Ecospace In Hartford To Open New Art Exhibit Honoring Black Identity

HARTFORD, CT — The 224 EcoSpace, a Hartford-based, minority-run small business focused on community, entrepreneurship, the arts and health and wellness, presents “Interpretations of Black Excellence.”

The community is invited to the opening reception Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Collaboration Centre at The 224 EcoSpace, 224 Farmington Ave., Hartford.

The exhibit will be on display through March 31.

“This exhibit acknowledges and honors Black culture and Black identity. It’s intended to highlight many facets of who we are as a people,” said Andre Rochester, program manager at The 224 EcoSpace.

"Our trials and tribulations are only part of our experience, they don’t encompass our entire identity. Instead of highlighting our trauma, we’re celebrating our culture,” he continues. “The story we’re sharing in the Collaboration Centre at The 224 will be one of beauty and acknowledgement of ancestry, positivity, and strength.”

Featuring photography, painting, mixed media, and sculpture by artists, the exhibit is intended to uplift and celebrate Black culture through the work of artists from Springfield, Mass., and throughout Connecticut.

“I’m honored to have three quilts from my private collection in this amazing, prodigious exhibition,” said Ed Johnetta Miller. “It’s so important for us to celebrate Black culture here in Connecticut. All of our stories intertwine and the ‘Black Experience’ is made up of many different perspectives, which makes our culture rich and beautiful."

“The pandemic put a pause on our ability to showcase the talent and creativity here in Connecticut,” noted the Rev. Lydell Brown, president and chief executive officer at The 224 EcoSpace.

“We’re excited to reinvigorate our space with these captivating works of art.”

An initiative made possible by The Conference of Churches, The 224 EcoSpace is in Hartford’s Asylum Hill neighborhood.

It is a 30,000-square-foot space that includes multiple dance studios, a large collaboration center, co-working space, a performance sanctuary and several small business offices.

To learn more, visit www.the224.org | Facebook | Instagram