Howland Cultural Center Celebrates African-American History Month

BEACON – Artist Jean Benoit can’t say enough about Beacon, New York.

From the small, quaint city appeal, to its diverse Main Street flair, to its kind, interesting population, he radiates with joy whenever he visits. His smile and appreciation widens even more when he views the large assortment of galleries and other businesses housing an assortment of breathtaking art. So, when the successful artist from Connecticut found out about the Annual Howland Cultural Center’s Celebration of African-American History Month that features African-American artists from the Hudson Valley, he did not hesitate to learn more about how he could contribute. Now showcasing some of his artwork for the fourth time at the Annual Show, Benoit joined 10 other artists Saturday afternoon at Howland for its official Opening. Here, artists were on hand, sharing their passions for their craft as well as pride in the rich history they are a part of with guests. In total, 55 pieces, including paintings, fabric art and a wall sculpture were available to view, discuss, as well as purchase inside Howland, which is itself a remarkable work of art.

“I really like the overall, old town feeling in Beacon as well as the appreciation its people have for art,” said Benoit, who has an oil painting of Kobe Bryant among his four pieces. “The Howland Cultural Center takes me to days in the past; it’s a piece of history, from the tremendous arches, to the wooden panels, it’s a piece of art to admire.” Benoit, surveying the interior of Howland, added, “I love displaying my art here because it is appreciated, and the only thing an artist likes more than appreciation for his art is when someone buys it.”
During the Opening, several artists were able to make those magical sales. However, regardless of whether that transpired, all of the artists, along with the large turnout of art admirers, enjoyed themselves. Offering a host of unique opportunities, the event was a success on multiple levels.

“This event is just so warm, and it’s a great chance to bond with other, local artists,” said Arnold Hayes of Poughkeepsie, who is in the Show for the third year, and has four paintings on display, including images of Louis Armstrong and Aretha Franklin. “The subject matter here brings a new perspective, and these kinds of events are very important, especially in this area, as it gets people to come out who might not typically do so and really enjoy themselves.”

It’s that very unique flavor of the Show that celebrates a deep culture as well as art talent that inspired Josephine Green, a well-known photographer, who long contributed to the Show, to take on the Curator role the last couple of years.

“There are new dynamics for this event this year; we have some new artists here as well as some young people, and we are really hoping we can get even more youth talent to contribute in the future,” said Green. “This Show is so important because it allows us to focus on and support black talent right here in the Hudson Valley.”

In addition to Benoit and Hayes, other artists contributing to this month’s exhibit are; Ronald E. Brown, Rhonda Green-Phillips, Ondine Thomas James, Leslie Koenig, Richard Outlaw, Symantha Outlaw, Oliver Spearman, Donald Whitely, and Rochleigh Wholf.

If you did not get a chance to attend the Opening, there is still plenty of opportunity to view the art that will be housed at the Howland Cultural Center throughout the month of February, as we continue to celebrate Black History Month. Gallery hours for viewing the pieces are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00-5:00pm, with exceptions of February 16, 22, and 23, when the art gallery will be closed to the viewing public due to performances.

The Howland Cultural Center is located on 477 Main Street in the City of Beacon.