Diasporal Rhythms

A week ago today, we gathered at Blanc Gallery for Art Smart: Black Collector Forum and a conversation about what it really means to collect, value, and preserve Black art.

Led by Lee Ann Trotter with Diasporal Rhythms founders Patric McCoy, Carol Briggs, Dan Parker, and Joan Crisler, the afternoon moved through the questions every collector eventually encounters: understanding value, knowing the work, supporting artists, and thinking about what we preserve for the next generation.

We also had the chance to experience Radical Optimism: Celebrating 100 Years of Oscar Brown Jr., presented by his children Maggie and Africa Brown and curated by Dorian Sylvain. The exhibition gave the afternoon another layer, bringing Brown’s life, work, and Chicago legacy into the room alongside our conversation.

And there’s more ahead. On October 25, we return with A Natural Thought: The Diasporal Rhythms Collectors’ Art Auction, another opportunity to discover work, meet fellow collectors, and add something meaningful to your collection.

Swipe through for a look back at the afternoon.

Want to be in the room for what’s next? Become a Diasporal Rhythms member at diasporalrhythms.org

A little Thursday flashback as we kick off Fine Black Art Month.

On September 19, we took On The Road to Indianapolis for a day with Kevin Nance West, Adre Parnell, and Kevin James Wilson.

We moved from studio to studio, taking in the work, talking with the artists, and getting a closer look at the ideas and process behind each practice. Good art, good conversation, and plenty to take home with us beyond what could fit in a frame.

Feels like the right way to start the month.

Swipe through for a look back at On The Road: Indianapolis and meet the artists who welcomed us in.

Artists to Watch
Kevin Nance West
Adre Parnell
Kevin James Wilson

Want to come along next time? Become a member at diasporalrhythms.org.

Art Is Medicine.

This past week, we joined our partners at Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville for Meet the Artists: The Intersection of Art and Wellness, bringing artists and community together for a conversation about the connection between art, healing, and everyday well-being.

Led by our very own D.E. Simmons, the gathering gave us an opportunity to share the stories behind the work, connect with our community, and explore the role art can play in the spaces where we live and receive care.

Thank you to Northwestern Medicine, our participating artists, and everyone who spent the afternoon with us. We look forward to continuing this important partnership and making more room for Black art in our communities.

This Saturday, the conversation turns to collecting.

Join Diasporal Rhythms for Art Smart: Black Collector Forum, a focused conversation on the business of art, what to consider when acquiring work, and how to become a more informed collector.

Hosted by Lee Ann Trotter, the conversation features Diasporal Rhythms founders Patric McCoy, Carol Briggs, Dan Parker, and Joan Crisler, sharing insight shaped by more than two decades of collecting, championing artists, and building community around art of the African Diaspora.

Also on view at Blanc : Radical Optimism: Celebrating 100 Years of Oscar Brown Jr.

Saturday, September 26 | 1–3 PM
Blanc Gallery | Bronzeville

Whether you’re new to collecting or already building your collection, there’s always more to know.

RSVP at diasporalrhythms.org | link in bio

BLACK FINE ART MONTH IS COMING

October puts Black fine art in focus.

Founded in 2019, Black Fine Art Month is an annual global celebration recognizing the artists, collectors, curators, innovators, and cultural institutions shaping the Black fine art tradition. Founded by Pigment International Pigment International , the observance has also been entered into the Congressional Record and formally recognized in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, and other municipalities.

For Diasporal Rhythms, the work behind the month is familiar: collect the work. Know the artists. Learn the history. Build collections. Keep Black art in Black homes and in the cultural record.

As we count down to October, we’ll be highlighting the artists, collectors, exhibitions, and conversations that continue to move Black art forward.

And this year, we’re adding another chapter of our own with A Natural Thought: The Diasporal Rhythms Collectors’ Art Auction on October 25.

Learn more about Black Fine Art Month Pigment International

Make room for something worth collecting.

On Sunday, October 25, A Natural Thought: The Diasporal Rhythms Collectors’ Art Auction brings together original works spanning painting, photography, sculpture, collage, prints, and more.

Whether you’re making your first acquisition or adding to an established collection, the auction is an opportunity to discover work, sharpen your eye, and take something meaningful home.

Bid in person or online. Discover original works. Meet fellow collectors.

Proceeds support Diasporal Rhythms’ continued work to collect, promote, preserve, and create greater engagement with art of the African Diaspora.

A Natural Thought is supported in part by a generous sponsorship from The Chicago Community Trust

Sunday, October 25 | 3–6 PM
Reserve your seat at diasporalrhythms.org.

The best way to experience the work is to get closer to it.

On September 19, Diasporal Rhythms is On The Road in Indianapolis for a day of studio visits with Kevin Nance West (Kevin Nance-West), Andre Parnell (Andre Parnell ), and Kevin James Wilson (Kevin James Wilson ).

Inside the studio, the conversation changes. You see the process. You hear the stories behind the work. You spend time with artists in the spaces where ideas become something worth collecting.

That kind of access is part of the Diasporal Rhythms experience. For more than 20 years, we’ve created opportunities for our members to discover artists, deepen their knowledge, and build relationships around contemporary art of the African Diaspora.

Curious about collecting? Already building your collection? There’s room for you here.

Swipe inside our next On The Road experience, then become a member at diasporalrhythms.org.

The Business of Art

Collecting is more than knowing what you like. It’s knowing what you’re looking at, what to ask, and how to build a collection with intention.

Join Diasporal Rhythms for Art Smart: Black Collector Forum, a candid conversation about the business of art and what matters when collecting work by artists of the African Diaspora.

Moderated by LeeAnn Trotter , with Diasporal Rhythms founders Carol Briggs, Dan Parker, Joan Crislyer & Patric McCoy leading the conversation.

September 26 | 1–3 PM

For collectors, artists, and anyone looking to sharpen their eye.

RSVP is open now at diasporalrhythms.org
Link in bio.

Collection of Authentic African Artifacts collected by Daniel Texidor Parker.
Artifacts at Chicago location housed at 3636 S. Irons St. (36 SQUARED Building) STE B228
OPEN Every 3RD FRIDAY (No Appt Needed) & PLEASE CALL For An Appointment on other days
PARKING on West side of the building in "Gated Parking Lot"