(Disclaimer: Columns often contain opinion. Any opinion contained in this column belongs to the author.)
On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History hosted a reception for its Emerging Artists Exhibition in its spacious conference room. Local high school students presented their works along the walls, interspersed with the works of local established artists. The pieces were on display in celebration of Black History Month.
The reception drew a sizable crowd. Dean and I were a little late arriving to the event, so we missed most of the presentations and talks made by participating artists. When we entered the conference room, we found the Museum’s Executive Director Linda Johnson and Board Vice President Leon Maben each taking the podium, both speaking briefly about upcoming museum events and how to become a member.
After the talks concluded, Nefertiti Robinson stepped to the podium and sang, entertaining the crowd while the attendees mingled with the artists. It was a lovely and vibrant affair.
Many high school artists participated in the exhibition. The featured artist was Chase McKai Young, a student at Greenbrier High School. Her painting, For Every Name I Shed a Tear, was a moving and emotional image that stopped me in my tracks. Other young artists featured included students Zykira Blocket, Nadia Clark, Tony Cerna, Keelan Gordon, Oliver Josue Lopez Reyes, and Zyrianna Williams from T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School. In addition to these emerging young talents, the exhibit featured works by well-known local artists such as Rhian Swain, Dr. Pat Cummings and Devin Lovett.
The exhibition will be up through March 17, so you still have time to take it all in. The museum is located at 1116 Phillips St. You will find plenty of parking in the lot just off Laney Walker Boulevard. Contact the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History at (706) 724-3576 at for more information. You may also visit them online at www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.
Columnist Francie Klopotic can be found about the town attending concerts, arts exhibitions and almost any event highlighting Augusta’s cultural offerings.
