A cultural staple in Los Angeles since 1992, the annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival got underway at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on Feb. 9 and runs until Feb. 20. Not even Super Bowl Sunday could keep PAFF ArtFest devotees away from the marketplace, where more than 100 artists from around the globe displayed fine art, fashion and decor inspired by the traditions and aesthetics of the African diaspora. Regulars reconnected with their favorite returning artisans as teens snapped selfies while modeling handcrafted jewelry, and more than a few shoppers dropped Valentine’s Day gift hints to their companions. Times photographer Carolyn Cole wound her way through stands brimming over with one-of-a-kind statement jewelry, oil paintings, metal sculptures and handwoven textiles to capture the vibrant scene.
Read the full story online here and in the Sunday Times Calendar on Feb. 19!
