The Shop: an exhibition based on the iconography and culture of the Black barbershop.

Saturday, July 1, 2017
Opening Reception 7pm @ Public Functionary
Pop-up exhibition / Dates: July 1 – July 15
Open Viewing hours / July 5 – July 15 / Hours TBA
Artist Conversation: Thursday, July 13 / 7pm

The Shop includes work by: Noah Lawrence-Holder, CRICE Kahlil, Seitu Jones, Candice Davis, Ta–coumba T. Aiken, Emma Eubanks, Bobby Rogers, Keith Williams, Malakai Davis-Greiner.

The Shop is a multi-media art exhibition based on the iconography and culture of the Black barbershop. The exhibition recalls the Afro-centric rumination central to the barbershop experience. Black hair, historically an object of ridicule, has evolved into a symbol of pride and rebellion. The barbershop is a microcosm of the African American experience. It is a place where past, present and future combine and authenticity is valued most.

The works will showcase a wide array of artistic disciplines including paintings, photography, screen prints, drawings and digital art, sharing different perspectives in response to the importance of the barbershop experience to the Black community. The show will feature both emerging and established Black artists creating work around the theme, a rare cross-generational show highlighting African American artists collectively engaging with the broader MN arts scene. The Shop is curated by CRICE Kahlil.

**CRICE Kahlil is a fiscal year 2017 recipient of an Artist initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and culture heritage fund.**