Out of the Dark: A Historic Journey, is a digital exhibition in recognition of Juneteenth, an observance acknowledging the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Juneteenth (a combination of the words June and nineteenth) is recognized in most states and the District of Columbia as a local holiday or ceremonial observance and was designated a federal holiday in 2021.
TMA invited eight members of the Toledo Black Artist Coalition (TBAC) to curate an online exhibition featuring works by influential Black artists from the Museum’s collection, including sculptor Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012) and photographer Gordon Parks (1912-2006) among others. TBAC guest curators are noted local artists James Dickerson, Dustin Hostetler, Audrey Johnson, Imani Lateef, Yusuf Lateef, Lydia Myrick, Simone Spruce, and Paul Verdell. The online exhibition launches on TMA’s website on June 19, 2021.