Free workshop on Kente-inspired paper weaving at Gantt Center (and more)

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture, at 551 South Tryon Street at Levine Center for the Arts, has a number of free and low-cost events coming up for the community.

To start with, admission is FREE every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., through June 30th, 2020. This is the first time they’ve had a weekly free evening, so make sure to take advantage! At Walk Up Wednesdays, there will also be drop-in art activities and enhanced tours, scavenger hunts, film screenings and more.

The Mint Museum is also free on Wednesday evenings, and Mint Museum Uptown is right across the street from the Gantt Center, so why not make an evening of it?

Also, please see this Groupon for 50% off admission for 2 or 4.

Some of the events that take regularly place at the Gantt Center:

Art After Dark (see above video!)
Gantt After Dark
Family First
Classic Black Cinema

Upcoming free or low-priced events at the Gantt Center

Please note that many of these events require registration, even the free ones. So please follow the links to register, and for more information.

Walk-up Wednesdays: Kente-Inspired Paper Weaving
Wednesday, February 19th, 2020
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free

While learning more about Ghanaian culture, participants will explore color theory while making a Kente-inspired paper weaving. During this Walk-up Wednesday art workshop, students will experiment with color, creating patterns and weaving. This activity is great for the whole family or even a date night – so stop by for a fun Wednesday evening!

This workshop is open to all ages and experience levels. As a drop-in experience, the workshop will not require you to stay the entire 2 hours.

The Dream Builder: Reading and Signing with Kelly Starling Lyons
Saturday, February 22nd, 2020
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages 4-8
Free

Bring the little ones to hear Kelly Starling Lyons read her latest children’s book, The Dream Builder! This inspiring book is about how a young Phil Freelon dreams and becomes one of the most noted and influential architects in the country. Freelon designed the Gantt Center and was on the lead team of architects of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The reading will be followed by a book signing of The Dream Builder, which will be available for purchase in the Gantt’s museum store.

Walk Up Wednesdays: Movement with Dina B.
Wednesday, February 26th, 2020
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free

A fun and energetic dance class that will explore the different diaspora styles of dance, from traditional African dance to Hip Hop. Dancer and instructor Dina Badawy will guide you through the class with contemporary Hip Hop music, as well as classic African sounds that are sure to get you moving! This class is designed to get everyone dancing and is open to all ages and experience levels.

Arrive with comfortable clothing and bring water to keep hydrated.