Join Littleton Alston, Kwakiutl Dreher, and Jeremy Bell for a
unique program inspired by the special exhibition 30 Americans. Each
guest will offer his or her personal response to one work in the exhibition,
addressing the burning question, “What lights your fire?” This gallery
program is designed to shed light on how art inspires, engages, and
affects another’s work. Enjoy the conversation in the galleries and over
drinks in the ConAgra Foods Atrium.
Space to the gallery talk is limited. The program can accommodate a
maximum of 45 people. Tickets will be issued on a first come, first
served basis. Guests are asked to check in upon arrival on May 2;
no advance registration required. This program is FREE for members; special Thursday evening ticket pricing $5 for general public adults.
Kwakiutl Dreher, Author, Educator, Producer
Dr. Dreher is Associate Professor of English and Ethnic Studies at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in
English from the University of South Carolina-Columbia and her Master's
Degree from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dreher
received her PhD from the University of California-Riverside. She
conducts research in African American literature, including
auto/biography, film, visual, and popular culture, and mass marketed
popular literature. She published
Dancing on the White Page: Black Women Entertainers Writing Autobiography
with SUNY press in 2008. In summer 2010, she presented her work on her
maiden international tour of Dancing on the White Page in Europe.
Littleton Alston, Artist and Educator
Alston has lived in Omaha for over twenty-five years, where he maintains a sculpture studio and teaches at Creighton University. He earned a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and an MFA from the Rinehart School of Sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He was born in Petersburg, Virginia.
Jeremy Bell, Artist and Mentor
Bell’s evocative work has been aptly referred to as 'Neo Soul' by those eager to collect his portraits. Through myriad layers of paint, charcoal, and wax, Bell explores identity by creating depth 'representing and highlighting the individualistic complexity and beauty of any given person.' Raised by his single mother, grandmother, and aunts, Bell describes the powerful matriarchy as a “glue” that held the Seattle family together. At fifteen, Bell relocated to his father’s home in Lancaster, California—an experience that had a profound impact on the artist, shaping him into the man he is today. “There is something inexplicably important concerning the influence of a father on his child,” Bell explained. Reflecting on the number of African-American children raised in single parent households today, Bell ponders the question, “From whom do they receive their notions of manhood, womanhood, and self-worth?” Bell earned his MFA in Studio Arts from Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ and his BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida. In 2017-2018, Bell served as a student mentor with Joslyn’s Kent Bellows Mentoring Program.
KEEP THE FIRE GOING @ Love's Jazz & Arts Center!
After Framing the Flame, join us for a post-event
celebration at Love's Jazz & Aarts Center (LJAC), whose mission is
to preserve and present African American art and jazz. Stop by LJAC from
7:30-9 pm to enjoy exhibits, music, and refreshments in their
beautifully renovated historic building at the corner of 24th and Lake
Streets in North Omaha.
After party music provided by Ed "Smooth Grooves" Archibald!
Edward Archibald is a Jazz saxophonist with over 30 years of experience. His musical roots are a mixed bag of Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Country and Classical music, which gives his sound a truly unique flavor. His deep passion and appreciation for music is uniquely expressed in his playing style. Edward writes, produces, arranges and performs all his own music, as well as performing covers from many of the great artists, both past and present. Edward has had the privilege of playing along side Chaka Khan and as the solo opening act for Kem in 2009. He has also performed on the same stage as Marcus Johnson, Everett Harp, and Walter Beasley and had the prestigious honor to be the opening act for the legendary Al Green. He’s appeared on the local television talent show “Jazz One” and several times at the Omaha Jazz and R&B festival. He has also been highlighted for his musicianship by Omaha Magazine. These days, Edward calls the Omaha Lounge his musical home base, where he enjoys sharing live music performances with the audience.
CLICK HERE for more information about Edward Archibald.