Alkebu-lan Cultural Center Shines at ArtNight Pasadena 2024

Pasadena’s Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, often described as “one of the best kept secrets in San Gabriel Valley,” will showcase African-American art and culture at the upcoming ArtNight Pasadena on Friday, Oct. 18  from 6-10 p.m. This free event aims to break down barriers to arts access and foster community healing, highlighting the crucial role of community organizations in preserving cultural heritage amid reduced arts education in schools.

“It’s about opening the door so that we all come together for ArtNight because the arts is what brings us together as people and family, and it’s also what helps to heal us,” said Dianne Lewis, Executive Director and CEO of Alkebu-lan Cultural Center.

The center, located at 1435 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, will feature live portrait painting by Pasadena-born artist Riea Owens and (On)Stage tap dancing performances. A debut exhibition by local artist Steve Martin, presenting his first show after years of raising his family, will also be on display. Young local talents, including a 12-year-old violinist, will perform as well.

Alkebu-lan’s participation is supported by a City-funded MiniGrant. Free shuttles will transport visitors between venues during the event, which showcases Pasadena’s diverse arts scene across multiple cultural institutions.

Founded in 1989, the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center has long focused on education, art, and cultural preservation. Lewis emphasized its importance in light of reduced arts education in schools.

“We have a lot of children that are far stronger in the arts than in the sciences and mathematics,” Lewis said. “Over the years, the schools have kind of cut back on that. So, it’s really my goal to continue to educate Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley about the arts, but the art of African-Americans.”

The center offers year-round programs in visual arts, music, dance, and even gymnastics. Many residents discover Alkebu-lan through ArtNight, leading to increased participation in its activities.

Lewis stressed the event’s role in making art accessible to all community members, regardless of economic background. “ArtNight allows them that time for a family night that they can go and explore and educate and learn about different venues and what’s available to them as youth, as children, as families,” she said. “A lot of parents don’t know that we have scholarships available.”

Preparation for ArtNight begins 6-8 months in advance. Lewis praised the support from the city’s Cultural Affairs Office, particularly mentioning Rochelle Branch.

As technology increasingly dominates daily life, Lewis emphasized the continued importance of traditional art forms. “We have real artists that are sitting and actually painting things,” she said. “We do need to do this. We don’t need to take shortcuts with AI and computer generated things, people still paint. We still need that in our lives.”

Lewis further highlighted the tangible joy that ArtNight brings to the community. “I think when we do ArtNight, that brings them back to earth, so to speak. We have real artists that are sitting and actually painting things… And it brings joy. It brings a great deal of joy.”

This biannual celebration of art and culture offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with diverse artistic expressions, providing a counterpoint to the digital experiences that dominate much of modern life. Through events like ArtNight and institutions like Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, Pasadena continues to shape a rich, inclusive cultural landscape that is accessible to all.