We’re excited to invite you to A Poem for Deep Thinkers: Rashid Johnson (+ Faith Ringgold) at the Guggenheim — a uniquely curated afternoon celebrating two iconic artists whose work reshapes the way we think about history, identity, and the power of visual storytelling.
Our day will begin with an intimate member’s brunch at 1 PM at Costa. This is your moment to connect with fellow cultural explorers and settle in before we dive into an afternoon of art, reflection, and inspiration.
At 3 PM, we’ll take a private guided tour of Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, a powerful career survey featuring nearly 90 works across sculpture, painting, video, and installation. Highlights include Sanguine, a towering, living artwork with a live piano performance space at the heart of the Guggenheim’s rotunda.
We’ll also experience The Reach of Faith Ringgold, a moving tribute to the late artist’s iconic story quilts, including Tar Beach. Ringgold’s work, rich with narrative, activism, and imagination, beautifully complements Johnson’s deeply introspective pieces.
Together, these exhibitions offer a layered and resonant exploration of Black history, resilience, and the transformative power of art — all within one of NYC’s most iconic cultural spaces.
This event is being guest hosted by Cultural Anthropologist Shakira Polite.
✨ Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:
Enjoy an exclusive Member’s Brunch, connecting with fellow cultural explorers over a thoughtful meal in a warm, intimate setting.
Experience both exhibitions like an insider with a guided private tour at one of NYC’s most iconic museums.
Discover Rashid Johnson’s powerful career survey, featuring nearly 90 works that span sculpture, video, painting, and performance-based installation — including the monumental Sanguine.
Explore the visionary work of Faith Ringgold, whose narrative quilts like Tar Beach celebrate Black life, joy, and resistance through storytelling and textile.
Be part of a vibrant cultural dialogue centered on identity, memory, and the transformative power of art.
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Event Details:
1:00 pm | Member’s brunch at Costa
1300 Madison Ave
2:50 pm | Meet for 3pm private tour at the Guggenheim
1071 Fifth Avenue
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Non-member tickets:
Museum/tour only: $85 early bird through 7/27; $90 full price
Art-full member tickets:
Museum/tour only: $75 early bird through 7/27; $80 full price
Full experience with brunch: $105 early bird through 7/27; $110 full price
Inclusions: Full experience tickets also include 1 Brunch entree + 1 non-alcoholic beverage + tax/tip. All additional food or beverage will need to be paid separately.
Premier members save an additional 20%. Learn more about membership here
This event is being guest hosted by Cultural Anthropologist Shakira Polite.
Shakira Polite is a Cultural Anthropologist and Strategist based in New York, spending part of her time in Washington D.C. and the UAE. She works at the intersection of commercial advertising, corporate branding, and cultural research. With a deep belief that culture is the connective tissue between people, ideas, and systems.
Shakira is an art enthusiast and emerging voice in the NYC art scene, with a perspective shaped by her professional and personal relationship to culture. Her work spans global brands including Delta, Nike, and Walmart. And academic institutions, including CUNY, the University of Rochester, and Hofstra University. She has also partnered with cultural organizations across New York, including the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, the Long Island Children's Museum, and the African American Museum of Nassau County.
She is a founding member of ADCOLOR Entrepreneurs and sits on the board of The Green Bronx Machine and the D&AD Alumni Association.