Black History Month Art Exhibit In West Orange: ‘We’ll Never Forget’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Arts Council. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) is proud to announce its 2025 Black History Month exhibit, We’ll Never Forget, a powerful showcase of work by renowned West Orange artist Bernard Jackson. The exhibit will be on display at the West Orange Arts Center at 551 Valley Road, from February 8 through March 2, 2025. Gallery hours are Saturdays from 1-4 pm and Sundays from 2-4 pm.

We’ll Never Forget pays tribute to the resilience and enduring spirit of the African American community. Through his evocative paintings such as We Will Never Forget and The Front Line, Jackson captures collective memories and experiences that are vital to preserving Black history.

Bernard Jackson, a distinguished fine and commercial artist based in West Orange, is celebrated for his abstract work and dynamic series, including The Colored Series, The Red Tricycle, Jazz Legends, Flower Girl, Indigo Blu, and his latest, The Red Umbrella.

The community is invited to the WOAC Gallery Scheduled Events:

• Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1-4 p.m., hosted by the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association.
• Artist Reception: Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 4–7 p.m., hosted by the WOSAC Foundation
• Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 2–4 p.m., hosted by Rho Gamma Omega Chapter of AKA
• Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 1–4 p.m., hosted by Alicia's Lash District
• Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2–4 p.m., hosted by the WO Human Relations Commission

All events and receptions are open to the public and will feature light refreshments. Additionally, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, the WOAC will welcome the West Orange Senior Citizens for an afternoon of art.

WOAC Board Members Tammy Williams and Carol Jenkins have played pivotal roles in the presentation of this exhibit. Tammy Williams believes that weaving stories of resilience, beauty, and culture into the fabric of our lives inspires us to dream bigger, connect deeper, and embrace the power of our shared humanity. “The West Orange Arts Center’s Black History Month exhibit serves as a universal language, connecting diverse communities and fostering unity. As artist Anselm Kiefer once said, 'Art is a form of nourishment. We need to be fed by the image.' ”

This sentiment is embodied in the works of local artists like Bernard Jackson, whose contributions enrich the cultural tapestry of our community. “Art has the power to tell stories that transcend time, and during Black History Month, we celebrate those stories that honor the legacy, creativity, and strength of the Black community,” says board member Board Member Carol T. Jenkins. “This exhibit is a tribute to history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of expression through art.”

“We are fortunate to have an arts center in our community where we can showcase Bernard’s powerful works, which honor history and celebrate the Black community’s enduring resilience and rich cultural identity,” says WOAC Chair Patricia Mitrano.

WOAC Gift Shop: Featuring Attractively Priced Unique Creations by Local Artists

The WOAC Gift Shop is highlighting hand-crafted home accents and bath products offering an array of specifically created and selected art-inspired items crafted by local artists. The selection includes handmade jewelry, scarves, ceramics, paintings, cards, soaps, home décor, and more—perfect for finding one-of-a-kind treasures.

About the West Orange Arts Council

The West Orange Arts Council is dedicated to promoting the arts in West Orange and providing opportunities for artists and the community to connect through exhibitions, workshops, and events. The West Orange Arts Council's mission is to cultivate, inspire, and support the arts in West Orange. Area artists and community leaders remain the core of this all-volunteer organization that operates the West Orange Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ. For more info visit www.woarts.org, www.facebook.com/woac.org or email info@woarts.org

This program is made possible partly by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs and the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund.

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