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On Saturday, October 31, September Gray Fine Art and Pigment International present Decadence Deux: An Afternoon of Art & Conversation, featuring author and cultural architect Dr. Halima Taha.
Dr. Taha is best known for her groundbreaking bestseller Collecting African American Art Works: Works on Paper, and Canvas, the first book to validate collecting fine art, printmaking, and photography by Americans of African descent as viable assets and commodities within the marketplace.
Joining Dr. Taha on the panel are gallerist September Gray, sculptor Eric Stephenson, and Pigment International founder Patricia Andrews-Keenan.
Decadence Deux reframes decadence, not as excess, but as a richness of lived experience. The exhibition foregrounds the work of Kevin Cole, Kevin Okeith, Marrayam Moma, Lionel Lofton, Jamele Wright Sr., Preston Sampson, Antonio Carreno, Frank Schroder, Gabrielle Torres, and Eleanor Neal, and continues through November 9.
About Dr. Taha
Saturday, October 31, 2026
2 – 4 pm
Bridgeport Art Center
1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago
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CHICAGO TO THE WORLD | A CALL TO ACTION FOR BLACK ART | Photos by Isadore Howard and Deleshia Kinney, MD | |
On October 23, 2026, Pigment International brought together an exceptional gathering of artists, collectors, curators, cultural leaders, and institutional representatives at the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago for Pigmented: Chicago to the World — A Black Fine Art Convening. The caliber of speakers and the depth of audience engagement affirmed the importance of creating spaces where Black art, leadership, scholarship, and economic opportunity converge.
From discussions of collection legacies and the Black creative economy to the sustainability of cultural institutions, our speakers challenged participants to look beyond celebration toward meaningful action. We extend our sincere gratitude to every speaker, moderator, facilitator, and member of the committee whose expertise, commitment, and collaboration shaped this convening. We also thank our sponsors, supporters, partners, donors, volunteers, and attendees for helping make this gathering possible.
| Photos by Isadore Howard and Deleshia Kinney, MD | |
Most importantly, this convening reflects Pigment International’s continuing commitment to uplifting Black artists through Black Fine Art Month, founded in Chicago in 2019. "Our work must extend beyond a single day, a month, or an exhibition," offered Patricia Andrews-Keenan, Pigment founder who offered a call to action. The Black art ecosystem requires sustained investment in artist fellowships and affordable studio space; equitable museum representation and arts education; stronger Black-owned galleries and art-service businesses; expanded collector development; youth mentorship; and greater public and private support. We must also grow cultural tourism through the Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire, strengthen Black arts journalism and publishing, and build national recognition for Black Fine Art Month."
The call to action is clear: celebration must lead to investment, advocacy, access, and opportunity. The organizations invite cultural institutions, funders, corporations, collectors, policymakers, educators, and community partners to join in advancing these priorities.
Together, the goal is to build an ecosystem in which Black artists are not simply celebrated, but supported, collected, documented, and positioned to thrive.
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SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY ART CENTER'S BEAM RAISING HERALDS NEW ERA | Mayor Brandon Johnson was part of the Beam Raising for the South Side Community Art Center | |
Dignitaries, community leaders, and supporters gathered Friday, October 23rd, in front of the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) to celebrate a major milestone: the beam raising for the nearly $13 million reimagining of the 86-year-old institution.
Among those in attendance were U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Pat Dowell, Alderman Lamont Robinson, and DCASE Commissioner Kenya Merritt, joined by center executives, board members, and the team bringing the project to life, including architects Future Firm and construction firm Brown & Momen. Guests had the opportunity to sign the ceremonial beam, which will remain a permanent part of the center.
The project, in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, includes the rehabilitation of SSCAC’s landmarked home and a 10,000-square-foot, three-story addition. The expansion will provide new galleries, archive and collection storage, meeting and classroom space, and a new accessible entrance.
Speakers paid tribute to the center's illustrious founders, including Dr. Margaret Burroughs, Eldzier Cortor, Charles White, and Elizabeth Catlett, whose vision established one of the nation's most important cultural landmarks. Dedicated in 1940 by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the SSCAC has long served as a cornerstone of Black artistic excellence in Chicago.
The rehabilitation aims to restore and retain the center's historic elements while preparing the institution for the future. Phase one of the project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2027.
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As Sudan endures what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, Chicago’s Sudanese community is answering with culture, connection, and collective action. On Saturday, November 14, from 6:00 to 11:00 PM, Sudanese artists, educators, and organizers will transform For Real Therapy, 2464 N Clybourn Ave, into A Night in Sudan, an immersive pop-up museum and humanitarian fundraiser.
Guests will travel through Sudan’s food, music, film, literature, wedding traditions, cultural heritage, and histories of resistance, collecting stamps in an event passport along the way. The $25 ticket includes a complimentary mocktail, Sudanese hors d’oeuvres, henna, a live DJ set, and a special gift for those who complete their passports. Raffles and opportunities to support Sudanese artists round out the evening.
The event is especially personal for organizer Azzah Nasraddin, Sudanese American psychotherapist and founder of NeuroBloom Mental Health Collective. Proceeds will benefit a school and community center in her home village of Arbaji, Al Gezira State, supporting children’s education and mutual aid for families navigating the crisis.
This event is a reminder that art and cultural preservation are also acts of resistance and care.
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