Free Saturday Teen Event Links Social Issues To 'Summer Of Love' Exhibit

Photo via FAMSF

Camden Avery
Published on May 10, 2017

This Saturday, the de Young Museum launches its first-ever afternoon of teen-dedicated programming, inspired by the museum's current Summer of Love exhibit.

The afternoon, dubbed Teens Take Action, is organized by the de Young's Teen Advisory Board, which museum spokesperson Maris Berkowitz said launched late last year with the goal of creating "a place for teens to engage in open dialogue about historical and current-day concerns."

Saturday's free event for kids aged 13 to 17 will promote "ways we can unite and support each other for important social issues concerning identity, the environment, equality and immigration," according to a museum statement.

Activities include free access to the Summer of Love exhibition, teen-led conversations about work in the permanent collections, button and poster making, and a panel of activists from a number of social organizations.

Berkowitz said panelists will "align with our four themes of equality, environment, immigration and identity." Participants include Travis S. Becker of Cantú Queer Center, artist Cece Carpio, teens from PODER, Cephus “Uncle Bobby” Johnson of the Love Not Blood Campaign, and former artist-in-residence, Yarrow Slaps.  

Saturday's event is only a start, Berkowitz said. The next iteration is likely slated for next spring and is set to feature programming related to the de Young's upcoming "Revelations: Art from the African American South" exhibition. "Revelations" will run from June 3, 2017 through April 1, 2018.

Registration for Teens Take Action via Facebook (link below) is encouraged, but not required.