Afro Futurism Visions

B.A.G. The Black Arts Guild Circa 1970-1978 2020 will be the 50th anniversary of the launch of the self-sustained youthful and gifted Black Arts Guild, B.A.G. Started in Chicago in 1970 by Turtel Onli, B.A.G. and its principal members who were in their late teens and wanted to get past the restraints of ageism and orthodoxy in the arts community to make the transition from young  talented students to competitive professional artists and arts educators.

They also wanted to morph ideas and styles emerging from the Black Cultural revolution into the mainstream. It served this purpose from 1970 until 1978.  B.A.G. produced a variety of exhibitions, products, embraced the health giving watermelon as its logo and its members went on to earn degrees, become illustrators for the likes of Essence Magazine, The Paris Metro Magazine, Motown Corp, Johnson Publishing Company, and interned with the textile designer Robert E. Paige's One - of-a-Kind Studios. Including becoming certified arts educators with various school systems.

Founder Prof. Turtel Onli is planning a series of TBA exhibitions, lectures and more in tribute to the launch, life and legacy of B.A.G. The Black Arts Guild. Its principle members were Jim Smoote, Dalton Brown, Greg Broils, Obie Creed, Kenneth Hunter, Espi Frazier, Judith Lee, and Turtel Onli. Notice has been served!

Dalton Brown designed the poster above to promote a B.A.G. Group exhibition at the now defunct AFAM Art Gallery in Chicago in 1973.  The image above that is a part of a showcase of Brown's artwork in Hyde Park at the Great Frame Up.

Above: Jim Smoote shown with one of his masterful quilts.  Smoote was a critical member of B.A.G. He served as its Treasure and his meticulous prolific work ethic help set the tone and pace for productivity within this guild.

Espi Frazier's rigorous Wood Graphics and other works are still potent and full of a beauty & power that speaks volumes for her dedication and life as an artist.

B.A.G. produced a set of limited edition note-cards that readily sold out.  The above image shows Greg Broils' image along with one created by Jim Smoote in collaboration with Kenneth Hunter.


The Rhythmistic illustrations and graphic design work of B.A.G .members Kenneth Hunter and Turtel Onli are featured in the amazingly historic and intelligently crafted album cover sized book, "Freedom: Rhythm & Sound.

This is an article that ran in the Chicago Tribune newspaper in 1991 where Dalton Brown along with Turtel Onli were interviewed about B.A.G. and its impact.