Downing-Gross is ready to entertain with music, dance, and art. This month the Center celebrates the Centennial of Newport News legend Pearl Bailey and debuts art in its community galleries with special receptions.
On Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m., see the third installment of the dance series dedicated to celebrating the 100th birthday of Newport News’ own Pearl Bailey. The conceptual focus of this night of dance is the pearl. With its opalescent luster, the choreographer was challenged with imagining a performance centered around the precious stone.
Event tickets are $10.
Join The Saga of Faith Mission conversation at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. This panel discussion explores the preservation of important local black history and the role of religion in folk art through the story of Anderson Johnson. Panelists include the original members of the committee to save the Faith Mission, as well as those who knew Elder Anderson Johnson himself and collected his artwork. Also included is the co-curator of the permanent exhibit "Working in the Spirit: The Visionary Art & Life of Elder Anderson Johnson 1915-1998," who will shed light on how to curate a space meant to re-create the sensory experience of entering Johnson's Faith Mission. The discussion is preceded by the introduction of prolific Folk artist Everna Lee Taylor who will display in Downing-Gross’ Foyer Gallery from until March 31. The afternoon concludes with a Q&A and reception. To RSVP for the free event and for more information on the panelists
click here. 
Experience the other-worldly artwork of artist J. Ortiz, who will recreate “the artist at work” while the viewers explore his celestial and abstract creations made from a variety of media to include spray paint and acrylics, made with unconventional materials and techniques. Creative Spray opens on Saturday, March 24 with a free reception from 7-9 PM in Downing-Gross’ Newport News Community Gallery. The exhibit stays on display until March 30.
In 1918, a legend was born in Newport News and on her 100th birthday, March 29th, Downing-Gross celebrates Pearl Bailey’s legacy with Pearl 100 starring poet, author, and vocalist Nina Brewton. Join in memorializing this iconic woman of American history with this free event at 4:00 p.m. RSVP is recommended and
available here.
To learn more about upcoming events and to purchase tickets or to RSVP visit the
Downing-Gross website.
