Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion during Miami Art Week, set against the backdrop of the exhibition Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Ancient Future.

Curator Adeze Wilford will lead a conservation with artist and Howard University alum Jamea Richmond-Edwards, Assistant Dean Denise Saunders Thompson, and Associate Professor Alex McSwain from Howard’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. They’ll explore the evolution from student to professional artist, examining the legacy of AFRICOBRA, which influences Richmond-Edwards’ work in Ancient Future, and discussing the cultivation of Black art spaces.

This conversation promises to shed light on the paths of Black artists, the role of HBCUs in nurturing artistic talent, and the broader necessity of creating and maintaining spaces for Black art and artists in the art world.

5-6 PM: Reception

6-7 PM: Discussion

‍Admission:

‍$10 Adults, $5 for youth 12-17, students and seniors. Free for MOCA Members, City of North Miami Residents, and VIP passholders from partner art fairs. Please present your MOCA membership card or North Miami ID at the door the day of the event.

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ABOUT THE PANELISTS

‍Adeze Wilford

Adeze Wilford leads MOCA's curatorial department’s dynamic program of exhibitions that highlight historically under-explored artists and movements, and presents first-museum solo exhibitions for emerging artists. Wilford previously held curatorial positions at the Studio Museum in Harlem, MoMA and the Shed in New York, where she organized Howardena Pindell’s survey exhibition and monograph. Wilford organized "Vernacular Interior" at Hales Gallery (2019), co-organized “Open Call” (2021) and was on the curatorial team for “Tomas Saraceno: Particular Matter(s)” at the Shed. She has contributed to a number of exhibition catalogues including "Fictions", "Black Refractions" and "Young, Gifted and Black" and has participated in numerous panels and juries. She holds a B.A. from Northwestern University in Art History and African-American Studies.

‍Jamea Richmond-Edwards

Jamea Richmond-Edwards was born and raised in Detroit, MI. She graduated with a Bachelor of Art degree from Jackson State University in 2004, where she studied painting and drawing, and went on to earn an MFA from Howard University in 2012. Jamea has exhibited her artwork nationally and internationally, including at the Brooklyn Museum, the Delaware Art Museum, California African American Museum, Charles Wright Museum, and Kravets Wehby Gallery. She is a 2018 recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters & Sculptors Grant.

‍Denise Saunders Thompson

Denise Saunders Thompson’s nonprofit/for-profit management and philanthropic career spans over 25 years of executive leadership and program director experience. She has advised organizations on administrative, programmatic and fundraising issues including strategic plans, policy and procedures, communications programs, budgeting and contracts. And she has pioneered top-ranked courses on the collegiate level (graduate and undergraduate) in artistic development, entrepreneurship, fundraising, grant writing, leadership, management, and production. Denise was presented with the 2021 National Medal of Arts by President Biden during an East Room ceremony at the White House, and received the award on behalf of The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD). In June 2022, Saunders Thompson co-curated Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), Ballethnic Dance Company and Collage Dance Collective, for a week of performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts entitled “Reframing the Narrative.” In August of 2021, Denise returned to Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts where she serves as the Assistant Dean for Administration.

‍Alexander McSwain

Alexander McSwain is an associate professor at Howard University, Washington DC. Professor McSwain teaches across three different program concentrations in the Department of Art due to his diverse skill sets and jack of all trades mind set. He is currently teaching in the electronic studio, graphic design, and photography concentrations. His course offerings include Digital Design, Multimedia, Digital Darkroom, Studio Problems in Design, 2D Animation, and the General Motors Sponsored PACE Program. During his tenure at Howard University and throughout his career, he also taught Portfolio Production, Introduction to Digital Design, Design for Advertising, and Typography courses. Professor McSwain has worked in the not-for-profit arena working with Shaw-Eco Village (tackling the issue of stormwater run-off in DC), DOEE formally the DDOE (educating youth about the importance of green collar work, environmental awareness and education), and MCSR (Men Can Stop Rape Organization teaching young men how to be strong without being violent).

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