The National Conference of Artists Conference 2012 at the Schomburg in Harlem

The National Conference of Artists founded in 1959, is the oldest African American visual arts organization in the United States.

The New York chapter formed in 1973 is active in art education, cultural events and exhibiting the artwork of emerging and established artists.

The NCA NEW YORK is presenting its 2012 ARTS & CULTURAL CONFERENCE, February 23 – 26.  On Thursday, February 23, 1-4 PM, THE SCHOMBURG CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE, in THE AMERICAN NEGRO THEATER, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037, 212-491-2200 host a reception and art talk for “MOVEMENTS & MOMENTS IN SPRING” a major art exhibition by NCA woman artists: Ann Tanksley, Betty Blayton, Deborah Shedrick, Dindga McCannon, Gloria Aziza Lawyer, Howardena Pindell, Sandra Sadakeisha Coiller, Gloria Aziza Lawyer, curator.  The unique expressions of each artist will be showcased during this Women’s History Month exhibit.  The exhibition will be on view January 27 – March 27, 2012.

On Friday, February 24, 10 AM – 4 PM, THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, Ruth & Harold D. Uris Center for Education, Bonnie J. Sacerdote Hall, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10028, 212-535-7710, host art panels, guest speakers and THE NCA NEW YORK “BLACK ART HISTORY MAKER’S AWARDS”.  This year’s awardees are Dr. Ed Jackson, Executive Architect and chair of the Design Committee for the Washington, DC, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.  The monument for Dr. King on the Mall in the nation’s capital is the largest in honor of an American citizen.  Mr. Cliff Frazier, Executive Director of the New York Metropolitan Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolence and founder and President of the International Communications Association.

Mr. Frazier also serves as chair, of the Harriet Tubman Charter School, which was the first charter awarded by the NYS Board of Regents.  Mr. Chuck Stewart, master photographer has photographed countless Jazz greats including Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Billie Holiday.  His artwork has appeared in many books, magazines and dozens of record jackets.  His images and writings stand as a major contribution to the documentation of the history of African American Classical Music.  Our fourth and final award presentation is to the Mackey Twins, Sharon & Karen two outstanding promoters and supporters of African American art.  The Mackey’s host art sales and educational events to expose the general public and the African American community to the contributions and images of contemporary master and  midcareer artists.

On Friday, February 24, 6-9 PM, THE DWYER CULTURE CENTER, 258 Saint Nicholas Ave., New York, NY 10027, 212-222-3060 host a reception for “AMAZING GRACE” an NCA NEW YORK visual art exhibition of paintings, graphics, sculpture, photography and mixed media art.  The featured artists are Adjua Mantebea, Cecil W. Lee, Dr. Carolyn Maitland, Harry Lee Henderson, Izell Glover, J.e Franklin, James Edmonds, Jesse A. Henry, John Brathwaite, Karl McIntosh, L. Gwen Jackson, Laura R. Gadson, Otto Neals, Richard Barclift, Wilhelmina Obatola Grant, Ed Sherman, curator.

On Saturday, February 25, 10 AM – 4 PM, THE BEDFORD STUYVESANT RESTORATION, SKYLIGHT GALLERY, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216, 718-636-6900  host NCA NEW YORK art panels, guest speakers and art demonstrations.

On Sunday, February 26, 2 – 6 PM The Association of Community-Based Artists of Westchester (AC-BAW) AC-BAW Center For The Arts, 128 South 4th Ave., Mount Vernon, NY 10550, 914-667-7278 host a reception for “REBIRTH” an NCA NEW YORK art exhibition featuring over 20 artists from NYC and Westchester.

The conference is free and open to the public.  Conference registration is at the venues.