Please join us for an author discussion with Jeffreen M. Hayes, Executive Director of Threewalls, to celebrate the new book Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman. This book is a visual exploration of the lasting legacy of sculptor Augusta Savage (1892-1962), who was associated with the Harlem Renaissance. Joining Jeffreen M. Hayes in conversation will be Leslie Guy.

Leslie Guy is a museum professional with over 20 years of experience dedicated to work that honors collections and communities. During her career, she has worked collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to bring audience focused narratives to the fore. She has held the positions of Chief Curator at the DuSable Museum of African American History, Director of Curatorial Services at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, and Objects Conservator at The University of Pennylvania Museum of Archaelogy and Anthropology. Currently, she is on advisory boards for The UCLA/Getty Mellon Fellowship Program in Conservation and The AAMP Residency Program for Art and Social Justice which is funded by the Pew Charitable Foundation.

Jeffreen M. Hayes, a trained art historian and curator, merges administrative, curatorial and academic practices into her cultural practice of supporting artists and community development. As an advocate for racial inclusion, equity and access, Jeffreen has developed a curatorial and leadership approach that invites community participation, particularly those in marginalized communities. Her curatorial projects include Intimate Interiors (2012), Etched in Collective History (2013), SILOS (2016-18), Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman (2018-2020), AFRICOBRA: Messages to the People (2018) and Process (2019). Additionally, she was a guest curator for Artpace San Antonio’s International Artist-in-Residence program from May 2018-August 2018 and worked with artists Zoë Charlton, Jenelle Esparza and Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum.

Jeffreen also speaks and writes about art history, Black art, and arts activism. She recently participated in TEDX Jacksonville and spoke about “Arts Activism in Simple Steps.” Her writing can be found in the New Art Examiner, an independent online and print publication dedicated to art criticism.

As the Executive Director of Threewalls, a position she has held since 2015, Jeffreen provides strategic vision for the artistic direction and impact of the organization in Chicago. Under her leadership, Threewalls intentionally develops artistic platforms that encourages connections beyond traditional engagements with art. These engagements help manifest the organization’s vision of art connecting segregated communities, people and experiences together.

Jeffreen earned a Ph.D. in American Studies from the College of William and Mary, a MA in Art History from Howard University, and a BA from Florida International University in Humanities. She has worked several museums and cultural institutions including Birmingham Museum of Art, Hampton University Museum, Library of Congress and the National Gallery of Art. Jeffreen held fellowships at Ithaca College in the Art History department and in the Cartoon and Caricature Division at Library of Congress as a Swann Foundation Fellow. Jeffreen is a Chief Executive Community and Culture Fellow alum, a program facilitated by National Arts Strategies.

Our store is wheelchair accessible, however our bathrooms are not–there is a narrow hallway and sharp 90-degree turn on the way to our bathrooms. Seating is first-come, first-served, but we are happy to reserve seats for people with disabilities. Please call the store at 773-769-9299 the day of the event if you need a reserved seat or have additional questions.

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Tags: Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman, Chicago, Edgewater, Jeffreen M. Hayes, Leslie Guy, Water Music on the Beach