http://www.lompocrecord.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/exhibit-celebrates-black-history/article_7c3d5d88-4a42-11e1-9c9d-001871e3ce6c.html
‘WEAVING THROUGH AFRICA’
Exhibit celebrates black history
Posted: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:15 am
Lompoc Museum’s Centeno Gallery announces its new exhibit, “Weaving
Through Africa,” by guest artist Ester La Pollo.
This exhibit is a cooperative effort between the Lompoc Museum and Club
Arcturus in celebration of Black History Month. There will be a Club
Arcturus reception for the artist from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. The
show will run through February 29.
African baskets often conjure up images of women carrying loads of goods on
their heads to and from the marketplace. But baskets are so much more for
Africans: A method of communication, an integral part of important
ceremonies and a utilitarian art form. Join us on a journey to learn more
about the cultural context of basketry in some of Africa’s many ethnic
groups.
Ester La Pollo was born in the small East African nation of Eritrea to an
Eritrean mother and Italian-American father. She has been enamored with
African cultures for as long as she can remember.
“Coming from a multi-cultural family gave me the benefit of seeing my
cultures from two completely different vantage points: inside and out,”
said La Pollo. “Through my formal education, I quickly noticed how
under-represented Africa was in text books, art galleries and museums. I
guess you could say that I started my art collection without really seeing
it as such — all of those daily use items that are found in an Eritrean
household: Baskets for serving popcorn during our coffee ceremony, woven
stands to hold the coffee pot, Coptic crosses, etc.”
For the past dozen years or so though, La Pollo has invested more time in
learning about Africa’s very diverse art history.
“I am always happy to have occasions like this to teach people more about
Africa through its beautiful art forms,” she said. “African art is a daily
part of my life since the founding of MamaAfrika.com<
http://mamaafrika.com/> 10
years ago. I sell traditional African art from about a dozen African
countries using fair and ethical trade policies so that women’s
cooperatives can sell their wares and make a living for themselves and
their families.
“Additionally, I am a guest speaker who is invited both locally and
internationally to teach about issues concerning fair and ethical trade,
sustainable development and African Art.”
The hours for the Lompoc Museum, 200 South H St., downtown Lompoc, are 1
to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call 736-3888.
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Received on Sun Jan 29 2012 - 12:16:30 EST
