Virtual Talk: One Work from Second Careers

CMA Insider, Leadership Circle, Legacy Society, and Friends of African and African American Art Members are invited to join Kristen Windmuller-Luna to hear the life story of a 20th-century Yorùbá masquerade dance costume (called egúngún), from its origins in Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́, Nigeria, to its current home in the CMA exhibition Second Careers. Created with more than 300 textiles from Africa, Europe, and Asia, this egúngún swirls into motion during festivals honoring departed ancestors. Centuries old, the creation of egúngún is still practiced in Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and in the Yorùbá diaspora. In the summer of 2018, this egúngún was traced back to its makers, the Lekewọgbẹ family. Though no longer ritually empowered according to its community of origin, it remains a compelling symbol of belief.

CMA Insider, Leadership Circle, Legacy Society, and Friends of African and African American Art members will receive a digital invitation.

This event will be hosted on Zoom; the event link and instructions will be provided to those who RSVP.

CMA Insider is your introduction to an insider’s experience at the Cleveland Museum of Art and a first step in philanthropic giving to the museum. CMA Insider members have the opportunity to tailor their membership to fit their unique interests in the CMA’s world-class art collection while supporting one of the region’s cultural gems. For more information about the CMA Insider program, and to become a member, click here.

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Leadership Circle is a devoted community of friends who make the museum a priority in their annual philanthropic giving. With gratitude for this generous support, the museum provides Leadership Circle donors with unique opportunities that enhance enjoyment of the CMA through engagement with our collections, curators, and staff. For more information about the Leadership Circle program, and to become a member, click here.

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s world-renowned collection would not have been possible without the foresight and philanthropy of our founders, Hinman B. Hurlbut, John Huntington, Horace Kelley, and Jeptha H. Wade II. Nearly 100 years later their vision of creating a museum “for the benefit of all the people forever” continues and has paved the way for others to leave a similar legacy. To honor this continued generosity of the community, the museum created the Legacy Society—a group of nearly 400 individuals who have chosen to support the museum by making a commitment to the museum in their will or estate plans. To learn more about the Legacy Society, click here.

The Friends of African and African American Art was founded to celebrate, stimulate, and encourage the study of works created by African and African American artists. Since 2003 members have enjoyed and supported a variety of informational programs at the Cleveland Museum of Art and at a variety of venues throughout northeast Ohio and beyond. We welcome you to join us in promoting our mission. For more information about the Friends of African and African American Art, and to become a member, click here.