The African Diaspora Museology Institute (ADMI) invites the public to attend the closing celebration of The Struggle of Folk Through Art, an exhibition featuring the work of artist Panhandle Slim (Scott Stanton), on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Asa H. Gordon Library at Savannah State University.
Curated by Dr. Deborah Johnson-Simon, Savannah State University’s Scholar-in-Residence and Founder/CEO of ADMI, the exhibition has been on view since November 7, 2025. Through a series of vibrant portrait panels painted on reclaimed wood, Panhandle Slim pairs historical quotations with expressive imagery, creating works that bridge folk tradition, social commentary, and public art.
“The exhibition reminds us that art is not only something we view,” said Johnson-Simon. “It is something we carry with us. Each portrait and quotation invites us to listen more deeply to the voices that shape our shared cultural memory.”
Visitors can experience the exhibition through a self-guided or guided tour that follows the circular architecture of the library’s second floor. Along the path, viewers encounter voices from history, literature, music, and social justice—including figures such as Audre Lorde, Toni Morrison, Malcolm X, and Nina Simone—whose words continue to resonate in contemporary conversations about culture and community. Don’t miss the rare appearance in the Art and Anthropology Gallery of the Black Museum Anthropology Pioneers collection.
On Tuesday, March 31, enjoy a full day of activities beginning at 9:00 AM. The event is free and open to the public, and visitors may attend one or all of the events listed below:
9:00 AM – Exhibition Opens and Self-Guided Tours Begin (First Floor Lobby)
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM – Student Engagement Hour and Folk Art Sign Studio Creative Session (Second Floor Art Gallery)
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM – Midday Reflection Walk with Guided Walkthrough (First Floor Lobby)
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM – Community Drop-In Hour and Conversations with the Curator (Second Floor Art Gallery)
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM – Reception Opens for the Closing Program (Second Floor Art Gallery)
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Closing Program with Dr. Deborah Johnson-Simon (Second Floor Art Gallery)
For information about the exhibition or the African Diaspora Museology Institute, please contact Dr. Johnson-Simon at admi.researchcenter@gmail.com:
African Diaspora Museology Institute (ADMI)
P.O. Box 5261
Savannah, GA 31414
