Meet Calvin B. Jones: Make a Mini-Mural

About this event

From 1976 to 1987 artist Calvin B. Jones along with fellow artist Mitchell Canton painted six murals on the South and West sides of Chicago. Jones was active in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s and aesthetically influenced by Chicago's AfriCOBRA collective (African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists), known for painting with bold dues they called Cool-Ade colors.

Learn more in our archives!

This fun, hands-on program welcomes families to discover the life and work of Jones while exploring the question “Whose murals get saved?” Together, participants will enjoy a guided mini‑mural activity inspired by Jones’s vibrant style, featuring bold colors and African print designs. It’s an engaging, creative experience for all ages, perfect for families who love to learn, make art, and explore Chicago’s cultural stories.

Presented as part of the Renaissance Project, this event invites participants to actively engage with the rich and often untold stories of Black history and heritage at Chicago Public Library.

This program is made possible with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Accessibility

Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Photo credit: Calvin B. Jones Papers, [Box 1, Folder 12], Chicago Public Library, Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature

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