San Diego, CA. – On Thursday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m., the San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery will hold a Reception to present a stirring presentation of African art to celebrate Black History Month. Thoughtfully curated by Dr. Denise Rogers, Africa in Context features visually stunning, historically significant objects from the San Diego Mesa College World Art Permanent Collection. Many of the objects and pieces of art have not been displayed publicly in over six years. The World Cultures Art Collection, which includes over 1,200 pieces from around the world, offers a glimpse into other cultures and civilizations – right on the Mesa College campus. Each artifact in the collection tells a powerful story of world history, cultural values, and artistic expression.

Denise Rogers is a professor of art history at San Diego Mesa College, manages the college’s World Art permanent collection, and is the curator of “Africa in Context,” currently on display through Feb. 23 at the college in celebration of Black History Month. By Lisa Deaderick | February 4, 2023 As a young girl growing up in southeastern San Diego’s Shelltown neighborhood, Denise Rogers spent time flipping through the pages of Time and Life magazines her mother kept on their coffee table. At the time, she just enjoyed the pictures from galleries in New York, Paris, and Italy. Later, after an introductory art course prompted her to change her major from fashion design to art history, she found a career path that allowed her to pair her love of both history and art.

An exhibit of work from African American artists and their connection to African Art opened Feb. 9 during a reception and artist lecture as part of the Black History Month activities at San Diego Mesa College.

"Mesa hosted renowned attorney and art-collector William Lerach on Thursday, November 19, for a lecture on his expansive international collection of indigenous art."

Sacred sculptures from San Diego Mesa College’s permanent African art collection will be on display at the San Diego Central Library Auditorium October 4 through December 17. The public is invited to attend the opening reception of “Guardian Spirits” on Wednesday, October 7.