The Second Annual Celebration of African American Artists
Submitted by Lawrence Cappiello
The City of Rahway presents The Bridge: The Second Annual Celebration of African American Artists. The Exhibit will be held at The Gallery Space, 1670 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ (at the corner of Irving St. & Seminary Avenue). The exhibit runs from February 5 through March 6, 2020. There will be an Opening Reception on Sunday February 9, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Dunbar Repertory Company will be performing “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass: an eloquent account of a young man’s life under slavery and his eventual escape” at the Opening Reception.
Admission is free to the public; light refreshments will be served. February Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Wednesday 7:00-9:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10- 11:30 a.m.
This exhibit features a wide variety of Artworks by: Bisa Wendy Washington, Kimberly Camp, Kara S. Rice, Onnie Strother, Mel Holston, Derek J. Dent, Tino F. Cook, Gannon Crutcher and Xplore Freedom.
Art is a bridge between people and culture. In a world where there are so many divisions, it becomes imperative to find ways that we can all come to a greater understanding of the people around us. Art provides insights into the experiences of the artist and the tone and tenor of their life.
Curator, Lawrence Cappiello relates, “In searching for artworks for The Bridge exhibit, I was particularly on the lookout for a variety of artworks and styles that address differing aspects of the experience of African American Artists. Some of the featured artworks focus on community: home, family, neighborhood. Some works deal with the culture particular to African Americans. Other art addresses historic significance of events and people who propelled the evolution of African Americans in society or toward freedom or toward Civil rights. The issues presented are the collective aspects of life for these African American artists and have been transformed through their art into often powerful statements about our society and the lives of a significant percentage of the population.”
This Art Exhibit includes a wide range of artworks by veterans of the New Jersey Art Community, whose works have been frequently exhibited and, in some cases, have been award winners. The artworks highlight daily life, social and at times political issues facing the African American community.
