By Kevin Hall/Staff Reporter
Eastern community members can track the progression and transformation of African-American art through the ages during “EvolutionZ of Art.”
The members of Zeta Phi Beta sorority plan on starting off Black History Month by hosting this event. said DeShawnte´ Mackmore, a sophomore psychology major.
The event will show not only the transformation of art in African-American culture, but it will also focus on the progression of African-American art as well.
Mackmore said “EvolutionZ of Art” would cover several aspects in which African-Americans have transformed art into a significant aspect of their culture.
Members of the sorority plan to teach people about art in African-American history through reenactment, she said.
The presentations at the event will consist of poster boards containing vital information about the person that is represented in front of the boards that they will be displaying.
“The EvolutionZ of Art” will be a showcase with a wax museum theme, Mackmore said.
Several famous African-American artists will be in attendance, she added.
Whether it is an author, poet or musician, art comes in various mediums, and the members of Zeta Phi Beta plan to show appreciation of them all, Mackmore said.
The list contains a variety of artists, from names like Maya Angelou to Condoleezza Rice. The event will cover a wide time-range of art in African-American history, from the 1920s all the way to about the mid 2000s.
Although “EvolutionZ of Art” is a celebration of African-American history, members of the sorority urge everyone to come out and support the event 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the University Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
The event is free of charge and opened to everyone.
Secia Larnce, the special events chair of Zeta Phi Beta, said she felt as though everyone can benefit from this event and learn more about African-American culture and their expansion in the world of art.
Larnce, a senior communication major, said that the participants will take away an appreciation for art in African-American culture.
“I think this gives people a way to open their eyes and expand their knowledge passed just the African-American movement and passed slavery,” she said.
Larnce also said she was excited for the event because she said that it will show the major growth that took place in order for African-American art to get to the point that it has reached today.
“The growth in African-American art makes me proud, especially as an African-American to see my people grow towards bigger things,” she said.
“It’s just nice to see so much variety in African-American people.”
Kevin Hall can be reached at 581-2812 or kphall@eiu.edu