JCAL celebrates 50 years with Danny Simmons exhibit

Danny Simmons, who first showed his art at the JCAL decades ago, will return for an exhibit celebrating the arts organization’s 50th anniversary.  Photo by Mary Osunlane via Wikimedia Commons

By Rachel Vick

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is beginning celebrations for its 50th anniversary next month with a retrospective from Jamaica-born artist Danny Simmons Jr.

“Early Days & Latter Days,” opening Feb. 5, will span JCAL’s gallery spaces in a triumphant return to the gallery that hosted Simmons’ first exhibition.

​​”Jamaica is in my DNA,” said Simmons, whose brothers are Def Jam founder Russel Simmons and Run-DMC’s Joseph Simmons.

“To be coming home with a retrospective exhibition and an exhibition of completely new work is a grand high honor,” he added. “To be recognized at the 50th anniversary of JCAL is a fantastic benchmark for my career in the arts, a very special honor which I'm truly grateful to receive."

Simmons’ mother taught art in St. Albans, and he recalls first going to a Rochdale Village integration protests with his father at six years old — experiences that shaped his perspective on freedom and equality, and the art born from social movements.

The installation will include Simmons’ early works as well as new pieces created specifically for the residency.

The painter, poet and philanthropist will also participate in two public art talks to share his insight on the process and journey of creating multidisciplinary art.

Simmons’ residency, which began in October 2021, will culminate with a reunion concert of the original cast of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam.

JCAL Artistic Director Courtney French said that Simmons “truly embodies living an artist’s life in 360 degrees—with all the struggles, inspirations and determination it requires.”

“Danny’s first artwork was indeed shown at what was once called Jamaica Arts Center,” French said. “We’re honored to welcome him back.”