Coinciding with Black History Month, the Savannah African Art Museum is set to unveil their newest exhibit entitled “The Language of Fabrics: Textile Traditions Across Africa”. The Museum will celebrate the exhibition’s opening with a special Evening Exhibit viewing from 5pm to 6:30pm on Friday, February 2, 2024.
The Savannah African Art Museum’s new exhibit, "The Language of Fabrics: Textile Traditions Across Africa" centers around the deep-rooted traditions and purposes of fabrics across Africa. The exhibition was created by SCAD Graduate/ The Museum Intern, Moraa Nyaribo of Kenya and curated by Executive Director Billie Stultz with additional research and assistance by museum volunteers and staff members. The exhibition invites visitors to explore and consider the intricate stories behind African textile traditions through art, history, cultural identity, and connection.
The Savannah African Art Museum is also set to collaborate with the 35th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival (Feb 2.-Feb 25.), whose theme is “Legacy & Innovation: Framing the Future of Our Culture.”
“It is exciting to launch our new exhibit as both Black History Month and the 35th Annual Black Heritage Festival begin,” said Stultz. “The Festival pays tribute to the cultural visionaries that have blazed the trails of the future with their contributions, from science and math to music and art, and our new exhibit honors the rich textile traditions of the African continent.”
Savannah African Art Museum and The Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) will also collaborate with the Smithsonian: National Museum of African History and Culture (NMAAHC) to present a series of events from NMAAHC’s traveling “Hometown Treasures” Program as part of the SBHF.
Events include:
Feb. 19. 1pm – 1:45pm – Hometown Treasures – Community Expo: The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will present its Hometown Treasures Program to assist area residents in preserving their family heirlooms and items of familial, historical, and cultural significance. The expo aims to help community members identify and generate awareness about the richness of local cultural organizations and resources.
Feb. 19. 2pm – 2:45pm - Lunch & Learn: Exploring Museum Careers: Join professionals from the National Museum of African American History & Culture and Savannah African Art Museum’s Billie Stultz and Lisa Jackson, Education & Community Outreach Liaison to explore exciting careers in the museum field. Explore the roles, education, and training of the individuals who provide valuable services to include managing the collections of museums, historical sites, governments, colleges and universities, and other cultural heritage institutions.
Feb. 24. 11am-1:00pm. “Tracing Your Roots” – Tips & Resources Workshop: Savannah African Art Museum will host their annual workshop at the Bull Street Library - Kaye Kole Genealogy & Local History Room (2002 Bull Street).
To learn more about the Savannah African Art Museum, upcoming workshops, and the museum’s newest collections, visit www.savannahafricanartmuseum.org and/or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X at @SavannahAfricanArtMuseum. For the full SBHF Schedule of Events, please visit https://savannahblackheritagefestival.org/schedule.
Savannah African Art Museum is a nonprofit institution that introduces all audiences to African art and culture. Its mission is to provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity, and spirituality of African art.