Right before the start of Black History Month, The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago kicked it off with their annual Black Creativity Juried Art exhibition opening gala which was attended by over 600 guests the evening of January 28.
David and Patricia Mosena, Cheryl Harris, Brian Booker
The fundraising gala, planned in collaboration with a committee of prominent African-American leaders here in Chicago was chaired by Cheryl Harris-SVP of Sourcing and Procurement Solutions at Allstate, emceed by Chris Spencer, singing by the Chicago Children’s Choir; and raised $400,000 that will go towards supporting Black Creativity programming and events, which pay tribute to the culture, heritage and science contributions of African Americans and help motivate youth in the sciences.
Thomas Davenport, Kristin Beal, Kam Buckner and Ashley Floyd
Guests began the night with cocktails and bubbly while checking out the different art works ranging from those created by students for the youth category to works by aspiring and seasoned artists, all selected by the Black Creativity juror which included: Sheridan Tucker, Phillip Scott Sinclair, Ron. B. Thompson, Lashaun Tines and chaired by SAIC’s president Elisa Tenny.
Kim Evans-Cole, Mark Killion, Dr. Airies Davis, America Baez
Following dinner and networking gala style, in the main Rotunda, it was time let loose and enjoy entertainment from Dante Hall and dancing the night away with DJ Nick “Nonstop” Nicholson. One lucky attendee even won a brand new Lexus.
The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features more than 100 dynamic works from both professional and amateur African-American artists from around the country, including artworks from youth artists and it is open at the Museum of Science and Industry through February 19. See more photos in the gallery above.
photo credits: John Wheeler; J.B. Spector; Alison Neidt Toonen; Kasumi Chow
