City Lore, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is proud to announce its newest exhibition, ‘The Calling: The Transformative Power of African American Doll and Puppet Making,’ curated by noted doll maker Camila Bryce-Laporte in collaboration with scholar Phyllis May-Machunda. This captivating showcase, running from October 6, 2023, to March 6, 2024, at the City Lore Gallery in New York City, delves into the artistry of 26 multimedia artists from the African Diaspora.
The exhibit explores how these artists, who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement, utilize mixed media to chronicle the history, identity, and culture of their communities. They feel a profound ‘calling’ to continue the tradition of Black doll making, recognizing its healing and transformative power. Visitors can explore the artists’ personal histories, creative processes, and the spiritual significance of their work through videotaped conversations.
Presented as part of City Lore’s Cultural Ambassadors Residency Program, supported by the Institute for Library and Museum Services (ILMS), ‘The Calling’ challenges conventional notions of dolls and puppets, weaving a 400-year legacy into a rich tapestry of expression. The exhibition’s themes span heritage, community, and the power of handmade art.
Participating artists include Kibibi Ajanku, Kay Williams Anderson, Judy Boldon Bain, Diana Baird N’Diaye, and many more, each offering a unique perspective on cultural storytelling.
Curator Camila Bryce-LaPorte, a folklife specialist and community scholar, has a passion for helping people rediscover their history and traditions. Dr. Phyllis M. May-Machunda, a folklorist/ethnomusicologist, joins as the scholar, adding her expertise to this groundbreaking exhibition.
City Lore Gallery, a hub for celebrating New York City’s cultural diversity, provides a platform for various voices. From graffiti to endangered languages and activist comics, City Lore finds art in everyday life. The organization works in urban folklore and history, preservation, arts education, and grassroots poetry traditions, promoting cultural equity and democracy.
City Lore, founded in 1986 and now an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to fostering and preserving New York City’s cultural heritage. The organization documents, presents, and advocates for grassroots cultures, ensuring their legacy lives on. Explore ‘The Calling’ and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of African American doll and puppet making at the City Lore Gallery.
For more information, visit City Lore’s website at http://www.citylore.org and join us at the opening reception on October 6th from 6 pm – 9 pm to experience ‘The Calling’ firsthand.
