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Saturday Morning and the Faces We Remember 

September 16 – September 30, 2023

Opening Reception and Conversation
Saturday, September 16, from 5-9pm
Event includes Za’Nia Coleman in conversation with Tia Simone Gardner and Ego Ahaiwe Sowinski. (7:30pm)

Programming:
Friday, September 29, starting at 7pm
Public Functionary will host a joint artist/curator conversation with Za’Nia Coleman and Yasmin Yassin as part of Twin Cities Art Week programming.

Public Functionary
#144 (PF Main Gallery)Northrup King Building 1500 Jackson Street NEMinneapolis, MN 55413

Curated by Za’Nia Coleman, Saturday Mornings and The Faces We Remember, is an entry into the legacy and impact of Hollywood Studio of Dance, known by the purple awning on Broadway & Penn in North Minneapolis. The exhibition re-presents archival footage, photos, and documents focusing on a decade of memories, 1991 – 2001. As an archivist and former attendee of Miss Diana’s dance school, Coleman has meticulously curated a collection of artifacts that delve into the transformative experience of being part of this cherished studio. As a living archive, Saturday Mornings and The Faces We Remember seeks to present an engaging and accessible approach to history and invites community members to contribute their experiences.

Accessibility:

  • Step-free access via an ADA ramp on the northern side of the main building leading to the double doors marked Dock 6. Once inside turn left by the passenger elevator and proceed through hallways to Studio #144. There is a ramp into the gallery.
  • American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and audio description will be available.

As ECI evolves in supporting accessibility for D/deaf and disabled communities, we welcome you to email [email protected] should you have access needs not noted, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Portrait of Za'Nia Coleman, a Black woman with auburn braids in a large top bun with light tortoiseshell square glasses, medium hoop earrings, and nose piercing. Coleman is wearing a deep red patterned button down top with a black leather vest. She is slightly turned to the left and looking towards the camera with a confident gaze and slightly parted lips.
Portrait of Curator Za’Nia Coleman by Drew Arrieta
A young Black girl with tight braids in her hair, wearing a light pink leotard and matching tights is sitting by a window on the floor and is holding a dance shoe to her foot. The frame has a timestamp in the lower right corner that reads “NOV 6 1999. 10:12:11AM” in white letters with black borders.
Individual frame of archival video, Courtesy of Za’Nia Coleman
Gallery attendees standing in front of white walls with writing and film prints. On the far left, there are two people in conversation. In the center two people thoughtfully look at film prints arranged in a straight line on the wall. On the right, one person reads text on the wall with hands clasped in front of themselves as if in deep thought.
Opening night, courtesy of Drew Arrieta
Speakers are seated with mics in their hands with vibrant colored lights illuminating them in a dark room. Ego Ahaiwe Sowinski sits on the left, smiling and speaking into the microphone. In the center, curator Za'Nia Coleman faces towards the camera with a large smile. On the right, Tia Simone Gardner sits relaxed, smiling softly and listening intently.
Curatorial dialogue courtesy of Drew Arrieta
In the foreground there are three stacked boxes at varying angles. On the surface of each box is a projected archival video of young dancers performing on stage. Beyond the art installation are a diverse group of gallery attendees looking intently at artwork on the walls and in conversation with each other.
Opening night courtesy of Drew Arrieta