Shonna McDaniels: The Black Woman Experience, is a solo exhibition featuring the mixed media artwork of artist and community activist, Shonna McDaniels. The show opens February 3 at YoloArts’ Gallery 625 in Woodland.
McDaniels is a Sacramento based artist with an extensive background in art instruction and mural design. In 1996 she founded the Sojourner Truth Art Museum, and is the executive director. The museum preserves Black history and celebrates the accomplishments of African American people and their legacy. The Sojourner Truth Art Museum offers resources to document, preserve, and educate the public on the history, life, and culture of African Americans. McDaniels’ resume includes work on over 150 murals in the landscapes of Sacramento, Stockton, and San Francisco.
In her artist statement McDaniels writes, “The primary theme that drives my art practice today is celebrating the beauty of the Black woman. I’ve always been devoted to creating portraits that are inspired by the Black woman’s joy, hope, love, dignity, strength, and essence of her soul. I work with layers of African textiles, collage paper, design patterns, symbols, and vibrant skin tones. Each layer serves it’s very own meaningful purpose. It is my hope that with each theme I explore and with each portrait I create, something vital is etched into the memory of the viewer.”
“Shonna devotes so much of herself to promoting the accomplishments of African American culture in our region while pursuing her own dedicated artistic practice,” said Janice Purnell, creative director at YoloArts. “It’s an honor to feature Shonna’s work and I encourage everyone to come out and celebrate art and Black History Month with us on the First Friday in February.”
McDaniels will be attending the opening reception, 5:30-8 p.m. and give an artist talk from 6:30-6:45, Friday February 3, coinciding with the downtown Woodland First Friday event. Music will be provided by guitarist Kevin Welch from the band, Boca do Rio. Zim Cuisine of Davis will be providing small bites inspired by the cuisine of Zimbabwe. Samplings of Yolo County wines will also be available.
The artwork can also be viewed online at yoloarts.org/online-galleries.
Shonna McDaniels: The Black Woman Experience continues at Gallery 625 through April 4, 2023.
Gallery 625 hosts exhibitions and receptions every other month. New exhibitions typically open on the first Fridays of February, April, June, August, October, and December.
Gallery 625 is located at 625 Court Street in Woodland, in Yolo County’s Erwin Meier Administration building and is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, contact YoloArts at 530-309-6464.