The Hands That Built: A Celebration of Black Labor
February 6 – March 1, 2025
Palm Springs Art Museum presents The Hands That Built, a community activation space exploring the legacy of Black labor and its impact on history and our community. This activation is open from February 6 to March 17, 2025.
Experience a mural by artist Tysen Knight, created in collaboration with Palm Springs students, honoring Black contributions to Palm Springs.
Reflect at the community altar.
Watch a video created by students at Palm Springs Unified School District, highlighting the history and contributions of Black labor.
The Canvas: A Dedication to African American Labor in Palm Springs
Experience a mural by artist Tysen Knight, created in collaboration with Palm Springs students, honoring Black contributions to Palm Springs.
This mural, a collaborative community endeavor lead by artist Tysen Knight, honors luminaries Martha and Lawrence Crossley, Paul R. Williams, and James O. Jessie, alongside the resilient survivors of Section 14 and their ancestors.
Tysen Knight
Tysen Knight is an internationally recognized artist, muralist, and award-winning filmmaker known for his pop and street art style.
His artistic journey began with street art as a teenager, leading to early acclaim, including an NAACP ACT-SO award at fifteen. Beyond his art, Knight is deeply involved in philanthropy, working with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Midnight Mission, and establishing the Tysen Knight Scholarship Fund to support young artists.
He also mentors at-risk youth through a program with the Riverside County Office of Education, using street art to inspire and reduce dropout rates. His documentary, The Art of Hustle: Street Art Documentary, highlights the dedication behind artistic success and has solidified his transition from street artist to gallery contributor.
