Black History Month Exhibit Opens At West Orange Arts Center

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 honored to present “Celebrating African-American Elegance,” an art exhibition that can be viewed Feb. 3 to Feb. 24 at the West Orange Arts Center, 551 Valley Road. The community is invited to an artists’ reception on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. WOAC Gallery hours are Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment.

This exciting show has been assembled with the great help of gallerist Rey Arvelo and with support from Maria Estrela. It features the work of the following WOAC members: Judyann Affronte, Luis Alves, Kwaku Debrah, Nettie Forne Thomas, Mary Franklin, Karen Goldberg, Laurie Harden, Kathleen Heron, Carol T. Jenkins, Joanne Leone, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, John Piccoli, Timothy Simmons, Linda Strobert, Antoinette Ellis-Williams, and Tasha Williams. Throughout the run of the show, come to the West Orange Art Center to meet some of the artists and learn about their work, process, vision, and inspiration.

Black History Month provides the community with a way to pause, connect, express cultural pride, and honor ancestors through art. "As an African-American and an artist, Black History Month always brings a special meaning to me and to those of African descent who strive to achieve excellence, especially in the arts," states exhibiting artist and WOAC Board Member Carol T. Jenkins.

“This WOAC exhibit showcases the Black community’s uplifting resilience and strong identity as well as its impactful human connection,” says WOAC Chair Patricia Mitrano. “We are fortunate to have an arts center in our community and look forward to celebrating this month with our visitors.”

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.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.