The Langston Hughes Cultural Society and partners invite the public to a “Meet the Artist” event at the Downtown Black History & Performing Arts Mural on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, from 2pm to 4pm. The mural is located at the intersection of 1st and Main Streets on the North side of Bruce’s Point of View Optical.
Kansas City-based muralist, Alexander Austin, will be available to sign autographs and speak with attendees. He will also have locally-inspired paintings available for sale to the public.
This fun and educational celebration will feature music, refreshments, and information about the mural. Special guests include acclaimed jazz musician Charles McPherson (a prominent figure in the mural), Marjol Rush-Collett (cousin of Langston Hughes), and local and State dignitaries.
The Downtown Black History & Performing Arts Mural is the culmination of several years of planning and the efforts of many local organizations and people including Charles McPherson and family, Connect2Culture, Joplin Arts District, Langston Hughes Cultural Society, The Minnie Hackney Community Service Center of Joplin, Post Art Library, Pro Musica, Spiva Center for the Arts, and Visit Joplin.
This project is significantly funded by the Charles McPherson: The Journey Home Fundraiser (February 2022): connect2culture.org/charles-mcpherson.