FORT WAYNE – The Fort Wayne Museum of Art will open the spring exhibition season with a contemporary photography exhibit that documents the rising popularity of natural hair styles, especially the Afro, by Brooklyn photographer and author Michael July.

July launched the initial project on kickstarter.com, raising over $20,000 to print and distribute a 450-page coffee table book chronicling the evolution of the Afro in America. The original photographs, never before printed for gallery display, will be on display April 27-June 9 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Over five years, July approached a variety of individuals from across the country and asked them to participate as subject models for his book. He was able to capture the crème de la crème of Afros as worn by people of virtually every shade, ethnicity, country and age group.

This exhibition shows pictorially the power, beauty and glorious nature of the ‘Fro and tells the deeper “hairstory” of each of its models. This exhibition, inspired by the original book, captures the spirit and essence of the Afro today and pays homage to the historic significance of natural hair iconic voyagers, such as Angela Davis and Jimi Hendrix.

The people of Fort Wayne can expect a number of exciting events in conjunction with this exhibit, including A Day of Natural Hair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, featuring hair demos, discussions, workshops, and products from natural hair vendors.

For a sneak preview of the exhibit before its official open date, the public is invited to the Spring Party 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 26. For pricing information, visit www.fwmoa.org or call 260-422-6467.