Lessons through art

You may not have to open up a book for this lesson in American civics, but you do need to hit up the local library. This exhibit at the California State Library features works by the late photographer Jim Marshall and contemporary artist Shepard Fairey. Marshall, who died in 2010, chronicled social changes, celebrities and counterculture from the 1950s on, including Johnny Cash’s concerts at Folsom and San Quentin prisons. Fairey, who famously created the 2008 “Hope” poster with an image of President Barack Obama, embraces political messages in his work. In the American Civics exhibit, Fairey re-creates original photographs by Marshall, recognizing figures who have been on the front lines of five American issues: gun control, income inequality, mass incarceration, voting rights and workers’ rights. See the combined talent of these two artists on display through July. 914 Capitol Mall, www.americancivics.com.