By Raymond Ward, Chicago Crusader
The Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS) returns to Chicago this fall, at the state-of-the-art Malcolm X College (MXC) under the theme “The Health and Healing Power of Art.” While the highlight of the show is the nearly 60 artists from across the African diaspora, there will also be a series of lectures where patrons can hear directly from the artists and learn more about building an art collection, the valuation of your collection, and how to appraise it. Additionally, local and national authors will gather to discuss their latest books. Show dates are November 16 – 19.
The Lecture Series runs from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, at the MXC auditorium and includes the following:
- 11a.m.-1p.m. – Your Identity as a Collector: Reasons, Resources, and Rewards, moderated by visual artist Kyrin Hobson. Confirmed to join the panel is Arts appraiser Diane Dinkins Carr;
- 1-2 p.m. – 50th Anniversary of the Wall of Respect Panel & Discussion, featuring one of the original architects of the ‘Wall of Respect’ artist “Eda” Wade;
- 2-3 p.m. – Featured Authors Panel & Discussion (see below); and
- 3-4 p.m. – Featured Artists Panel & Discussion – Chicagoan Kevin “WAK” Williams, Ted Ellis, and Frank Frazier.
Confirmed authors doing book signings throughout the weekend include:
- Ilyasah Shabazz, author of X: A Novel,Growing Up X, Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X.
- Sybil Haydel Morial, mother of National Urban League President Marc Morial, and author of the memoir Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment.
- Sun-Times’ Columnist and Reporter Maudlyne Ihejirika, author of the biography, Escape From Nigeria: A Memoir of Faith, Love and War;
- Photographer TAR, Terrence A. Reese, whose book, Reflections, is a black-and-white documentary-style photography series that captures the personal living spaces of renowned African Americans;
- N’DIGO LEGACY: Black Luxe Profiles of Iconic Chicago African Americans authored by Hermene Hartman and David Smallwood, which focuses on the indelible imprint black entrepreneurs, politicos, sports figures, ministers, media personalities, entertainers and other key notables have cast on the City of Chicago and the world.
“In addition to our amazing showcase of the visual arts, the HFAS is known for highlighting authors, both locally and nationally, and creating forums for our artists to discuss their creative process,” explains Dion Clarke, founder of the HFAS. “This year we have an amazing group of authors and artists, including our special guest author Ilyasah Shabazz. They will be participating in our lecture series during the show, and additionally, our authors will be signing their books throughout the weekend.”
The Opening Night Gala Reception on Thursday, November 16, will feature a “Salute to African Americans in Medicine.” During this special program, 23 Chicago area doctors and medical professionals, representing some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the seven-county region, will be recognized for their outstanding careers and philanthropic work. Additionally, Congressman Danny K. Davis will be recognized for his long-standing advocacy for health issues impacting African Americans nationally. The next day, HFAS will host Youth Empowerment Day, with Chicago Public Schools middle and high school students, at MXC, where they will participate in workshops with African Americans in medicine, the arts and education to encourage their interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
The four-day traveling exhibition and sale of contemporary paintings, sculpture, and photography is the largest of its kind featuring art from the African Diaspora. Nearly 60 artists and galleries are expected to be a part of the Chicago show.
Partners for the 2017 Harlem Fine Arts Show include the North Shore (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Rotary Club of Chicago Southeast, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – North Shore Chapter, 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc., NBC 5 Chicago, The Chicago Crusader and The Chicago Defender.
For additional information click here or call 800-376-2860. Advance tickets are currently available for $20, and there are varying prices for special events. Follow the Harlem Fine Arts Show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #HFASCHI.
About Harlem Fine Arts Show
Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS) celebrates the African Diaspora by bringing together contemporary artists with the growing class of collectors. The goal of facilitating this coming together is to showcase cultural ideas and raise awareness of this extraordinary body of work created by these international, national and local artists. HFAS travels to communities around the nation providing a platform for highlighting advances made in the arts, education, economics, and healthcare. Additionally, it recognizes and honors those who, by working in these various sectors, have dedicated themselves to raising up their communities and those who live in them.
First held in February 2010 in New York City, the HFAS has attracted more than 80,000 visitors to venues, including Martha’s Vineyard, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago and New York. Attendees include collectors, art enthusiasts, educators, students, and professionals.
About Malcolm X College
Malcolm X College (MXC) is City Colleges of Chicago’s center of excellence when it comes to healthcare education. With a variety of health sciences programs and many other offerings, MXC prepares students to transfer to a four-year institution or for a career (or for professional advancement). Located near the Illinois Medical District, MXC serves nearly 16,000 students. Formerly Crane Junior College, Malcolm X College is now housed in a state-of-the-art facility and home to the City Colleges of Chicago School of Nursing.
About Ilyasah Shabazz
Ilyasah Shabazz, third daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, is an educator, activist, motivational speaker, and author of award-winning publications such as a coming of age memoir entitled, Growing Up X, a children’s illustration book entitled, Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X, and a young adult historical fiction book entitled, X, A Novel. Ilyasah promotes higher education for at-risk youth, interfaith dialogue to build bridges between cultures for young leaders of the world, and she participates on international humanitarian delegations.
Cook County Physicians Association (CCPA)
The Cook County Physicians Association (CCPA), which is the 105-year-old local society of the National Medical Association, was founded in the same American environment in 1911 by Dr. George Cleveland Hall. The state society is the Prairie State Medical Society (PSMS). CCPA and PSMS are in Region IV of the NMA. The Cook County Physicians Association was founded to address racial, political and economic problems in the delivery of medical care and education, especially as they impact African Americans. Among the goals of the Cook County Physicians Association is the desire to increase the number of African American physicians, as this is one of the critical issues of this time.
