Houston Center for Contemporary Craft's Windgate Curatorial Fellow Cydney Pickens and Houston-based artist Jamal Cyrus will have an intimate conversation on "Tree of Life." The exhibition showcases sculptural objects made from the African blackwood tree, which has a naturally dark, nearly black, colored core, and other unique properties that make it a preferred material choice for ornamental turning and carving, and for use in woodwind instruments.

From his perspective as an artist, community member, and African blackwood collector, Cyrus will respond to the exhibition and discuss the role museums play as a source of education and inspiration for artists. The program explores contemporary curatorial practice, while centering perspectives from the community as vital voices in HCCC’s programming.