The Kinsey African American Art and History Collection Opens at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum

The long-awaited exhibition, The Cultivators: Highlights from the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection, will open on January 15, 2022, and run through March 27, 2022, in the Frederick R. Weisman Museum on the Malibu campus. The award-winning exhibit is an impressive survey of African American history and culture collected by Bernard Kinsey (MBA ’73) and his wife, Shirley (MA ’76), through the decades. Curated by their son, Khalil, the collection’s pieces include masterful paintings, sculptures, photographs, rare books, and more, celebrating the achievements of African Americans from the late-16^th century to the present day. 

"We are proud to be hosting the Kinsey Collection here at Pepperdine," said Pepperdine University president Jim Gash. "Bernard and Shirley Kinsey rank among our most prestigious alumni and are venerated for their leadership in both business and education. We look forward to how this exhibition will facilitate greater understanding and appreciation for African American contributions and achievements to our nation's history, as well as foster increased community between Pepperdine and the city of Los Angeles."

Widely considered to be one of the most comprehensive surveys of African American history and culture outside of the Smithsonian Institution, the collection features more than 150 pieces representing the intersection between art and history and reflecting the Kinsey’s journey of self-discovery. A groundbreaking exhibition that has been viewed by more than 15 million people and received national media attention, the Kinsey Collection gives a well-rounded look at the African American experience and the integral roles African Americans played in building this country, providing new perspectives on chapters of the nation’s history which have been ignored. 

A free opening celebration will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022, from noon to 5 PM. The celebration will be free to attend and will feature guided exhibition tours, as well as outdoor food trucks, and live music from Jazzy Ash, Masanga Marimba, and DJ Monalisa. Children of all ages will be able to participate in a collaborative paper quilt art project inspired by Bisa Butler's quilted artworks. The Kinsey family will also lecture on “The Myth of Absence” in Elkins Auditorium at 3 PM.

To learn more about the exhibit and make reservations, visit The Cultivators: Highlights from the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection website.