School integration history talk online Feb. 18
Bringing attention to the talents of Black artists and the fullness of Black humanity is an exhibit called Black Histories, Future Visions, on display at CAMP Rehoboth through Sunday, Feb. 28.
Art influences thoughts and perceptions; it serves to connect the dots on persistent inequities and biases. Artists have highlighted stories that need to be told in Black Histories, Future Visions.
Continuing the dialogue concerning the Black experience is also important. CAMP Rehoboth and Southern Delaware Alliance For Racial Justice will host What Took So Long, a panel discussion on school integration in Sussex County, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18. African American panelists who helped integrate Sussex County schools include Orlando Camp, Diaz Bonville, Marjorie Biles, Charles Hammond and Abigail Ikechi-Konkwo. Gail Jackson will serve as moderator.
Exhibitor Aaron Paskins’ vision involves being true to himself and the artwork he creates for all mankind. He allows the artwork to speak for itself as it electrifies people all over the world. His unique wall hangings offer a glimpse into African American ideas and knowledge of their heritage. “The art reflects where we are and want to be in life, and also how we see ourselves with our vision going forward,” said Paskins.
The practice of quilting lives on with Ann B. Martin, a member of A Stitch in Time Quilt Guild. Martin uses machine and hand stitching along with glued and incorporated items. Numerous small and large quilts are on display.
During graduate school, artist Guy Miller made the dramatic shift to a three-dimensional focus. After completing his graduate degree, Miller returned to Delaware to not only continue his artistic work, but also to teach. Miller’s works feature his renditions of African American superheroes of the mid-1990s – 25 years before the cinematic success of the “Black Panther” film in 2018. His art begs the question, “Why were African American superheroes excluded from such products?”
Olaive Jones has been painting and creating works on paper and canvas since the early 2000s. Her art continues to evolve as an expression of who she is and how she sees the world around her in response to social and political conditions. She said it is her deepest intention to tap into home, into whatever home is inside the heart.
Tina Witke is an 18-year-old high school student planning to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue fashion design. She loves to draw, and her favorite mediums are combinations of watercolor and colored pencils. Her artwork is a representation of culture and awareness.
SeanCorey Gallery, the duo of Sean Hueber and Corey Wheatley, have worked together for 30 years to create a broad range of art. Branches, sticks and logs are transformed into art pieces that look like animals and people moving in time and space. Their collaboration is an integral, motivating agent in developing vibrant paintings in oil and acrylic. The philosophy at SeanCorey is that everyone should be able to enjoy art.
For more information or to register for the webinar, go to camprehoboth.com.
