About this Event
Join The Love Lab for a new, two-hour hair-history exhibition honoring 250 years of African-American hair love as part of the city’s 250-year acknowledgment. The exhibit traces the evolving artistry, identity, and resilience expressed through Black hair across the last 250 years in America (Turtle Island) through 5–7 styled mannequins, each representing a pivotal era of style, culture, and self-definition. Developed in collaboration with and , the exhibition centers hair as living heritage—an art form that shapes confidence, community connection, and cultural pride.
Nanna’s Lap is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) that supports foster and adoptive families across cultures with training that includes hair care and cultural learning, helping children build pride and families build stronger bonds.
Nanna’s Lap founder established Oxsun Salon in 2000 and brings 25+ years of cosmetology experience, with a mission rooted in effective styling methods without harsh chemicals for multicultural families.
Event highlights include:
- A guided, time-bridgingvisual timeline using 5–7 styled mannequins
- Educational context on hairas culture, art, and identity
- Community-centered framingaligned with Nanna’s Lap’s mission of cultural confidence through hair freedom and empowerment
About The Love Lab:
The Love Now Media Love Lab is a public storytelling and civic engagement space that uses art, media, dialogue, and AI education to build human connection and strengthen communities. This activation runs from May 27th, 2026 to July 5th, 2026 and is located on 932 Market Street in Philadelphia. We are proudly a part of Art Philly's What Now: 2026 Festival.
To stay updated with The Love Lab's weekly programming, follow us on Instagram @lovenowmedia.
Cost:
Love Lab programming is intentionally low-cost and community-centered. A suggested donation helps support artists, facilitators, programming, and the continued operation of the space throughout the activation.
Thank you for helping us Create Love together.
Event venue & nearby stays
932 Market St, 932 Market Street, Philadelphia, United States
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