Howland Celebrates African American History

BEACON – Since 1976, the month of February has been designated National African American History Month to give recognition and to celebrate the contributions of black-Americans to the historic and cultural development of this nation.

For the past twenty-three years, the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, has taken part in the national celebration. This year The Howland is presenting its 24th annual exhibition featuring sixteen African American Artists of the Hudson Valley thru February 25, with an opening reception last Saturday, February 3.

A varied selection of art is on display by Jean Benoit, Ronald Brown, Yvette Byrd, Ramona Candy,

Destiny Faulkner, Shaunda-Sekai Holloway, Kyra Sukenya Husbands, Robert E. Lewis, Corey Lightfoot, Richard Outlaw, Samantha Outlaw, Dwight Reed, Eddison Romeo, Oliver Spearman, Gina Waters, and Donald Whitely.

Curators for this year’s exhibition are Josephine Green and Richard Outlaw.

Outlaw is no stranger to the Howland as he has been exhibiting his work at the Beacon locale for a number of years. His acrylic works entitled “Vote,” “1619,” “Red, Black, & White,” and “Landscape” are some of his work on display as he pulls double duty as both an artist and curator. His daughter Samantha, now 13, has also been participating in the show for a number of years and has several pieces on display this year.

An emotional Green was super excited about being a part of this year’s show. “This year is very special because we are celebrating Michael White and his life during this event. He was a wonderful person…was such a talent, such a sweet soul,” Green said.

This year’s show was dedicated to the memory of a young African American artist, Michael White, who died in December, 2017. White participated in the annual exhibitions for over ten years. Several of his wonderful paintings will be on view throughout the show.

African America Artists of the Hudson Valley will be on view through February 25th. Gallery hours are 1:00 – 5:00 pm every Friday, Saturday Sunday, and Monday with an exception on Sunday, February 11 when the Howland Chamber Music Circle will present Charlie Albright, piano in concert at 4 pm, and the art gallery is closed to the general viewing public.

The Howland Cultual Center is located at the east end of Main Street, (477) in Beacon, New York.