Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/572452
B M & T ••• May/June 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 13 BMA'S AFRICAN AND ASIA REVISED AND TANGIPAHOA AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM'S SUMMER PROGRAM BY PATRICIA ANN JORDAN As the world keeps it eyes on Baltimore for justice to be served, we can also turn our eyes to the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) which opened its renovated gal- leries dedicated to the new presentation of its outstanding African and Asian art collec- tions, April 26, 2015. Sharing of cultures can be a soothing balm for the City of Baltimore, the nation and for hurting families who have endured so much. The museum has significantly expanded its gallery space for one of the finest co llec- tions of African art in the U.S. and a notable collection of Asian art. The BMA is celebrat- ing this renovation milestone during its 100th anniversary with live music, dance per- formances, and art activities inspired by the African and the Asian collection. Marking a significant milestone in the BMA's $28 million, the renovation provides visitors with a more welcom- ing environment and more imaginative encounters with art. The reinstalled African and Asian art co llections occupy expanded gal- leries on the first floor of the museum's landmark neoclassical building designed by renowned American architect John Russell Pope. The reno- vation more than triples the size of the previous gallery for African art and nearly doubles the size of the previous gallery for Asian art. Higher ceilings, elegant new displays, and state-of-the-art lighting significantly enhance the experience of each artwork. The project also includes new Go M obile con- tent for the African and Asian collections, a new family guide on the African collection, and a web comic about Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, who is prominently featured in the reinstal- lation. This collection reinstallation has received significant support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Asian col- lection has received generous support from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. Both the African and Asian collections have received funding from the State of Maryland and bonds approved by the City of Baltimore. Contact BMA: www://artbma.org/ or (443) 573-1700. The Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum in Hammond, Louisiana is excited about its upcoming Summer Camp STEM/Flight Training Program. This program is a four week program that provides junior high and high school aged stu- dents an opportunity to get an early start towards a career in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Aeronautics. These fields are underserved when it comes to African- American youth. Pr ograms like this can generate interest in these fields and provide students to get a head start. The Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum and Veterans Archives are designed to house and showcase the life and work of African- Americans. Visitors can experience the richness and vibrancy of the African-American heritage. With eight galleries, over 20 original murals and original art and artifacts, African-American culture comes alive for first-time and repeat visitors. This collection of artwork, arti- facts and exhibits is one of the largest in the South. This special museum is dedicated to preserving, maintaining and educating the public on the history of African-American ancestors in the State of Louisiana and Tangipahoa Parish in collaboration with other entities of cultural interests, throughout the United States of America and abroad through artistic endeavors. Contact Tangipahoa: www.taahm.org or (985) 542-4259.