Gallery view at Griffin MSI

By GINNY VAN ALYEA

An especially creative and inviting opportunity to visit, or return to, if you haven't been in awhile, the newly renamed Griffin MSI, formerly the Museum of Science and Industry, is to experience an expansive, multi-generational visual arts exhibit that has been displayed annually at Griffin MSI since 1970. Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by African Americans, including youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17. The exhibition opened earlier this month, and the crowds in attendance on a cold Sunday when I visited with my family, were significant and energetic. Though all the works in this year's exhibition are viewable online, the chance to see them in person and in proximity to other works will only be possible through the end of April. There are works by very young artists and pieces by professional, older artists. abstract works juxtaposed with figurative ones, and serenely lit sculptures encased in acrylic. Each work is also, if available, for sale. The museum's website makes it possible to contact individual artists directly, as well as see which works received awards this year.

Alice Aida Ayers

LIBATIONS

Hand sewn quilt, fabric, beads, threads

Artist info

The art exhibition is but one part of Griffin MSI's celebration of African American achievement in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics through its Black Creativity program. Black Creativity offers a wide range of targeted, culturally relevant STEAM education programming supported by the Museum’s education initiatives, reaching over 10,000 students, their teachers, and their families in underserved Chicago neighborhoods each year.

MSI says it aims to achieve four main goals through the program:

• Provide exposure for African-American youth to careers, educational pathways, and other opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art and math.
• Deepen students’ engagement with STEAM through hands-on learning.
• Increase access to Griffin MSI and its resources to African-American students and their families.
• Showcase African Americans and their contributions, past and current, to the fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Between now and the end of April, make the trip to visit Griffin MSI to see Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition as well as all the museum has to offer both visitors to the city as well as locals.

This exhibition is now open through April 27, 2025 and is included in Museum Entry.

Note: On Feb. 15 and March 15 the museum offers an opportunity to enroll young innovators in a one-day Curiosity Camp about the trailblazing pilot Bessie Coleman.

Kevin West

When Sunday Comes

Oil

Artist info