Birmingham Museum Celebrates Magic City Classic Week

News Summary

The Birmingham Museum of Art is set to celebrate Magic City Classic Week on October 20, 2024, with an Exhibition Opening Celebration featuring Hayward Oubre and John Rhoden. This community-focused event will include food trucks, live performances, and family-friendly activities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Birmingham and the impactful works of two significant artists.

Excitement in Birmingham as Museum Unveils Special Exhibitions for Magic City Classic Week

The vibrant city of Birmingham is set to buzz with energy as the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA) gears up to celebrate the highly anticipated Magic City Classic Week. Kicking off this festive occasion, the museum will host a special Exhibition Opening Celebration on October 20, 2024, showcasing two remarkable exhibitions: “Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity” and “Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden”.

Event Details

Mark your calendars! The opening celebration will take place at the BMA, conveniently located at 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. This family-friendly event promises to be a delightful evening filled with plenty of activity and entertainment. Attendees can look forward to food trucks offering a delicious variety of eats, fun face painting for the kids, and live performances that will bring the space to life.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! The Lawson State Cheer Squad and Miles College Choir will grace the event with their spirited performances, alongside a thrilling drumline experience that is sure to get everyone moving. With so much on offer, it’s the perfect way to kick off a week dedicated to celebrating Birmingham’s cultural heritage.

Highlighting Hayward Oubre

For those eager to explore the exhibits, Hayward Oubre’s collection opened its doors on October 4, 2024, and will remain accessible until February 2, 2025. This exhibition will feature an impressive array of 52 sculptures, paintings, and prints all crafted by Oubre himself. As a major figure in shaping American art, especially in the South, Oubre’s works are a blend of personal experiences and broad interests.

Oubre’s innovative use of everyday materials, most famously wire coat hangers, delivers a modernist twist to his pieces that both challenges and captivates viewers. His journey as the first student to earn a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Dillard University and his service in World War II have undoubtedly influenced his artistic vision.

The Legacy of John Rhoden

In addition to Oubre’s exhibition, visitors will also be treated to “Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden,” set to open just before the grand celebration on October 19, 2024. This exhibit will be a tribute to Rhoden, who hails from Birmingham and had his first solo museum exhibition at the BMA back in 1985.

With around fifty sculptures rendered in bronze, wood, and stone, the display showcases Rhoden’s exceptional visual and technical skills. Coming from a background that includes studies at Columbia University and Talladega College, Rhoden leveraged his education into creating some of the most significant public commissions across the United States, including a renowned sculpture of Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth outside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Community Celebration Awaits

The Exhibition Opening Celebration at the Birmingham Museum of Art is not just an event to showcase incredible art; it’s a chance for the community to come together and celebrate two brilliant artists who’ve made profound impacts through their work. With free admission, it is open to the public, welcoming everyone to experience a wonderful evening filled with art, culture, and community spirit.

So come out, enjoy the festivities, and soak in the artistic brilliance that both Hayward Oubre and John Rhoden have to offer. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss as Birmingham rings in another unforgettable Magic City Classic Week.