Yinka Shonibare MBE: Colonial Arrangements

Elaborate, colorful, seductive and quizzical, Yinka Shonibare's renowned, textile-based art has been the focus of more than 50 solo museum and gallery exhibitions worldwide. The latest, Colonial Arrangements, will take place, from May 1st to August 31st, 2015, at Morris-Jumel Mansion. It's a fitting match, with the Mansion's lovingly preserved 18th- and 19th-century interiors set to serve as a baroque backdrop for Shonibare's extraordinary sculpture, including an entirely new, never-before-seen work commissioned by the Mansion. It's the most ambitious art show in Morris-Jumel history, and it kicks off May 1st with a two-tiered opening reception. A Grand Opening The opening kicks off at 6 p.m. with an hour-long, catered VIP Preview Hour, to be attended by the artist and offering first-look access to Shonibare’s work. Attendees will also have the chance to sip specialty cocktails, concocted by the whiskey experts at Manhattan Moonshine, and enjoy the fine fooderies cooked up by all-star chef Rafael Palomino. They'll also receive a one-of-a-kind VIP gift. At 7 p.m., the doors are open to the general public, welcoming visitors until 9 p.m. The general opening is free; tickets to the VIP Preview Hour are $50. Reservations are required for both. To reserve, call 212-923-8008, email marketing@morrisjumel.org or visit yinkavip.brownpapertickets.com. The opening is an accessible event. www.morrisjumel.org/