Founders Gallery

Art of the African Diaspora 2025

Celebrating 28 Years

Art of the African Diaspora is the longest running event of its kind in the Bay Area. For 28 years it has supported hundreds of artists of African descent through representation, professional development and building a creative community.

This year over 130 artists showcase their work at the Richmond Art Center, as well as in open studios and satellite exhibitions at over thirty different venues across the Bay Area.

Art of the African Diaspora originated from a salon for African American artists known as Colors of Black that was organized in 1989 by artist and professor Marie Johnson Calloway. In 1996 artists Jan Hart-Schuyers and Rae Louise Hayward, influenced by Calloway, established the exhibition The Art of Living Black at the Richmond Art Center. After the deaths of Hart-Schuyers and Hayward, organizing efforts were carried on for many years by their families. Today, with a new name to reflect a new era, Art of the African Diaspora is organized by a steering committee of participating artists.

Featuring Artists
Irene Bee Kain, Jimi Evins, Asual Kwahuumba, Joseph Robinson, Karen Janes, Beverly Avery (aka Noni), Xioneida Ruiz, Malcom Ryder

Curated by
Irene Bee Kain

www.aotad.org
@artoftheafricandiaspora