Black History Month Exhibition

In honor of Black History Month, the Poe Park Visitor Center is exhibiting local artists who portray their interpretations of the Black experience. The exhibition, curated by Lucy Aponte, is a recurring exhibition that features seven artists: Dolo, Trayvon Blondet, James Deliard, Sika, Kristen Cherry, Arlene Santiago, and Emely Luna. Kristen Cherry,"Portrait". Story by Nicollette Samuels

Creative designer James Deliard contributed three different pieces this year. The first, “When Things Fall Apart,” is inspired by the novel, Things Fall Apart, by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, whose book depicts nineteenth century pre-colonial life in southeastern Nigeria and the arrival of Europeans. James Deliard, "Untitled"

His second piece is untitled and illustrates the image of an African queen or royalty. Deliard’s third piece was a late addition to the exhibition according to Aponte. “He sent over his work and asked if he could do one more piece for the exhibition,” Aponte said. It depicts the heads of royalty from different tribes in Africa, such as Egypt and Ethiopia. James Deliard, "Tribes"

Artist Dolo contributed his piece “Love or Lust,” which also depicts Egyptian royalty. Trayvon Blondet submitted a series of photos of African American subjects in urban surroundings.  The artist Sika presented an untitled, abstract work and used food, such as fruits and vegetables as dye. Dolo, "Love or Lust"

Kristen Cherry exhibited three paintings, “Carefree Brown Girl,” “Portrait,” and an untitled work. Kristen Cherry, "Portrait"

Her paintings, especially “Carefree Brown Girl,” are famous on social media and have been shared many times on platforms such as Instagram and Tumblr. Kristen Cherry, "Carefree Brown Girl"

Arlene Santiago created a portrait of an older woman by using photo manipulation, called “Phenomenal Woman.”

Lastly, contributor Emely Luna, a volunteer at Poe Park, painted an untitled portrait of a young woman. “She claims that the painting is of no one in particular, but it looks just like her,” says Aponte.