August Wilson Center for African American Culture Presents THE FIRST VOICE Festival, Now thru 5/25

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is proud to present the fifth annual First Voice: A Pittsburgh Black Arts Festival. This year's class of 2013 fellows celebrates both the creator and the creative process as four regional artists explore the definition Black Art.

Fellow: Marlana Vassar
Gallery Talk: Call & Response
May 23 | 7 pm | FREE

Under the mentorship of Cecile Shellman, Artistic Director of Visual Arts and Exhibitions, Marlana Vassar has created a series of large-scale paintings that reflect visual narratives of local theatrical, music, and dance concerts. These works depict the human figure and decorative patterns. More significantly, Marlana's interpretation of these performances through paint are soulfully poetic.

Fellow: Nikki Young
Staged Reading: Things Not Seen
May 24 | 8 pm | FREE

Part character study, part conspiracy suspense, "Things Not Seen" explores various sociopolitical issues within the context of one woman's discovery of a dangerous secret that causes her to question everything she thought she knew.

This multi-media presentation will include the premiere of a theatrical trailer for the film, along with a staged reading presentation that incorporates various visual and audio elements to give the audience a firsthand look at the development of this feature film project.

Fellow: Nathan James
Growing Pains
May 25 | 8 pm | $10

Through spoken word poetry, monologues, movement and multi-media imagery, Nathan James' one-man show, Growing Pains, illuminates the voice of the true authentic culture of the Hip Hop generation. It takes a first-hand look at the births of the mentalities of urban African-American males. Tapping into the part of the human spirit that enables us to empathize with one another, Growing Pains examines the influence of media and upbringing over the way we view politics, beauty, each other, and most importantly ourselves.

ART EXHIBITIONS

SOLO Exhibits
Through June 29 | Tuesday - Saturday | 11 am - 6 pm
Fees apply

SOLO Exhibits features three individual exhibitions of fiber art, printmaking, painting and sculpture by Leslie Ansley, Jo-Anne Bates and Tina Brewer. Each artist has drawn inspiration from inward journeys recalling African heritage, reflecting on the Diaspora, or literal pilgrimages to the African continent.

Support for this exhibition is generously provided to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture from The Fine Foundation.