Thornton Dial (American, 1928-1916), Struggling Tiger, 1989. Oil on canvas. Collection of Rober S. Taubman . Estate of Thornton Dial ZuZu Inc.
Free First Sunday: Black History Month
Sunday, February 1 | 1–4 PM
Free and open to the public
Celebrate Black History Month at the LSU Museum of Art! Create and decorate your own tote bag using Roll a Basquiat, a fun, chance-based drawing game inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a groundbreaking African American artist known for his bold colors, symbols, and expressive style.
The afternoon will also feature music by DJ Darling Dior and the opportunity to meet and talk with featured artists John Alleyne, Aaija Rennai Turner, and Chasity Joseph who will be in the galleries sharing their artwork and creative process with visitors. Free and open to all ages. Generous support is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
Featured Artists
DJ Darling Dior will provide music for a FUN Free First Sunday atmosphere!
John Alleyne
Instagram: @johnalleyne_
John Alleyne (b. 1990) is an artist, educator, and independent curator from St. John, Barbados living and working in New Orleans, LA. His practice is rooted in explorations of memory, freedom and sanctum, connecting his lived experience with an intuitive, experimental process of silkscreen mark making and silkscreen-collage. Through his process, Alleyne challenges notions of colonialism, social injustice, stereotypes, reclaims narratives, and celebrates the beauty of going against mainstream societal norms. He received his MFA from Louisiana State University, with a concentration in painting and drawing. Alleyne has been a fellow of Oxbow, ACRE, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center. He has exhibited work throughout various galleries and museums in the American South, the Caribbean, and Ireland. Alleyne is an Assistant Professor of Art At Southern University and A&M College. He is an artist member of Baton Rouge Gallery and a collective member of Antenna in New Orleans. Alleyne is also the recipient of a 2023 Take Notice Fund Award and a 2025 Platforms Research Development Grant.
Aaija Rennai Turner (A.R.T.)
Instagram: @artbya.r.t
Aaija Rennai Turner, known as A.R.T is an abstract visual artist based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She creates multidimensional works using bold color, fluid lines, bursts of glitter, herbs, crystals, and other mixed media to translate emotion and lived experience. Her art is meant to be felt as much as seen, inviting viewers into an energetic exchange and a deeper exploration of perspective. Each piece serves as a portal, calling those who are drawn to its frequency. She doesn’t just create art, she creates a visual conversation.
Chasity Joseph
Instagram: @chazchancing
Chasity Joseph develops upon her interdisciplinary skill set to best serve and align with her core values of sustainability, expression, and community. She makes use of any medium available but is most known for her acrylic paintings, ceramics, and fiber arts. Chasity is currently a graduating senior going to school for Agricultural Sciences at Southern University with a minor in Fine Art. Her latest works of art closely relate to her scientific interests and research in experiential learning. Her goal is to create works that bridge the gap between science and the arts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature and humanity.
