Opening Reception: Soul, Sound, and Voice, The Art of Jerry Pinkney

Please join us for an Opening Reception for the groundbreaking exhibition, Soul, Sound, and Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney, showcasing master watercolorist and internationally renowned illustrator, Jerry Pinkney (1939-2021) whose 100+ books have inspired millions globally. The exhibition will include approximately 100 of Pinkney’s watercolors and illustrations, showcasing the profound influence of music on his life and work. His work is centered on finding voice and building agency, particularly for young people, and highlights the vital role that sound, song, and music play in this pursuit.

Pinkney interpreted American history and identity through his experiences as an African American born and raised in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. It was in Germantown, with its rich cultural history, that he realized the roles of art and music in shaping a person’s understanding of society and place. He is not only celebrated as one of America’s greatest watercolorists but also as a preeminent illustrator who transformed children’s literature by making it inclusive of Black histories. His optimistic view was that through art and music, we can find common ground and heal the wounds of our shared past.

This event is free and open to the public with registration.