Exhibit opening at Elgin library showcases Lego brick tribute to Black creativity
“Awesome Black Creativity (ABC),” a celebration of Black figures in Lego bricks, will be on display at the Gail Borden Public Library from Jan. 15 through Feb. 27.
This interactive exhibition of Lego brick-built figures, an A-Z series spanning history and various disciplines, will inspire guests to think about building in new, innovative ways while providing the opportunity to make their own creations.
“ABC” highlights creativity of all kinds — from sports figures to musicians, artists to environmentals, and more. Using a classic childhood medium such as Lego bricks provides an easy entry point for families to engage.
Viewing and learning about the influential figures is the first aspect of the exhibition. Guests also will have the opportunity to tell their own story through building with Lego bricks — starting with a self portrait brick build and moving through the storytelling process by developing place and plot at freestanding design stations.
The creators of the inspirational Lego figures displayed in the exhibition are Dave Kaleta and Richard Dryden, who appeared on “Lego Masters” on Fox in 2021 as a team of dads who are passionate about environmentalism, social justice, and civic and cultural pride.
To continue the work they began on the show, they embarked on a 26-figure project. “Awesome Black Creativity” celebrates contemporary and historical Black creatives across disciplines such as contemporary dance, photography, music, film, culinary arts, activism, and more.
Together the duo collaborated to select who would be featured; Kaleta designed and built the figures and Dryden conducted the research and wrote the bios. While it was challenging narrowing down the list to 26 individuals, their goal was to reflect a diverse sense of creativity. Most of the builds show the figures in a position doing something with a creative tool, whether it is Serena and Venus Williams playing tennis or Gordon Parks with a camera.
The words and the bricks work in tandem with each other. Dryden shared, “The contributions of our ‘Awesome Black Creatives’ are for everyone. The celebration of them through the medium of Lego is a way for kids and adults to see accomplished individuals who look like them in a product that is starting to reflect diversity through a broader spectrum of Black and Brown skin tones.”
In partnership with Kaleta and Dryden, the DuPage Children’s Museum designed and developed the traveling exhibition so this experience can take place in a variety of settings across the country. “ABC” is innovative and informative.
Kaleta stated, “Awesome Black Creativity is not just about amazing Lego builds, but it's about the people who helped build our culture.”
Now, library guests, the next wave of innovators, can take inspiration from the historic figures to tell their own stories. To learn more, visit www.gailborden.info.
The library will be offering additional programs.
Lego Showcase for Kids: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, or Thursday, Feb. 6, in the lobby of the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Do you have a Lego creation that you would like to showcase? Participants will have an opportunity to say a few words about their projects to an audience, and stand by their projects for the program to answer questions. Registration is required.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day program: 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Join the builders of Awesome Black Creativity, Dave Kaleta and Richard Dryden. Kaleta and Dryden appeared on Lego Masters in 2021. They will discuss the inspiration behind their artistry. In addition, they will explain the process of selecting the 26 figures that celebrate contemporary and historical Black creatives across disciplines such as contemporary dance, photography, music, film, culinary arts, activism, and more. Young people and their families are welcome to participate in our brick-building workshop. Register gailborden.info.
About DuPage Children’s Museum
DuPage Children’s Museum, founded in 1987, nurtures joyful discovery and learning by inspiring curiosity, creativity, and problem solving through STEAM play. It continues to reach new audiences and change lives by expanding access to immersive exhibit experiences and community-based playful learning programs. The museum is located at 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville. Visit dupagechildrens.org.
About Dave Kaleta
Dave Kaleta is a native of Chicago and a lifelong South Sider. He studied art education and early childhood education and teaches kindergarten at The University of Chicago Laboratory School. His interest in Lego began as a child, with an early set gifted from his mother. He has explored Lego throughout his life having his work published in anthologies and displayed in museums around the world. He lives with his wife and son in Hyde Park with a full Lego studio in their home.
About Richard Dryden
Richard Dryden is a writer and DJ, born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. Being immersed in New York City’s oasis of art, music, and fashion, he pursued a career in media. His credits include Complex, The Fader, Afropunk, Office, Vice, LargeUp, Okayplayer, and Mass Appeal. Under his DJ Treats moniker, he played fundraiser events for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, museum & art galleries in New York City, and a magical wedding reception featured in Vogue.
His hobby of building Lego sets motivated him to write about Lego, which introduced him to a global community of Lego artists, which included Dave Kaleta. Their friendship bloomed through the production of “Lego Masters” in 2021. Their dynamic collaboration continued through the “Awesome Black Creativity” project.
About the Gail Borden Public Library:
The Gail Borden Public Library District is “fueled by the power of community.” Because of its impact working with many partners, the library has been recognized numerous times, including the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an American library. With numerous literary resources and exciting exhibits like dinosaurs, space and “Awesome Black Creativity,” the library strives to engage people of all ages through education, recreation and creativity.