The Heart of Altadena: A Powerful New Exhibit

Ode to ‘Dena’ brings together a rich tapestry of art, history, and resilience in a celebration of Black excellence and community in Altadena, California.

The California African American Museum in Los Angeles has just unveiled a new exhibit, showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of the community of Altadena, a neighborhood known for its powerful presence and artistic heritage.

Preserving the Past, Reimagining the Future

• • The exhibit, titled “Ode to ‘Dena’” aims to showcase the “rich and dynamic Black cultural heritage of Altadena” through the stories and works of local artists.
• • Curator Dominique Clayton says the exhibit is a testament to the resilience of the Altadena community, despite the devastating Eaton fire in January which destroyed many homes and businesses.

Following the devastating Eaton fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in January, a group of artists and community members came together to create a new exhibit that would honor the past, while also reimagining the future of the community. The result is “Ode to ‘Dena,’” a powerful and moving exhibit that explores the history and culture of Altadena, and celebrates the resilience of its Black community.

A Legacy of Black Excellence

1. • Altadena has a long and proud history of Black excellence
2. • The town became an epicenter of Black arts activity in the 1950s and 60s, with artists, educators, musicians, entrepreneurs, and activists making significant contributions to the community.

Altadena has a rich history of Black excellence, with a vibrant arts scene that emerged in the 1950s and 60s. The town became an epicenter of Black arts activity, with artists, educators, musicians, entrepreneurs, and activists making significant contributions to the community.

Intergenerational Artists

1. • The exhibit features 25 globally known and community artists
2. • The artists include Michael Chukes, who lost his art studio in the fire, but continues to create and inspire.

The exhibit showcases the talents of 25 globally known and community artists, including Michael Chukes, who lost his art studio in the fire, but continues to create and inspire. Chukes’ sculpture, “Protector of the Next Generation,” is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Altadena community.

Preserving Tradition, Inspiring the Next Generation

• • The exhibit features a selection of books and merchandise from Octavia’s Bookshelf
• • The bookshelf is named after Octavia Butler, a prominent Black writer from the area.

The exhibit also features a selection of books and merchandise from Octavia’s Bookshelf, a store named after Octavia Butler, a prominent Black writer from the area.