July 24, 2022 NEWSLETTER
After 35 years Sapphire & Crystals continues FORWARD
Exhibition at Bridgeport Art Center runs through September 2
Story & Photos by P. Andrews-Keenan

I remember seeing my first exhibition of works by Sapphire and Crystals 12 years ago at its spiritual home, the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC). Of course, the art was amazing, but I gravitated to the altar where the artists shared items that they ‘held in memory.’ 
There might be flowers, or photos, a saying, a candle, shells, things that honored their ancestors. Each held a story of importance and remembrance for the artists and that made the works on the wall even more compelling. 

I remember works by Candace Hunter, Joyce Owens ( I bought a piece) and of course founder Marva Pitchford Jolly, a long time professor (tenured) at Chicago State University. I was pleased to meet her and now own a piece of her work that once belonged to former SSCAC Board member Sammy Dortch. Now that’s history.  
Shyvette Williams
Marva Jolly 'on the altar'
Renee Williams Jefferson
Trish WIlliams
Dorian Sylvain
Malika Jackson
Kiah Grace
Juarez Hawkins
Makeba Kedem DuBose
Candace Hunter
 
Noted author, collector and historian Daniel T. Parker, Thomas G. Phelps Sr. and Leroy Bell Sr., will be hosting a "Deaccession Sale" of fine art, exquisite collectibles and furniture on July 27th and 28th from 4 pm to 8 pm at 7240 S. Jeffery Blvd. Chicago, IL. RSVP required.  Read the story of Parker’s collecting journey and how he was influenced by Dr. Margaret Burroughs in Pigment Magazine. 
TO SEE TO HEAR TO READ
High John on display with Galerie Myrtis in Venice
M. Scott Johnson during Artist Talk in Venice this April

As an artist, Mickalene Thomas challenges ingrained art-world hierarchies. As a collector, she does the same. Her own collages, installations, photographs, videos, and paintings—elaborate pieces made of acrylic, enamel, and rhinestones for which she’s especially well known—turn art history on its head, foregrounding women, people of color, and queer identity. A similar line runs through the creators whose art she surrounds herself with. 

Smithsonian Acquires Rare Photographs From the First Black Photo Studios

Daguerreotypes by James P. Ball, Glenalvin Goodridge and Augustus Washington are the centerpiece of a collection that could rewrite the early history of American photography.
Pigment International at the Penthouse Miami
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