Gallery 625: Shonna McDaniels, The Black Woman Experience

Shonna McDaniels founded the Sojourner Truth Art Museum in 1996. In addition to her Executive Director duties, she is also a professional artist, teacher, muralist and community activist. Prior to 1996, McDaniels was one of the co-founders and artists of the Visual Arts Development Project, teaching art classes, conducting workshops and organizing art exhibits throughout the Oak Park and Del Paso communities. Though the museum is based in South Sacramento, its legacy throughout the Sacramento region is renowned to grass roots organizations, professional artists, politicians and the business community. McDaniels’ contributions have been recognized by Council members Lauren Hammond, Bonnie Pannell, Larry Carr, as well as Mayor Kevin Johnson, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The museum programs are dedicated to creativity and social change within the context of an evolving, healthy community.