Tipton Hammond Arts

06/11/2026

June is African American Music Appreciation Month

The Aficionado

A Drew Hammond (b. 1964). I grew up no. 6 of my siblings and heard incredible music. My Father (1918-1994) listened to “big band,” “soul” and “gospel” and Esther (1924-2006) listened mostly to “gospel!” My Brother Donald (1952-1987) introduced the house to “Sly and the Family Stone” and “Stevie Wonder.” The Daughters listened to Soul, R&B, Pop; from TSOP and Motown to Staxx. I dug it all, but, it was Jazz that resonated with me big time. Yeah, yeah, I’m a music buff hands down, but…! There are five tunes I can recall hearing in my very young life (1969-70) that remains my favorite today and definitely due to that time nostalgically and they were:
“Killer Joe” by Quincy Jones. “Tell Me A Bedtime Story” by Herbie Hancock. “Grazing In The Grass” from Hugh Masakela. “Oh Happy Day” by Walter Hawkins and “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder. When burning CD’s and making mixtapes were a thing, I don’t remember not putting two or more of these songs on one.

06/11/2026

https://gofund.me/c7beea896

For years, Tipton Hammond Gallery has provided a space for artists, creativity, an… Karen Caldwell needs your support for Help Preserve Tipton Hammond Gallery

06/11/2026

The Bible says, “We have not because we ask not!” Here’s why I asked and I want thank all of you who supported and those who wanted to support and couldn’t.

06/10/2026

June is African American Music Appreciation Month

Cassandra Wilson (b. 1955)
Been listening to this incredibly percussive voice close to 40 years. Her smoke filled range reminds me of Sarah Vaughan. She’s like an eclectic collection of art, versatile. I remember seeing her perform in the Capital Jazz Fest in ‘94 and at the start of her concert folk started walking off to concession and restroom. She called them out, saying, “it doesn’t matter, I was already paid!” That’s Cassandra and that’s what happens when you don’t do it the way folks want you to. A fav album of mine is “New Moon Daughter” (1995)

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

JUNE IS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

HERBIE HANCOCK (b. 1940)

No long drawn out soliloquy about this genius. His music was some of the first music I can recall ever hearing. It was 1969 and I was turning six when I first heard “Tell Me A Bedtime Story” (one of my all time fav). Been a listener through all of his phases. Even his “Hip Hop” prowesses which Snoop Dog credits Herbie for creating.

The art is from a series created called “Mr. Hands” (the title of his 1980 album of the same name).

06/09/2026

Very sorry to hear that Muralist/Artist and Educator, Melodee Strong passed on. Take your rest!

The two times we exhibited together was sponsored by The ROHO Collective (Minneapolis)
and in 2020, we participated in the making of the “Black Lives Matter” mural in Minneapolis sponsored by the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMAG).

Always working! As a matter of fact, the last time I saw Melodee she was working on a mural for the “North Market” in Minneapolis. Art Districts alike will miss this incredibly skillful educator and selfless human. 💜

06/09/2026

With K. Daphnae Koop - Artist – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

06/05/2026

Works by A Drew Hammond’s LAND OF THE GIANTS

VOLUMES SPOKEN
mixed media/collage
72x96

LET MY CHILDREN HEAR JAZZ
mixed media/collage
36x48

IT’S IMPERATIVE
mixed media/collage
30x40