Speaker Series Monday Lunch: Artist Phoebe Beasley in conversation with Wendy Gladney | February 27

Monday, February 27, 2023 — 11:30 am

Understanding Images of Soul and Culture:
An exploration of the work by Artists of Color

The Ebell closes out a month-long series of events commemorating Black History Month with a lively conversation about the abounding contributions of Black Americans in art.

Phoebe Beasley is an accomplished Black American artist and the only artist whose art has been awarded the Presidential Seal under two different U.S. Presidents – George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. In 2012, she was one of 44 artists commissioned to make a collage on a life-size bust of President Barack Obama. Her work has been purchased by some of the country’s most elite celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes and Bill Russell.

In conversation with Ebell Member and best-selling author, Wendy Gladney, the pair will discuss Phoebe’s personal journey from her early days as a college artist in Ohio, to moving to Los Angeles in search of a sprawling career in arts. They’ll also discuss how important contributions from Black artists have historically been overlooked and will enlighten us on the importance of early arts exposure.

Samples of Phoebe’s art will be on display at the event.