A new exhibit titled “Ode to ‘Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena” has officially opened at the California African American Museum located in L.A.’s Exposition Park, highlighting the rich history and culture of Black communities in Altadena.
This free, mixed-media exhibition is designed to showcase the artistic talents and accomplishments of intergenerational Black artists, a response to the devastating Eaton fire in January that destroyed numerous homes and businesses, particularly those belonging to Black creators.
Curator Dominique Clayton emphasized the importance of preserving the area’s unique cultural heritage, stating, “Ode to ‘Dena” aims to spotlight the ongoing legacy of Altadena’s Black culture.
The exhibit runs through October 12 and features narratives and works from a diverse array of artists and culture bearers who have nurtured the community.
Clayton explained that Altadena boasts a historic and vibrant African American community, and the exhibit serves as both a tribute to their contributions and a remembrance of the loss resulting from the fires.
“It was really important to share the tragedy — but also to enlighten people about who is really affected there,” she noted.
Historically, Altadena was a hub for Black arts during the 1950s and 60s, recognized as an epicenter of creativity in L.A. County. Although the focus of Black arts later shifted towards South L.A. following the Watts Riots, Altadena has continued to foster a strong creative community with distinct Black influences.
The multimedia showcase includes works from 25 globally recognized and community artists who depict the Altadena community through photography, paintings, and sculptures.
Altadena resident Michael Chukes is one of the featured artists, presenting a sculpture called “Protector of the Next Generation,” which portrays a man lovingly cradling a child’s head.
This poignant piece also graces the cover of Chukes’ art book, “Identity Theft.”
Having lost his art studio to the fires, which contained a lifetime’s worth of creations, Chukes emphasizes the theme of resilience in his work.
“Watching all my years of work go up in flames has been heartbreaking, but I had to look over at my neighborhood; most places you look, there’s nothing there now,” Chukes expressed.
“It’s a mix of feeling grateful that my house is still up but also incredible loss.”
Chukes’ sculpture embodies his new mission: to inspire the next generation of artists, reinforcing that resilience is key amid calamity.
“We must do everything we can to let the world know how wonderful and how powerful the art scene, and community of Altadena, is,” he passionately stated.
He referred to Altadena as a jewel, reflecting his pride in the area’s culture and creativity.
In addition to Chukes, the exhibit features work from the Davis family, known for their multigenerational artistic contributions to Altadena and Pasadena. Keni “Arts” Davis has documented loss through his series, “Beauty for Ashes,” which captures the remnants of community landmarks after the fire.
Around half of this series is showcased within the CAAM exhibit, with additional pieces to be displayed at the Altadena Public Library in May.
Notably, the Davis family involves three generations of artists, including Keni’s wife, Mildred “Peggy” Davis, a craft quilter honored for her work in African American quilting.
Also featured is Kenturah Davis’s vintage map of Altadena, with three of her contemporary pieces showcased alongside her two-year-old son, Micah Zuri Davis-O’Connor’s introduction to watercolor art.
The exhibit also highlights Octavia’s Bookshelf, named for acclaimed local writer Octavia Butler, offering selections of books and merchandise that celebrate Black literature.
Overall, “Ode to ‘Dena” not only commemorates the artistic legacies of the area but also serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the Black community in Altadena.
The California African American Museum is located at 600 State Drive in Los Angeles. For further information regarding the exhibit and its offerings, please visit www.caamuseum.org.
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