Diary Entry #32 American Alliance of Museums "Look" at LEROI: Living in Color / by LeRoi Johnson

In putting together an art exhibition, one of the core elements that might not be apparent is the need to inform people---let the public know the who, what, when, where, and why of the artist(s), their art, and the overall exhibition details.

With a world full of people, places and things competing for public attention, this is not always an easy task.

That’s why the September/October publication of the American Alliance of Museums’ Magazine and their “First Look” Feature on LeRoi: Living in Color has generated excitement among all of us who are part of this exhibition.

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) operates with membership of 35,000 museums and museum professionals from around the world.

Their stated mission is to: “Champion equitable and impactful museums by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.

Their stated vision is to help create, “A just and sustainable world informed and enriched by thriving museums that contribute to the resiliency and equity of their communities.”

It is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos since 1906.

This organization and all that they do matters.

To see my art, along with an article promoting not only my work but the work of the student artists collaborating with me on this exhibition is beyond thrilling, and truly a great honor.

Thank you to the Burchfield Penney Art Center Administrators and Staff for believing in this project and doing what it takes to make an article like this happen. And thank you to AAM for understanding the significance of this exhibition and sharing that information with museum professionals from around the world.

LEROI: Living in Color Exhibition includes the work of students from Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT,) Buffalo Public Schools (BPS,) Just Buffalo Literary Center (JBLC,) and Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center. The exhibition will be on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center through March 26, 2023, presented by M&T Bank, with additional support from organizations and individuals throughout the Western New York community.