celebration honoring the richness of Black artists, culture, and stories. This collaborative art symposium and performance highlights Black resistance, which is at once beautiful, elegant, heavy, and dark. Through dance, music, poetry, visual art, and more that draws on key historical references, quotes, essays, and archival film, explore the myth of Black liberation in US democracy. Presented by Danny Rivera, lead organizer with AIR Boston (the Artist Initiative for Revolution). Rivera has drawn talent from AIR Boston’s collective to complete the cast for the performance.

City Talks: SIDE Presents inSIDE, 1–2 pm, Edward H. Linde Gallery (Gallery 168)

Join us for a conversation with two multifaceted artists discussing artistic expression, inspiration, and inner peace as well as the meaning of Juneteenth in the past, present, and future. Featuring Stephen Hamilton, artist and MFA Table of Voices collaborator whose work is on view in “Touching Roots: Black Ancestral Legacies in the Americas” and “New Light: Encounters and Connections,” and Perla Mabel, artist, educator, and lead artist for “Community Arts Initiative: Empowered Faces.” Moderated by Therlande Louissaint and Marlyn Urquiza of SIDE Presents. Followed by a serenade from musician ToriTori.