The Studio Museum in Harlem has finally cut its ribbon after seven long years, bringing with it an explosion of creativity that promises to captivate the community. The museum's new building, located just blocks from the original loft where the group of artists and activists first set up shop in 1968, is a custom-built canvas showcasing the rotating works of its resident artists alongside its impressive permanent collection.
Director Thelma Golden couldn't be more thrilled about the timing of the opening. "In many ways, I do feel that the timing of our opening now is ideal," she said. "We're opening in a moment that's very much like the moment when the museum was founded." The goal has always been to create a space for Black art, and Golden believes that the new building delivers on this promise.
The inaugural exhibition, featuring light artist Tom Lloyd, marks a significant milestone. Lloyd's work is a perfect representation of the museum's mission – his use of materials such as Christmas tree lights and Buick backup lenses to create immersive installations that engage multiple senses. His 1996 piece "Electronic Refractions II" was actually the museum's first solo show, making his reprise all the more poignant.
The exhibition has been meticulously refurbished with modern touches, including LED bulbs replacing incandescent ones and upgraded control boxes that still emit a familiar clicking sound. According to curator Connie H. Choi, the clicking is an essential element of Lloyd's work, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. The museum is expecting a special turnout for its grand opening on November 15, with many members of the extended Lloyd family in attendance.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Studio Museum is hosting a Community Day, which promises to activate the entire building from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday. Residents from surrounding communities and beyond will be invited to experience DJ sets, art-making workshops, games, and more. With its new home fully open for business, the Studio Museum in Harlem is poised to become an even more vibrant hub of creative expression and Black culture.
Director Thelma Golden couldn't be more thrilled about the timing of the opening. "In many ways, I do feel that the timing of our opening now is ideal," she said. "We're opening in a moment that's very much like the moment when the museum was founded." The goal has always been to create a space for Black art, and Golden believes that the new building delivers on this promise.
The inaugural exhibition, featuring light artist Tom Lloyd, marks a significant milestone. Lloyd's work is a perfect representation of the museum's mission – his use of materials such as Christmas tree lights and Buick backup lenses to create immersive installations that engage multiple senses. His 1996 piece "Electronic Refractions II" was actually the museum's first solo show, making his reprise all the more poignant.
The exhibition has been meticulously refurbished with modern touches, including LED bulbs replacing incandescent ones and upgraded control boxes that still emit a familiar clicking sound. According to curator Connie H. Choi, the clicking is an essential element of Lloyd's work, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. The museum is expecting a special turnout for its grand opening on November 15, with many members of the extended Lloyd family in attendance.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Studio Museum is hosting a Community Day, which promises to activate the entire building from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday. Residents from surrounding communities and beyond will be invited to experience DJ sets, art-making workshops, games, and more. With its new home fully open for business, the Studio Museum in Harlem is poised to become an even more vibrant hub of creative expression and Black culture.
it's like a dream come true for all the art lovers out there and especially black artists who have been waiting for a space that truly represents them for so long 
the fact that thelma golden is talking about how the timing of the opening is perfect is just giving me chills i can only imagine how exciting it must be to finally see your vision come to life in this brand new custom-built building 
and tom lloyd's work is like, wow his use of materials is so innovative and immersive 
i'm sure the community day event is gonna be everything and more, i'd love to experience that for myself one day 
, and Tom Lloyd's work in this exhibition is giving me LIFE 
! His use of materials like Christmas tree lights and Buick backup lenses is genius 
. I'm loving the modern touches they added, too - those LED bulbs are a game changer 
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! It's awesome that they're inviting the whole community to come and experience the museum's energy. I'm sure it'll be a blast 
. The fact that Connie H. Choi mentioned the clicking sound from the control boxes is just too cool 
. It's gonna be a great time, for sho'.
I'm curious to see what other creatives will come through those doors now that the building is fully open for business. The fact that they're hosting a Community Day to celebrate is genius - it's gonna be so cool to see the community come together and get creative! 
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. It's so important for spaces like these to exist, where artists can express themselves without fear or bias. The fact that the new building has been refurbished with modern touches while still maintaining its unique vibe is a testament to the team's dedication to preserving the spirit of the original loft.
. Can't wait to see what's next for this vibrant hub of creativity 
