The ongoing exhibition, “Things that Cannot Be Seen Any Other Way: The Art of Manuel Mendive,” is on view at the California African American Museum (CAAM) through October 20, 2013. Saturday, June 15 is a good day to visit because an art workshop and presentation on Afro-Cuban religion and folklore will take place: “Painting the Orishas,” led by visual artist and actor Lili Bernard at 2pm (RSVP preferred 213.744.2024; for more future programs, see below).

This free exhibition in the USC / Exposition Park area is multi-faceted: Manuel Mendive’s drawing, painting, sculpture, and performance works on view span his career from the early 1960s to present day. Mendive incorporates visual elements rooted in Lukumi/Yoruba visual traditions into his painting. Themes common across his work include religion, nationalism, and memory. His most significant works, which forms the central conceptual and physical focus of the project, are his 1960s and 1970s series “Yoruba Mythology” and “Middle Passage,” and his performances in the late 1980s, such as “La Vida.” Each series testifies to his deep commitment to Afro-Cuban culture and the art of painting in addition to his concerns around the nature of religion and its visual language.

About the exhibition programs: Mark your calendar for June 15 for “Painting the Orishas” workshop, July 27 for “Afro-Cuban Beats” drum performance (participation encouraged), Aug. 17 for “Cuba Today: A Visitor’s Reflection” presentation, and Oct. 19 for “Black and Cuba” documentary film screening. All programs are at 2pm and RSVP is preferred (213.744.2024). For more information click here.

The exhibition is open 10am to 5pm Tues. through Sat. and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Admission is free!

Parking is $10 at 39th and Figueroa.