The Darkroom photography exhibit is being held at the Birmingham Museum of Art from February 20th to April 17th 2011, and includes the work of 18 photographers who used to live and work in apartheid-era South Africa. Considering how their work illuminates the country from different perspectives, the show aims to throw light on Birmingham's own struggles during the American Civil Rights movement. Admission is free, and the exhibition contains art installations, video art and a range of different photographic mediums.
On April 16th 2011, the walls and windows of 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham's Loft district will be turned into giant canvases for electronic art -- photography, short films and visual art. Part of the Paint the Town Red event, to raise money for the Birmingham Jefferson Chapter of the American Red Cross, the show aims to engage children in art. As well as visual presentations, there will live music and street food on offer. This is the third year the show has run, and it is open to artists from around the world.
The Birmingham Museum of Art is holding an all-day event on the February 19, 2011 to celebrate the Chinese new year, and the start of the year of the Rabbit. Events will be geared towards families, and getting children interested in new traditions and cultures. The museum will also have a booth at the Birmingham Chinese Festival Association's official celebration, which is to be held at the adjacent Boutwell Auditorium. Admission to the event is free.
The Magic City Art Connection is being held on April 29th, 30th and May 1st at Linn Park, and admission is free. Art on display will include paintings, furniture, jewelery, photography, sculpture and computer animation. As well as the art, there is a food and wine tasting event called Corks and Chefs, as well as a children's workshop where young people will be encouraged to engage with art. The event is backed by the City of Birmingham and the National Endowment for the Arts.