Oceanside CA— The Oceanside Public Library and North County African American Women’s Association invite the public to a special performance and conversation celebrating Art as an Act of Resistance, on Saturday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m., at the Star Theatre, 402 North Coast Highway, in downtown Oceanside.
Local artists Alyssa (Ajay) Junious and BJ Robinson will highlight Black artists who’ve made an impact in their work and premiere a new work inspired by the writings and contributions of photojournalist Gordon Parks. Park’s autobiography, “A Choice of Weapons”, has been highlighted this month in Book Clubs at the Library and in a film screening with Oceanside Museum of Art. In this Art in Conversation, both artists will address how art has been and can be used as an act of resistance and collective healing. This engaging, interactive event will include a showing of previous works, a premiere of an original work inspired by their readings and/or viewing of the film ‘A Choice of Weapons’ and community discussion.
More about the Artists:
Alyssa Junious is a San Diego based arts and wellness practitioner and founder of Continuum Arts & Pilates. She received her B.F.A in Performance, Choreography, and Certificate of Arts Management from the University of California, Irvine. She believes that art and movement can be a vehicle to help us to explore, investigate, and collectively heal. As a socially conscious artist, she is dedicated to creating work that serves to initiate conversation.
BJ has worked in musical direction, education, composition, and performance throughout San Diego County. BJ also hosts KPBS Arts, a weekly TV program about arts & culture on KPBS; and Tough Talk, a virtual discussion series that focuses on “getting comfortable with the uncomfortable” challenges in daily life.
This event is part of programming for Black History month, visit the Library’s program signup site at https://bit.ly/osidesignup for more programs. This free event is made possible through the support of The Friends of the Oceanside Public Library in partnership with the North County African American Women’s Association.
The Oceanside Public Library, aims to empower the community by promoting literacy, information access, civic engagement, cultural inclusiveness, and openness to new ideas. The Oceanside Public Library began in 1904, and today, 100-plus years later, is still playing a vital role in the culture of Oceanside. The Library is committed to cultivating racial equity and inclusion. By contributing to a more just society, the Library envisions a community where all are welcome and enjoy a sense of well-being. Visit us at www.oceansidepubliclibrary.com for more info about the Library.