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Join the Block Museum Student Associates in our galleries for a close look at one or two works on view in Hamdia Traoré’s “Des marabouts de Djenné” and Muslim Portraiture in Mali. The exhibition offers perspectives on the storied city of Jenne, a center of Islamic learning, study, and scholarship since the twelfth century, and the hometown of Bamako-based photographer Hamdia Traoré (b. 1992, Mali). Learned and devout, marabouts teach in Jenne’s over 50 Qur’anic schools, offer spiritual guidance, and treat ailments through their knowledge of the Qur’an. Made during a time of political and social upheaval in Mali, the thirty portraits in Traore’s series reflect enduring cultural resilience, and his intimate connections to the city’s people and deep history. Block Museum Student Associates (BMSAs) are Northwestern undergraduates representing interdisciplinary fields of study from across the university. In the galleries, BMSAs extend welcome to our exhibitions and permanent collection and engage visitors in conversations about artworks that spark their curiosity. Participation level – medium, participants are encouraged to respectfully share their own perspectives, thoughts, and questions throughout the Art Talk. Programs are open to all, on a first-come first-served basis. RSVPs not required, but appreciated.

Since its founding in 1912 as the French Club of Evanston, Alliance Française du North Shore has been a cornerstone of French cultural life in the Evanston, Illinois area. The organization evolved through its affiliation with Alliance Française de Paris in 1990 and expanded its regional reach in 1999 to become Alliance Française du North Shore, serving a broader community of French language enthusiasts. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in Illinois, we are committed to inspiring appreciation and enjoyment of French language and francophone cultures through educational, intellectual, artistic, charitable, and social endeavors. Our mission centers on building genuine connections among members who share a passion for French heritage and contemporary francophone communities worldwide. Over more than a century, we've cultivated a warm, inclusive community where people gather not just to learn, but to celebrate shared cultural interests. From spring luncheons to monthly bulletins keeping our community informed, from conversation groups where friendships blossom to collaborative events with other Alliance Française chapters, we embody the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation that defines our organization's legacy in the North Shore region.

Since 1991, the Association of the Friends of Persian Culture has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and community engagement in Evanston, IL. Founded by The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States with the explicit goal of promoting Persian arts and culture, the Association represents a deep commitment to honoring and sharing the rich traditions of Persian civilization with diverse audiences. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Association of the Friends of Persian Culture operates with a mission centered on bringing people together around shared appreciation for Persian heritage. The organization's work extends beyond programming to include a thoughtful bookstore that serves as both a cultural marketplace and gathering space for the Evanston community. By combining educational initiatives with accessible cultural resources, the Association creates meaningful connections between individuals and the artistic, literary, and spiritual traditions that define Persian culture. The organization thrives through the generosity of its community—supported by program participants, individual donors whose contributions are tax-deductible, and patrons of its cultural bookstore. This community-driven approach reflects the Association's belief that cultural preservation is a shared responsibility. Operating in Evanston, the Association stands as a testament to the power of grassroots cultural organizations in fostering understanding, appreciation, and celebration of diverse traditions within local communities.