To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is set to present an exhibition entitled The JCAL Archives: 50 Years of Arts and Learning. The exhibit will span both of JCAL’s galleries, celebrating the many artists, educators, and cultural leaders who have stepped foot in JCAL since its inception. The show’s run will begin with an opening reception on June 1st, 6 pm, and close with a final reception on July 13th, 6 pm. 

The JCAL Archives: 50 Years of Arts and Learning will offer an unprecedented look at the many posters, artworks, and materials that the organization has produced throughout the years. JCAL’s Community Gallery will be home to never-before-seen ephemera – which will include set pieces, flyers, postcards, and more. In JCAL’s Miller Gallery, attendees will be able to get a feel for the organization’s history, with documents detailing building plans, a timeline, and vintage photos. 

JCAL also intends to present exclusive video content in the exhibit, including interviews conducted by archivist Syreeta Gates with prominent figures from JCAL’s history. Interviewees will include JCAL’s former Executive Director Vivian Warfield, longtime teaching artist and acclaimed ceramicist Sana Musasama, and much more.

Along with the opening and closing reception, the exhibition will include a Visual Arts Panel (June 11, 6 pm), a Performing Arts Panel (June 18, 6 pm), a Leadership Panel (June 25, 6 pm), and an Archiving/Scrapbooking Workshop on July 2 and July 10.