Schaumburg Library hosts 'The Colorism Project' exhibit
The exhibit "The Colorism Project: Looking Outside the Paper Bag" is on display through Feb. 24 at the Schaumburg Township District Library, as part of the library's One Book, One Community program.
One Book, One Community is a time for residents of Schaumburg Township and the surrounding area to join together in the joy of reading a great book, and have meaningful conversations. The library's selection this year is "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett.
To support the themes of identity and racism seen throughout "The Vanishing Half," the library is hosting "The Colorism Project: Looking Outside the Paper Bag" exhibit at its Central Library.
Through portraits and text on brown paper bags, the exhibit questions society's definition of beauty and explores the historical and present-day practice of discrimination based on skin tone among African-American women.
Artist Ashley A. Jones is a big fan of Brit Bennett and "The Vanishing Half," and the library is excited to welcome her as its Virtual Artist in Residence for One Book, One Community. Jones is known for her illustrations and portraits, which speak to the challenges of Black identity in America.
Jones also will host three online programs to help the community connect with her work and with their own identities:
The Colorism Project: For adults, 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, online on Zoom.
Identity Collage Project: For ages 7 to 12, 5-6 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 18, online on Zoom.
Identity Self Portrait: For ages 12 to 19, Tuesday, Jan. 25, online on Zoom.
Visit SchaumburgLibrary.org/one-book to register for these programs or to learn more about One Book, One Community.