As we usher in Black History Month, the Sedona Arts Center and the ASU Center for the Study of Race & Democracy are marking a decade of celebrating African American creative expression through the Vision + Sound program. This cultural initiative opens doors to a more comprehensive appreciation and understanding of black artistry, yielding a kaleidoscope of art, music, film, and literature that resonates across age and culture, according to the City of Peoria. From the red rocks of Sedona to the suburbs of Phoenix, the program stands as a testament to its expanding influence in Arizona and its environs.
In Peoria, the main library at 8463 W. Monroe Street has transformed into a canvas showcasing a range of black artists like Anjola Ayodele and Shoreigh Williams, whose work, often a fusion of Micron and acrylic, speaks in scribble textures and dreamy contours. The exhibition, that both local residents and visitors can immerse themselves in until March 28, is a slice of the Vision + Sound experience. Peoria's Sunrise Mountain Library at 21109 N 98th Avenue, is another cultural hub participating in the event, featuring artists such as Michael Cunningham and Dorrell Bradford, each bringing their unique lens to the collective artistic expression, according to an article by the City of Peoria.
Music also plays a pivotal role in the celebrations. Gabriel Bey—a master trumpeter who has graced stages worldwide and tangled with Motown legends in Cleveland—leads a fusion of jazz, R&B, and funk in a concert at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. on February 12, offering a crescendo of melodies and rhythms that are as eclectic as they are electrifying. Admission is free, though reservations come recommended, evidenced by the committed regulars who've experienced the persistent allure of Bey's performances. "My vision is to elevate and expand Arizona’s music and film industries by developing talented new artists," Bey, who's been perfecting his craft since 1960, shared with enthusiasts on the importance of nurturing fresh talent, as stated by the City of Peoria.
