FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SYRACUSE NATIVE JALEEL CAMPBELL RETURNS HOME FOR FIRST SOLO MUSEUM EXHIBITION SYRACUSE, NY (February 17, 2020): The Everson Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition on March 13, 2021. For his first solo museum exhibition, artist and activist Jaleel Campbell will present Homecoming, a new series inspired by his recent return to his hometown of Syracuse. Stemming from the exploration of his family history and created with the intention of, in the artist’s words, “empowering and inspiring Black people to know their worth,” the exhibition includes a series of digital illustrations, video work, and Campbell’s iconic Jalethal Dolls.  Campbell earned his BFA in Visual Communications specializing in Graphic Design from Cazenovia College and completed his MFA in Media Arts & Culture at SUNY Purchase in Westchester County.

A reflection of his Syracuse upbringing, Campbell’s digital illustrations and video works explore the beauty of Black life and culture, and his handmade Jalethal Dolls honor and acknowledge his ancestry. Ultimately, Campbell’s work provides a joyous interpretation of his history, community, family, and friends. Campbell works out of his studio on Syracuse's Westside, which also serves as a hub for community art workshops and is the designated meeting place for Syracuse's Black Artist Collective, for which Campbell is a founding member. Following the opening, on Sunday, March 14 at 2 p.m., the Everson will present The Beauty of Returning Home: A Discussion with Jaleel Campbell. During this live virtual event, Everson curators Steffi Chappell and Garth Johnson will talk with Campbell about his creative process and inspirations. This is a free event that takes place on Zoom and pre-registration is required to receive the viewing link. Those who would like to participate can register here.  For more information visit www.everson.org Jalethal Print, 2019, digital image, Courtesy of the artist

See more interview clips with artist Jaleel Campbell.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES OR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW WITH JALEEL CAMPBELL CONTACT: Kristin Sheehan Everson Museum of Art (646) 421-0291 ksheehan@everson.org

ABOUT THE EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART The Everson Museum of Art, whose roots extend to 1897, is internationally recognized for its extensive and significant collection of ceramics, its pioneering art video collection and its distinctive structural design by the noted architect I.M. Pei. The operation of the Everson Museum of Art is made possible with funding from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, the County of Onondaga administered by CNY Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, the Richard Mather Fund, the Everson Board of Trustees, and Everson Members’ Council.

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