Studios Inc and Harold Smith present Dr. Blackenstein’s Black Shack of Arts and Sciences, a multidisciplinary exhibition opening on November 1st, 2024. The artist will host special programming throughout the exhibition: Stay tuned to the Studios Inc and Harold Smith instagram, facebook, and websites for details.

From the Artist:

I came of age as a black kid from a blue collar home in the 70’s.

It was an incredible and unforgettable ride.

I recall the sizzling sound of the hot comb from the kitchen on Saturday nights.

I remember chilly Saturday afternoons bicycling down 13th, turning left at Holmes Market, speeding by Salem Baptist and Morning Star Baptist Churches, turning right at 10th Street and skipping into Johnny’s Fish Market at 10th and Walker for some of that legendary fried fish.

Whether it was whiting or catfish, it was still hot, crispy, seasoned to perfection and wrapped in brown paper.

Don’t forget the sides.

I recall the sweet smell of Afro Sheen wafting in the air at Johnson’s Barber Shop on 13th and Quindaro.

Who can forget the mingled aromas of Old Spice, English Leather, and Skin Bracer when dad finally left the bathroom on his way out?

Or dancing in front of the mirror in the basement, trying out the dances we saw on Soul Train?

Remember the Cameo theater on Minnesota Avenue?

I remember taking a few dollars up there and staying all Saturday afternoon to watch Cleopatra Jones, Willie Dynamite, Foxy Brown, Superfly and so many other classics.

And, yes, I sure did have a pair of bell bottom pants and Florsheim shoes from KG’s Men’s store at Indian Springs Mall.

Leon Lincoln and his crew took me to a handful of house parties (with the blue light of course).

I was a wallflower so I didn’t dance but I did enjoy listening to Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, and Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes.

Then again, I listened to Parliament Funkadelic every single day.

I still do.

That being said, I invite you to join us at Dr. Blackenstein’s Blacktacular Black Shack of Arts and Sciences from Nov-December at Studios Inc. 

“You can bet your last money, it’s all gonna be a stone gas honey.” — Don Cornelius (host of Soul Train)

Launched to serve mid-career artists, Studios Inc is Kansas City’s only nonprofit arts organization offering pivotal three-year residencies to mid-career artists who are poised to significantly expand their careers. Studios Inc offers a unique immersion experience for resident artists, who use their studio and exhibition space to produce and exhibit work, network and learn from one another, and attract and cultivate relationships with art patrons, collectors, and arts professionals.

Dr. Blackenstein’s Black Shack of Arts and Sciences will be on view in the Studios Inc Exhibition Hall through December 21st, 2024. Exhibition hours are Wednesday thru Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 12 – 4pm.