MoCA CT Celebrates Black History Month with Creative and Cultural Events
This February, MoCA CT will host a series of events in honor of Black History Month, focusing on the rich cultural contributions and creativity of the African diaspora. The series will highlight emerging Black artists and provide a platform for their work, fostering greater visibility and professional growth.
These events will also connect with local communities and align with current exhibitions, such as ON FIRE: Energy, Climate, Infrastructure and Human and Nature: A Changing Relationship. MoCA CT is dedicated to celebrating and integrating Black voices in the arts year-round.
Event Lineup:
Film Screening & Q&A – Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM Screening DELA: The Making of El Anatsui, a documentary on the Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui. Film maker Oyiza Adaba from Africa Related Inc. will join for a post-screening Q&A, tying the film into MoCA CT’s exhibitions on the role of recycled materials in art and climate issues.
Register Here.
Soulful Expressions – Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 7:00–9:00 PM An evening of poetry by Sahmra Sawyer, music by pianist Joe Bush, dance by Jeffline Saint Louis, and food by Jamaican Chef Dré Sawyers of Food by Mustard Seed Inc. Artist Erika McGhee will do live sketching of visitors, followed by a dance floor open for classics like the Electric Slide, Wobble, and more.
Register Here.
Upcycling Sculpture Workshop & Exhibition Tour – Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM Local artist Remy Sosa will lead an upcycling sculpture workshop, starting with a guided tour of ON FIRE: Energy, Climate, Infrastructure and Human and Nature: A Changing Relationship, focusing on the environmental impact of recycled materials.
Register Here.
Bios:
Meet the film director of DELA: The Making of El Anatsui, screening on February 13 at 7:00PM
Oyiza Adaba’s work as a journalist and filmmaker has helped to amplify African perspectives. She founded the media platform Africa-Related in 2008 to develop concepts that use media tools to tell authentic stories. This platform allows her to produce, write, and report on African news and issues. Through her journalism, filmmaking, and involvement in global media organization Oyiza Adaba has dedicated her nearly 30-year career to developing and sharing authentic African stories and narratives on global platforms. Her feature documentary “DELA: The Making of El Anatsui” (2023) is highly praised globally for bringing African art and culture to international audiences. She is now directing a historical documentary series called “WOVEN: The Intriguing Journey of the Ebira Cloth”, which focuses on preserving African textile traditions.
Meet the three performers, the caterer, and live sketch artist for our Soulful Expressions Night on February 15 at 7PM
Norwalk Native, Sahmra Sawyer is a Writer, Spoken Word Poet, and MSW student at Fairfield University. Sahmra is also the Founder of a poetry platform called We’ve Got Something To Say LLC. located in Bridgeport, CT, where she works to promote mental health and well-being through the art of poetry and spoken word by creating safe spaces for voices to be heard. She is multifaceted and refuses to be confined creatively and professionally. Her mission is to become a Clinical Social Worker and Art Therapist providing healing to the world by incorporating poetry into Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT!
Jeffline Saint Louis was born and raised in Haiti. She has had a passion for dance since the age of two. Jeffline is a self taught free style dancer, who has gotten her inspiration from varied artists, such as LL Cool Jay, Ciara, Chris Brown, Janet Jackson, and Teyana Taylor. One of the quotes that Jeffline lives by is …The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever — Bronx Tale
Joe Bush is an artist in residence at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Newburgh, New York. In 2018, Joe was featured in the Howland Chamber Music Circle pop-up concert accompanying cellist Daniel Frankhuizen and soprano Rachel Hall, and playing solo works. In 2020 he won second place in the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) New York, a regional competition, being the recipient of one of the two national encouragement prizes.
Mustard Seed, an alkaline vegan catering company, was founded in 2020 by Chef Dre, who began his vegan journey in 2018 to improve his health. With the support of his mother, he transitioned to a vegan diet and successfully managed his blood pressure. After moving to LA, Dre discovered a passion for cooking, inspired by friends’ and family’s positive feedback. Following a period of reflection, he launched Mustard Seed, sharing nourishing vegan cuisine and promoting health, one seed at a time.
Erika McGhee owner of Art Is Her is an African American illustrator and art educator. Erika has a deep passion for capturing the beauty of life through art. Specializing in wedding sketches, Erika brings a unique, personal touch to each celebration by creating vibrant, on-the-spot illustrations that celebrate the special moments of a couple’s big day. As a dedicated art teacher, Erika inspires students of all ages to explore their creative potential. In addition Erika hosts bespoke paint parties, where individuals can unwind, connect, and express themselves through art in a fun, relaxed setting. Whether through wedding sketches or paint-filled gatherings, Erika helps others discover the joy of creating while sharing her passion for the arts.
Meet the artist that will lead the upcycling sculpture workshop on February 22 at 1PM
Remy Sosa was raised in a male-dominant environment where speaking was only allowed when spoken to, and raising her voice was never an option. In response, art became her favorite way to scream—it became her language. She aspired to be an artist because art provided a pathway to self-discovery. Through mixed media, she explores themes of interiority and emotional intelligence. Her style, characterized by deconstruction and layering of elements, blends painting with a variety of materials, including acrylic, oil, charcoal, and everyday household items. This approach leads to a creative reinterpretation of portraiture that reflects the malleability and fragility of the human condition.
