New York State In-depth

Syracuse University Presents Art Exhibit at Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

The 38th Annual Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Syracuse University includes for the first time an art exhibition in Club 44’s VIP Lounge on the upper level of the JMA Wireless Dome.

To express the celebration theme of “Civil Rights and the City of Syracuse”, three local artists have been chosen to display their works in the purpose built gallery, which will open to the public on Sunday 22 January 2023 before and during the event the traditional feast will be accessible. The art gallery opens at 4:15 p.m. and dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. For more information, see mlk.syr.edu.

The exhibition will highlight artists Jaleel Campbell, Jessica McGhee ’19 and Vanessa Johnson. The exhibition’s curators include Qiana Williams and Cjala Surratt of the Black Artists’ Collective; Ken Harper, Associate Professor of Visual Communication and Art Curator at SI Newhouse School of Public Communications; and staff at Hendricks Chapel.

Jaleel Campbell

Jessica McGhee

Vanessa Johnson

Jaleel Campbell’s passion for creative design knows no bounds. Whether through illustration works that show the often underrepresented black life and culture, through video works that capture the beauty and essence of black life and culture, or through handmade puppets that aim to honor and acknowledge African traditions, its There are no limits to creativity. “I create work that reminds black people of their worth; even when the world is getting too difficult,” he says.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Jessica McGhee moved to Syracuse in 2008. She received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Syracuse University in 2019 and is currently enrolled in the university’s MS program in Creative Arts Therapy. Her primary medium is painting, although she works in a variety of media. Working therapeutically, McGhee firmly believes in art’s non-verbal ability to communicate, heal, and transform the self in ways that impact its creator’s overall well-being. She is currently the Arts Programs Coordinator and Lecturer at the University’s La Casita Cultural Center.

Vanessa Johnson is a griot (storyteller) in the West African tradition. She is also a writer, playwright, actress, fiber artist, museum consultant, community activist, historian and educator. and teaching artist. Johnson received the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Creatives Rebuild NY Grant for 2022-24. At the Onondaga Historical Association, Johnson used her storytelling talents to tell the story of Onondaga County and has taught in school programs since 2005. Johnson currently teaches at Syracuse University’s Community Folk Art Center and is artist-in-residence for the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation.

“We’re excited that this year’s attendees are celebrating the richness of Syracuse’s culture and beauty… and there’s no juicier way to do that than through art,” said Harper, who has served on the MLK Events Planning Committee for three years. “We hope to expand the gallery over the next year to include collaborations with additional local artists, the Community Folk Art Center and the Syracuse University Art Museums.”

Tickets are on sale now for the dinner and program, which will include performances by student and community groups, the Unsung Hero Awards ceremony and a keynote address by Rev. Phil Turner.


Comments are closed.