Ordinariness can be such a freeing and beautiful thing. Existing and being able to express oneself without any pressures happens so rarely and this exhibition seeks to celebrate that freedom. Black Life Ordinary is the theme for the annual Black History Month juried exhibition for 2024 and is informed by the work of Black scholars behind these ideas of the mundane. The artists in this show are showing Blackness without any conditions or stipulations. We will also be featuring poetry, live music, food, refreshments, and a photobooth! This is one event you don’t want to miss!

This exhibition was juried by Claytee White, the inaugural director of the Oral History Research Center at UNLV Libraries. In this role, she collects the history of Las Vegas by gathering memories of events and experiences from long-time residents. Up to the present, these oral history projects include Early Las Vegans, Latinx, Asian American Pacific Islanders, Jews, and African Americans.

Black Life Ordinary features the following artists and performers:

Samuel Akem, Biya the Painter, Dyron Boyd, Karen Buford, Tamara Carter, Sherell Chillik, X. Darvi, Karla Ely, LaRon Emcee, Nancy Erskine, Stasia Fisher, Pablo Gonzalez Flores, Julia Gonzalez Hall, Charles Hobert Jr., Cindy Jackson, Anthony Johnson, Ken Kammal, K. Marie, Tony C. Mixson, Petit Monstre, Ms. AyeVee, Narz, Shereene R. Fogenay, Rick R.L., Ellie Rush, Daniel Sanchez, Dr. Karmen Smith, Brandon Summers, Jazzanae Warmsley, Amanda Weeks, Montaysia Yuneek, Starrr Zahra and Michelle Patrick

Celebration (reception) will be on February 23, 2024 from 5pm – 8pm at the Clark County Government Center – Rotunda Gallery on 500 S. Grand Central, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!