Artist Raven Smith- Title: “When We Speak”
This past Saturday The Museum of science and Industry hosted its 35th annual Black Creativity black-tie gala. The Gala, planned in collaboration with a committee of prominent Chicago African-American leaders, raises money to support the annual Black Creativity program and its events, which pay tribute to the culture, heritage and scientific contributions of African Americans and help motivate youth in science, technology, engineering, art and medicine. The event raised $429,000, and there were 800 guests in attendance.
It is definitely a guest list filled with MANY whose who from in and around Chicago! The men and women in attendance were dressed to the nines! They surely did not let the Chicago winter weather stop them in being glam and fabulous for this annual event!
Shavonna Triplett and Dawn Kemp
Artist James Cole- Title: “Fighting the Struggle”
Artist Fatima Laster- Title: “Be My Voice”
Candid Candace and myself
Artist Keith Conner- Title: “Still Waiting”
The Gala was co-chaired by Cheryl Harris, senior vice president at Allstate Insurance Company, and Kelly Powers Baria of Powers and Sons Construction Company. The evening will start with an expected 700 guests enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the annual Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, featuring more than 100 original works of art from African-American artists. After cocktails, and viewing of the various artwork guests headed down to the Museum’s Rotunda where we enjoyed elegant food stations from Catering by Michaels. Dinner options included balsamic marinated and grilled octopus, spicy tuna poke bowl, duck fat fried chicken, winter panzanella salad, bourbon glazed donuts, and more.
Grilled squid and calamari
WGN Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory was the emcee for the evening’s presentation. Guests enjoyed live musical entertainment from Englewood Children’s Choir and Chicago native and NBC’s “The Voice” contestant Meagan McNeal. Then the true party kicked off and the crowd danced the night away with the sounds of DJ Nick “Nonstop” Nicholson.
Englewood’s Children Choir
DJ Nick “Nonstop” Nicholson
Myself and Tavi J aka Chiataglance
Myself and Jennifer Hunter
In addition to the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Innovation Studio, guests were also be able to enjoy other Museum exhibits throughout the evening, including Robot Revolution, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, Science Storms and The Great Train Story.
Featured Innovator Commissioner, Metro Water Reclamation District Kari K. Steele
About the 2018 Black Creativity Program
The Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Black Creativity program invites students, teachers, families and the public to explore the legacy of rich contributions and achievements made by African Americans while encouraging deeper interest in science and technology. This year’s programing focuses on innovation, inspiring children to become innovators of tomorrow.
The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition opens January 15 with more than 100 dynamic works from both professional and amateur African-American artists from around the country, including artworks from youth artists between the ages of 14 to 17. This longest running exhibition of African-American art has been displayed annually at MSI since 1970. The Juried Art Exhibition is included in Museum Entry and open through February 21.
Also a part of the program is the Innovation Studio, an exciting space for guests to experiment and explore new ideas through making. Powered by guests’ own curiosity and inspired by science-related challenges, guests will have access to a variety of materials and tools to create solutions to issues. To help inspire young inventors about future possibilities and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and medicine, the Innovator Gallery spotlights eight local Chicagoans that are using STEM in communities across the city to improve health, safety, and the environment. The Black Creativity Innovation Studio runs sessions for school groups by reservation throughout the week. Public sessions are offered daily from January 15 – February 21.
Families will also have the chance to speak with the experts who make and create for a living. On Saturday, February 24, the Career Showcase will offer guests the opportunity to talk with African-American scientists, engineers and artists about their jobs, inspiring the next generation of artists and STEM professionals. Black Creativity 2018 is presented by The Allstate Insurance Company and co-sponsored by Powers and Sons Construction Company. Additional Black Creativity program partners include ComEd, Dover Inc., ITW, Nicor Gas, Northern Trust and Peoples Gas. United Airlines is the official airline of Black Creativity.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Welcome to Science Initiative, the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSI’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30–4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods. The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.
