(MAAA Video: Copyright © 2023 Aiseborn Jacori Perry. All rights reserved.)
MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART
What We Do
THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART is a nonprofit 501c3 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 artWORK WE PRESERVE
Collections @ MAAA
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 of 40 works at MAAA 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 throughout the African diaspora.
Our History
THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART was established as a nonprofit 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. Mary Jane Hewitt, a former professor of Africana studies at Occidental College, was instrumental in the museum's early years, serving as its Director in the mid-1980s and working closely with the museum's Founder, Dr. Samella Lewis. The museum was founded as an educational and cultural institution dedicated to the exhibition, interpretation, promotion, and preservation of art by or about people of African descent and its contributions to world culture.
MAAA leadership
Board of Directors
Miracle McClain Bizira
Eric Hanks
Keasha Dumas Heath
Paula G. Leftwich
Alvetia E. Smith
(Keasha Dumas Heath by Karl Jean-Guerly Petion © 2014)
Executive Director (CEO)
Keasha Dumas Heath
Advisory Council
Jim CarterSuzanne JacksonLizzetta LeFalle-Collins, PhDClaude Lewisjill moniz, PhDLee C. SmithQuentin Strode
Alexander Worcester
(Ortuzar Projects)
what keeps us going
how we operate
The nonprofit Museum of African American Art has traditionally operated based on memberships, individual donations, employee giving, corporate sponsorships, grant funding, museum store proceeds, and event rentals to other nonprofits, professional associations, and community organizations. Since 2020, MAAA has been transformed by the efforts and dedication of its Executive Director, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, expert consultants, and community members.
Special Thanks
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