ART GALLERY
Please see below for information regarding upcoming and past exhibits. To schedule private gallery tours or inquire about artworks at the Rhimes Performing Arts Center, please contact Resident Curator, Haley Fonfa haley@debbieallendanceacademy.com
UNEARTHED
Showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions, this exhibition invites viewers to explore the rich tapestry of African American heritage while reflecting on the
journey towards liberation. Through a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations, the exhibition delves into themes of identity, heritage, vulnerability and the quest for justice. Each artwork serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of resilience and resistance,
honoring the sacrifices of past generations while inspiring hope for the future.
Serving as a platform for dialogue and reflection, fostering connections between artists, audiences, and communities, our debut reception featured an interactive panel discussion and curated live storytelling performances, encouraging meaningful engagement with issues of social justice and systemic inequities. "Unearthed" reminds us of the importance of solidarity, empathy, and collective action in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future where freedom and equality flourish for all.
​
Featuring Debbie Allen’s contemporary retelling of the classic tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses, “BROTHERS OF THE KNIGHT” showcasing original illustrations by Kadir Nelson, curated lineup of accompanying acclaimed and up-and-coming artists, alongside hand selected works from Debbie Allen Gallery Private Collection.
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Oto-Abasi Attah
Cbabi Bayoc
Brandon Brown
Calvin Clausell Jr.
Dezmond Crockett
EJ Hill
Texas Isaiah
Kadir Nelson
Jerekre Okoriogha
Ramsess
John Simmons
Floyd Strickland
Lee Tonks
Poorteffy
Carl Wesley
Devin Wesley
A Juneteenth Exhibition promoting Unity, Community & Freedom
EMERGENCE OF THE RESURGENCE​
CURRENT EXHIBIT
CURRENT EXHIBIT
PAST EXHIBITS
PAST EXHIBITS
HERstory
Originally conceived by Haley Fonfa in 2018, HERstory is now produced by Debbie Allen and Shonda Rhimes. The Debbie Allen Dance Academy is thrilled to present a month-long series of events in honor of Women's History Month. Showcasing a rich collection spanning fine arts, film, music, dance, and fashion, HERstory transcends perspectives. This celebration documents the diversity of heritage that parallels identity, femininity, and the connection between our inner and outer worlds.
Thank you to all of the artists and participants who were a part of this year's festivities. We look forward to seeing you all next year!
​
Past events include:
Accompanied live music & dance performances at every event
All Month Long of March
JOHN SIMMONS A.S.C. Solo Exhibition
Thank you to all who came out to celebrate our Annual Gala exhibiting artist, none other than legend breaking black history himself JOHN SIMMONS, A.S.C. A timeline of truth from the voice of the vigilant, A Night To Remember offers a transformative journey through life cycles of passion and freedom; “It All Started in the Sixties” still seeing the clear parallels of our worlds today.
John Simmons is an Emmy Award winning cinematographer, photographer, painter and mixed media artist. He is the Vice President of the American Society of Cinematographers, and has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Television/Film and Theater Department at UCLA for twenty-five years, continuing to mentor many up and coming cinematographers. From documentaries to music videos, commercials to features,Simmons continues to carry a still camera everyday and his photographs are held in the collections of: Getty Museum, Los Angeles, CA; Missy Cochran Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Photography of Chicago, IL; Harvard Art Museums, Harvard University Boston, MA; David C. Driskell Center, University of Maryland; Center for Creative Photography, The University of Arizona; Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA.
Solo exhibition on view 11.16.23-02.22.24.
HAWK: Celebrating 100 Years of Vivian Ayers
Thank you to all who joined us as we celebrated cultural activist and American classicist, Vivian Ayers' 100th birthday with the republishing of her NASA recognized epic, Hawk (1957), showcasing never before seen book illustrations by world-renowned artist and educator, John T. Biggers along with guest artist accompaniment, including Karon Davis, Sara Golish, Peyton E. Burnett, and Kathryn Garcia.
To purchase HAWK (1957), republished by Clemson University, available in paperback and hardcover, click here. Coffee table book availability to be announced soon.
Limited edition, museum etching paper reproductions of John T. Biggers' illustrations are also available for purchase. Only 3 numbered, framed and signed reproductions of each artwork are available.
HAWK exhibit on view 08.03.23-11.01.23.