SACRAMENTO – The Black barber shop is legendarily known as the “Black man’s Country Club.” Douglas Walter Bristol Jr., author of “Knights of the Razor,” documented the evolution of African American barbering from the colonial period. Bristol states, “Barbering allowed black men to transform themselves from slaves into businessmen and leaders.”
On Wednesday, February 29, 2012, Master Barber & Beauty Shop will host HAIRitage Preview Reception Media Day from 9am to 7pm. On First Saturday, March 3, Master Barber & Beauty Shop will open, HAIRitage, a fine photo exhibition dedicated to showcasing and capturing the essence of the Barber Shop. A display of black and white photos, barbering tools and hair care artifacts will be featured in the exhibit.
Barber shops traditionally function as a social center for their communities. HAIRitage explores this history by bringing to life the social, cultural and spiritual aspect of the Black Barber Shop. Master Barber and Beauty Shop has provided services to hair clients and community members for over half a century. The establishment was purchased by Earlie D. and Mary Brown in 1974 and it remains family owned and operated. Master Barber & Beauty Shop has become a major cultural art leader that has facilitated, engaged, and presented visual artists, poets, writers, musicians and others.
The HAIRitage exhibition features photography by fine artist/photographer, Gerry GOS” Simpson, whose art was commissioned by UC Davis Medical Center, and has appeared at the Crocker Museum, Sacramento City Hall Art Gallery, 40 Acres Art Gallery, The Sacramento Philharmonic Symphony and more.
The exhibition runs March 3 through April 28. The Preview Reception takes place on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, starting at 9am and a meet and greet opening reception and Catalogue signing with the Brown family and Gerry GOS” Simpson will take place on First Saturday, March 3, from 4pm to 7pm at Master Barber & Beauty Shop, 4340 Stockton Blvd., Suite 2. For information, call (916) 457-8708.