The California African American Museum roars into the new art season ? and the new semester ? with a stunning cycle of exhibitions examining cultural and sociopolitical topics ranging from how Cross Colours redefined 20th-century fashion, avant-garde metal sculpture, Antebellum interpretations and latter-day portrayals of women of color, historical linguistic vestiges in the contemporary South, and the ground-breaking work of Los Angeles mixed media artist Timothy Washington.

The shows are now all open concurrently, with rolling closing dates, but first, it's time to celebrate their confluence with the next Can't Stop, Won't Stop! public opening party, featuring CAAM's always-free admission, plus music and food trucks in the courtyard, and of course, surprises.

California African American Museum, 600 State Park Dr., Exposition Park; Reception: Wed., Oct. 2, 7-9 p.m.; exhibition: Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m; free; caamuseum.org.