The Moreno Valley Cultural Arts Foundation (MVCAF) began their “From Lagos to Moreno Valley; A Celebration of Black History Month” Exhibition which will run through March 9 at their Vanguard Cultural Arts Museum Gallery. The exhibition features several local African-American artists, such as Adeola Davies-Aiyeloja, Charles Bibbs, Bernard Stanley Hoyes, Crystal Lauren, Maurice Howard and Viveca Mays. MVCAF is particularly honored to also host six members of the Society of Nigerian Artists for two days, Feb. 20 and 21. The Nigerian artists include Porter Ajayi, Ola Balogun, Ajibade Awoyemi, Samuel Ebohon, Bruno Ajunam, and Anthony Ayanu. The group from Nigeria is here to participate in the Pan African Film Festival and requested the opportunity to display their artwork at the Vanguard during their stay. On Saturday, Feb. 21, MVCAF begins with their monthly Vanguard Outdoor Art Expo at their Stoneridge Towne Centre gallery location at 27120 Eucalyptus Avenue in Moreno Valley. The Art Expo features local artists, artisans and other vendors found at the Main Street courtyard adjacent the Vanguard Cultural Art Museum Gallery. The Art Expo runs from noon to 5 p.m. MVCAF is accepting vendor applications either at the Vanguard or on their web site, http://www.mvcaf.org. There is an Artists Reception at the Vanguard from 4 to 6 p.m. MVCAF encourages everyone to come to meet all the artists, local and from Nigeria, who are participating in the exhibition and to view their art work. There will be beverages and snacks available. Both events are free and open to the general public. MVCAF continues to reach out both locally and internationally to bring a continual showcase of exceptional artists and artisans for the public to enjoy and to purchase their creations. Having the chance to include the Society of Nigerian Artists to MVCAF’s Black History Celebration is a wonderful opportunity to learn about other cultures as well as international trends in art. MVCAF is exploring other potential markets for local artists from Moreno Valley and the Inland Empire. MVCAF is partnering with the Society of Nigerian Artists to establish an exchange of student artwork between Lagos and Moreno Valley. Details are being discussed to facilitate the artwork exchange of Moreno Valley students to be displayed at a gallery in Lagos, Nigeria at the same time the artwork of students from Lagos will go on display at the Vanguard. Richard Archer, President/CEO of MVCAF stated, “The art exchange will be a valuable learning experience for the students of both countries.” MVCAF is working on a similar exchange with an art gallery in Shanghai, China.

MVCAF Hosts the Society of Nigerian Artists at the Vanguard