WILLIAMSBURG — The “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” special exhibition at Jamestown Settlement will be extended through Jan. 5.
Special programs will accompany the exhibition, with a special return appearance by Ruth E. Carter, a two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation said.
“The exhibition has already been a great success, with substantial visitation and wonderful visitor feedback,” said Mariruth Leftwich, senior director of Museum Operations and Education for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. “We are excited to be able to extend the exhibition’s time at Jamestown Settlement to ensure that the region has an even greater opportunity to visit and become inspired by Ruth’s work and the intersection of the past and future.”
The “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” special exhibition debuted May 11 with fanfare and an exclusive appearance by Ruth Carter during a sold-out Director’s Series program with Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director Christy Coleman.
Carter has Virginia roots as a graduate and honorary doctorate recipient from Hampton University, where she got her inspiration in theater and costume design.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” is included with admission to Jamestown Settlement.
An annual pass offers year-round access to the special exhibition, along with daytime programs and events, the foundation said. Parking is free. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
Special Programs
Sept. 7-8 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
“The Ancestor’s Future: An Afrofuturist’s Journey Through Time” Exhibit
On view for one weekend only, Cheyney McKnight — artist, historian and founder of “Not Your Momma’s History” — will share her unique approach to Afrofuturism through a special exhibit that allows visitors of all ages to view her artwork, photographs and clothing and engage in conversation about her techniques.
Special “creation stations” will allow children to design their own works through art or writing.
McKnight will present a Saturday afternoon lecture at 3:30 p.m.
The exhibit and activities are included with museum admission. Learn more and reserve your seat for the lecture.
Oct. 5
Afrofuturist Afternoon Activities & Exhibition Talk and Tour
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., museum guests are invited to be inspired by the stories and worlds Ruth E. Carter brings to life through her costuming to create their own original designs with fabric dyeing and zine making, with materials provided.
Permanent gallery exhibits feature West Central African artifacts and a pop-up history station will offer hands-on reproduction objects.
At 2 p.m., Harvey Bakari, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation curator of African History and Culture, will lead a gallery talk through the Ruth E. Carter special exhibition.
All programs are included with museum admission.
Symbolism and Storytelling with Ruth E. Carter and Book Signing
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ruth E. Carter returns to Jamestown Settlement to discuss Afrofuturism storytelling and the symbolism found within each person’s stories and culture.
Following the conversation, guests are invited to a reception from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring the Hampton University Jazz Trio as well as food and a cash bar.
Ruth E. Carter will be available to sign her book, “The Art of Ruth E. Carter: Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture, from Do the Right Thing to Black Panther” beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for the Oct. 5 program, “Symbolism and Storytelling with Ruth E. Carter,” plus a reception and book signing, go on sale Sept. 5.
The Oct. 5 evening program, along with the reception and book signing, is $25 per person. A discounted ticket, $15, is available for students.
Space is limited and event registration for each individual is required to reserve your seat at jyfmuseums.org/events/special-
