THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Los Angeles that educates visitors of all ages and identities about the arts through the lens of African American culture. Exhibits and programs at MAAA allow artists and their work to inspire new thinking about issues that intersect with the shared experiences of people across the African diaspora and beyond. The museum's uniquely accessible art space allows us to exhibit the work of extraordinary local artists and bring meaningful art experiences to the public. MAAA proudly welcomes all visitors with FREE admission, serves as an important community gathering space, and creates educational experiences for students and lifelong learners.
THE PALMER C. HAYDEN COLLECTION is a central part of the permanent collection at MAAA, giving the public insight into the life and work of one of the leading artists of the Harlem Renaissance. The Palmer C. Hayden Collection includes the John Henry Series, a narrative art series of 12 oil paintings by Palmer C. Hayden illustrating the story told in the Ballad of John Henry. The permanent collection at MAAA includes works from the United States as well as paintings, masks, batiks, carvings, and ceremonial objects from Africa, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and South America.
THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART was founded in 1976 by noted artist and art historian Dr. Samella Lewis and a group of academic, artistic, business, and community leaders whose goal was to increase public awareness of and support for African American art. The museum is an educational and cultural institution dedicated to the interpretation, promotion, and preservation of art by or about people of African descent and their contributions to world culture.
The Museum of African American Art operates primarily based on memberships, donations, grants, museum store sales, and event rentals to other nonprofits and community organizations. Over the years, MAAA has been sustained by the dedication of its Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
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