Aurora Public Art hosts hip-hop tribute

Aurora Public Art is hosting a hip-hop tribute Saturday, May 18, to celebrate the closing of its "Reanimation" exhibit, which addresses social identities and misconceptions about men of color in the U.S.

The tribute will run from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Aurora Public Art Third Floor Gallery, 20 E. Downer Place.

Kevin Coval, poet and founder of Louder Than a Bomb, will be talking with artists Jamiah Calvin and Stephen Signa-Aviles. The panel discussion will open with spoken word by local poets and close with DJ Rogue spinning for local break-dancers.

Visitors can stick around to dance, meet the artists and purchase a limited-edition catalog of art from the exhibit, with words by Coval. The donation for a catalog is $15; suggested donation for entry is $5. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Stephen Signa-Aviles' family has lived in Aurora since the 1930s. He recently moved to Champaign to attend grad school at the University of Illinois.

Aurora locals may recall seeing his work at ArtBar, meticulously-crafted sculptures built from sneakers and shoe boxes. For details on his work, visit www.signa-aviles.com

Jamiah Calvin grew up on the West Side of Chicago and recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in painting. His superpower lies in using bold color to paint poignantly expressive portraits. The exhibit will feature his series of oil paintings on copper.

For details on his work, visit www.squareone.gallery/jamiah-calvin.

For details on Saturday's celebration, visit www.aurora-il.org/329/Public-Art-Commission or call (630) 256-3340.