Arts Council Chronicles Black History Through New Exhibit
By: Hayley Mason
Updated: February 19, 2013
WINCHESTER, VA- The Shenandoah Arts Council is now displaying its Black History Month exhibit, "Interculturality." It features the work of two Washington artists.
The works of Oluwatoyin Tella, chronicle the African and African American experience through ancestral imagery and spiritual awareness.
"Toyin's work was all about energy and calling up ancestors," says Tracy Marlatt, the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Arts Council.
"Each piece will have two people in it. One is from the present and the other you'll see the memory of an ancestor being called to mind," says Marlatt.
Tella uses the color indigo to highlight features of Yoruba art, an African culture in which she says the color symbolizes a high level of "life force energy" and sometimes consciousness.
Her work also explores the relationship between enslaved Africans and present-day African Americans.
The Shenandoah Arts Council chose the theme "Interculturality" to represent the many shades of African-American influence. They say in today's society especially families of mixed races can also appreciate Black history.
"We wanted to celebrate all shades," says Marlatt. "It is Black History month, but it's a celebration of all diversity."
The other featured artist, Cheryl Edwards, brings the concept of interculturality full circle through her work.
"Her body of work is celebrating families that have crossed those cultural lines," Marlatt says.
With a growing minority population, Marlatt says, "Interculturality" is something to be celebrated throughout the local community.
"We want to promote really powerful, strong work," Marlatt says. "That's been a lot of the feedback. that this visual show is very strong."
On Sunday, February 24th, the Shenandoah Arts Council will be hosting the "Purple Peace" fashion show, featuring designs from Roslyn Ella Honesty. It will begin at 3 p.m. at the Arts Council Gallery.
