Exhibit of Black Dolls in 16th Year

A black doll show is on exhibit at the William Grant Still Arts Center in the Mid-City area.

Titled “Dolls as Companion, Image, Treasure, Rituals and Toys,” the show features dolls from the collections of Los Angeles-area lenders, said James Burks, director of the arts center, which is sponsored by the city’s Cultural Affairs Department.

“We’ve been doing this for 16 years. It’s a tradition now,” Burks said, adding that he believes the center’s black doll show was the first of its kind in the nation when it opened in 1980.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is an installation piece by Los Angeles-based artist Riua Akinshegun called “The Most Mutinous Leapt Overboard.” The artwork tells the story of Africans who were forced into slave ships and how many jumped off the boats to their deaths rather than accepting slavery,

“There is a water trough and dolls flying all over the ceiling,” Burks said. Many of the dolls were made by children who participated in workshops led by Akinshegun. A recorded monologue accompanies the installation.

Also on display will be traditional African dolls as well as dolls depicting African American figures.

The doll show runs through Jan. 26. The arts center, at 2520 S. West View St., is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

For information, call (213) 734-1164.