Black Women and Clay
September 20 - November 16, 2025
Sheila Clay, Francelia Herron Cotton, Kenya Moffett-Garner, Juarez Hawkins, Malika Jackson, Christine LaRue, and Cristal Sabbagh
The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art presents Black Women and Clay, an exhibition highlighting the remarkable yet often overlooked contributions of Black female ceramic artists in Chicago. Honoring pioneers like Marva Lee Pitchford-Jolly and Eselean Goree Henderson while celebrating contemporary voices, the show traces connections to African ceramic traditions and global masters such as Ladi Kwali and Magdalene Odundo.
Despite making up 14% of the U.S. population, Black artists account for less than 0.5% of museum acquisitions, a disparity this exhibition seeks to address. The featured artists confront systemic barriers—including racism and limited access to studios—while creating work rooted in identity, community, and social justice.
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 20, 12 - 4 p.m.
Artist Talk: Saturday, October 25, from 1-2 pm
The artists in Black Women and Clay are united by their shared commitment to creating comfortable, accepting environments. These artists populate the art world with figures from their lives, histories, and spiritual hearts.
Many of the featured artists grew up during an era when positive representations of Black artistic life were largely absent from mainstream media, museums, television, and movies. Through their ceramic works, they create the representation they wished to see, crafting powerful visual narratives that celebrate Black identity, culture, and experience. Their diverse practices challenge stereotypes and expand representations of Black life, carrying forward Chicago’s rich tradition of community-based arts initiatives.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Location
2320 W Chicago Ave,
Chicago, IL 60622
773 227-5522
ADMISSION
$10 Donation Suggested
Open Hours
Wednesday – Sunday
12:00PM – 4:00PM