Events › Chicago's Black World's Fair - American Negro Exposition Diorama Workshop

Archives Tie:

• Grace Mason Papers/Franklyn Atkinson Henderson Photograph Collection,
• William Edouard Scott Papers,
• Barbara Shepherd Photograph Collection

The American Negro Exposition, also referred to as the Black World’s Fair was held in Chicago to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S. and to celebrate the achievements of African Americans since. Considered the first Negro World’s Fair opening officially on July 4th, 1940, this exposition offered African Americans their first opportunity to present themselves and their history to the world. This workshop will explore the artistic contributions to the Black World’s Fair by renowned Chicago artists such as Charles Dawson, Archibald Motley and William Edouard Scott.

Led by Anayansi Ricketts, participants will draw inspiration from the dioramas, paintings and murals by Chicago artists displayed at the exposition to create their own diorama collage.

Presented as part of the Renaissance Project, this event invites participants to actively engage with the rich and often untold stories of Black history and heritage at Chicago Public Library.

This program is made possible with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Accessibility

Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.