We at B-Love’s are excited to announce our newest offering:

Stay. Experience.

  • 2 Nights 3 Days

  • Gallery Experience and Reception

3- Day “Straw into Gold” Immersive Art Experience at B-Loves Guesthouse

Featuring Rosa Johnson aka Malikia

3- Day “Straw into Gold” Immersive Art Experience at B-Loves Guesthouse 

Featuring Rosa Johnson aka Malikia

Across the diaspora we are weaved together with braids, plaits, and dynamic patterns of our past, present, and future. Braids are universal, crossing time and traveling across the space of our crowns. “Straw into Gold, Malikia Johnson’s (aka Rosa’s) first solo exhibit in over 40 years, maintains the African American diasporic tradition of Ancient African Hair Sculpture through braiding intricate and elaborate patterns with beadwork. 

She is world renowned as “The First Lady of Braids,” and her creative expressions have been showcased on notable icons such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Cicely Tyson, Beah Richards, and Abbie Lincoln to name a few.

Malikia is an instrumental Artist who created elegant hairstyles that spanned the 1970s through the early 2000s. The stylistic influences of Malikia’s braiding style have bolstered and empowered the economic impact on African American culture which continues to be seen across the Diaspora. 

Come STAY at B-Love’s Guest House to experience the cultural influence of Malikia’s handiwork. Witness the intimacy of “Straw in Gold” with us!  

Stay

Enjoy a unique accommodation in a historic Victorian House surround by inspiring art.

  • 3 Days, 2 Nights

  • Fully Furnished Private Room with Queen Size Bed

  • Shared Kitchen and Bathroom

  • 1 Self Serve Light Breakfast with Seasonal California Produce

  • Farm to Table Brunch in the Garden

  • Free WIFI

Experience

We are thrilled to share a one of a kind indoor/outdoor gallery experience and celebrate Hip-Hop culture.

  • Gallery Tour

  • Artist Talk with Malikia Johnson

  • Refreshments: Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic Beverages. Hors d'oeuvres

  • Free Spotify Playlist Honoring the jazz and soul music on the 1970’s

Book Now

Rooms Available Starting At

$650

For a 2 night 3 day accommodation and gallery tour at B-Love’s Guest House.

Meet The Artist

Ms. Rosa Johnson also known as Mama Rosa (Master Gardener), Mother and Grandmother is the only Niece to Dr. Maya Angelou. 

Ms. Johnson began her academic journey in West Oakland at Hover Jr. High and later Oakland Tech. At the request of her dear Aunt she continued her academic journey earning her BA degree in Sociology with a focus on Arts Management while attending Salem College in Winston Salem, NC. Upon completion of summer term at Oxford University, Ms. Johnson began the monumental task(10 years)of archiving the extensive papers of Dr. Maya Angelou, the majority of which are now housed at The Schaumburg Center for Research in Black Culture and Wake Forest University Rare Books Library.  

Straw into Gold in the press

Straw into Gold: Maintaining an African American diasporic tradition of Ancient African Hair Sculpture through braiding, intricate and elaborate beadwork is Malikia’s first solo exhibit in over 40 years.

 

Art and culture in the heart of Oakland

West Oakland has a long standing history and culture of black art. The Black Panthers. Pullman Porters. Current business owners and culture keepers.

Our June Experiences

Hip Hop Stay Experience

Every Weekend June 2024

Traci is a nationally recognized artist and owner of B-Loves Guesthouse .Come STAY with us for a 3 day, 2 night, cultural influence of Traci’s work and EXPERIENCE her photo collection Tales of A 90s Girl.