“Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” returns to Goodyear, bringing months of free art exhibitions, live music and hands-on creative experiences to the heart of the city as part of a statewide initiative celebrating Black artists across Arizona.
Hosted at the Georgia T. Lord Library from Jan. 29 through March 31, the Goodyear exhibition features the work of 10 Black artists from across the state: Antoinette Cauley, Jacqueline Chanda, Randiesia Fletcher, Chas Frisco, Khandra Howard, Jenita Landrum, Isse Maloi, Philip Gabriel Steverson, Maxx Valentine and George Welch.
The exhibition explores themes of identity, resilience and cultural legacy through painting, mixed media and contemporary visual practices.
“‘Vision & Sound’ is about creating access and visibility while celebrating Black creativity in spaces where the community already gathers,” said Julie Richard, CEO of Sedona Arts Center, which now leads the program statewide. “Libraries like Goodyear’s are powerful places for shared learning, dialogue and connection.”
Partnering with “Vision & Sound,” Goodyear’s “Jazz in the Park” will return 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Goodyear Civic Square.
The evening transforms the lawn in front of city hall into a outdoor arts venue, blending live jazz performances by Black musicians with food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer and wine garden. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and families for an evening that blends music, art and community.
“We’re here for the music, the artists. We’re celebrating Black history as it’s being made,” said Dalton Attig, Goodyear recreation programmer at last year’s event.
In previous years, Jazz in the Park has drawn crowds that filled the green space with picnic blankets, strollers and neighbors gathering together. “The event definitely feels bigger each year. When more people come out, there’s something exciting in the air.”
Beyond the music, Jazz in the Park offers interactive art activations where attendees can create alongside professional artists featured in the Goodyear Library Fine Art Show.
Families can take home collaborative artworks, contribute to a large community portrait and experience the creative process firsthand. The “Vision & Sound” Fine Art Show remains on display inside the Georgia T. Lord Library through March 31.
Now in its 11th year, “Vision & Sound” began as a small Black History Month exhibition founded by Michael Cunningham and his late wife, Norma Cunningham. What started as a single-week exhibit has grown into a multi-city program dedicated to cultural equity and representation.
“Norma was the heart and soul of ‘Vision & Sound.’ Her vision continues to bring people together through art, music and shared experience,” said Richard Cunningham.
Through exhibitions, live performances and community-centered programming, “Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” continues to create spaces where Goodyear residents can connect, celebrate and learn alongside Black artists shaping Arizona’s cultural landscape.
The Goodyear exhibition and Jazz in the Park are free and open to the public. For more information about “Vision & Sound” and its statewide programming, visit visionandsound.org.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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