The BIPOC Experience In Southampton

The Southampton African American Museum (SAAM) will open a new exhibition titled “BIPOC Experience” on Saturday, May 21, with a free reception from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring refreshments and a poetry reading by Adriana Devers at 5:30 p.m. The group show highlights the work of artists Lion Ayodele, Ruby Bianchi, Jeremy Dennis, Nati Dred, Brianna Hernández, Candace Hill-Montgomery, Tomashi Jackson, Sekou Luke, David Bunn Martine, Denise Silva-Dennis, Gloria Smith, Lyle Smith and Tohanash Tarrant.

“BIPOC Experience” is curated by Jeremy Dennis and themed around the expression of hair and the fact that the SAAM was formerly an African American barbershop and gathering place. The museum began in 2005 as the East End African American Museum and Center for Excellence and initially functioned as a virtual museum — hosting events and exhibits in public spaces throughout Southampton Village — most notably the Annual Southampton African American Film Festival.

The new home for SAAM is located at 245 North Sea Road in Southampton. Affectionately called “The Barbershop,” the building was a local gathering place for area African Americans from the 1940s until its closing. In 2010, the Village Historic Preservation Board designated it the first African American historic landmark in the Village of Southampton.“BIPOC Experience” will run May 22 to July 3. Gallery hours are Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. For details visit saamuseum.org. Private group tours can be arranged at 631-353-3299.