For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning

WEST ORANGE, NJ — For Maria Estrela and Carol Jenkins, both female artists of color from Essex County, a new exhibit at the West Orange Arts Center has a special meaning.

On Saturday, June 5, “Black Lives Matter: For Justice, For Equality, For Liberty!” will debut online at the West Orange Arts Council website. Curated by Estrela and Jenkins, the gallery show will be open for in-person visits at 551 Valley Road through July 31. A reception will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.

This show has special meaning for Estrela, who said she was drawn to the West Orange Arts Council’s welcoming environment.

“I purposely utilize my skills to help Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) artists, who are underrepresented in the arts scene,” Estrela said. “I feel it’s important to raise awareness of the issues faced in their own communities including racism, discrimination, inequality and injustice.”

Jenkins agreed that the show is about “opportunity,” including for herself.

“This is my first curated show and I am proud to join Maria in this endeavor that is recognized by artists of all colors that ‘Black Lives Matter,’” Jenkins said.

Participating artists include: Josephine Barreiro, Sarah Bass Aspe, Yuri Bisono, Carol Black-Lemon, Wendy Born, Syreeta Brooks, Marina Carreira, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, Patricia Croft, Antoinette Ellis-Williams, Maria Estrela, Mary Fordham, Dino Gravato, Karen Goldberg, Patricia Hutchinson, Carol T. Jenkins, Lizette Louis, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Queen Mother Imakhu, Barbara Motley, Frank Niccoletti, Amelia Panico, Davynte “Red” Pannell, Sundra Parker, John Piccoli, Dayana Poulard, Ron Powell, Martryce Roach, Gale Sasson, Ameerah Shabazz, Ella Silivanch, Timothy Simmons, Elaine Tassy, Sheila R. Thompson, Denise Toney and Kelly D. Villalba.

The Black Lives Matter exhibit will be open for in-person visits, and timed-entry appointments mandatory. Hours are posted on www.facebook.com/woac.org. Attendees are required to social distance and wear face coverings at all times. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made at https://tinyurl.com/yumbkryp. An online gallery is on view at www.woarts.org.

According to the West Orange Arts Council, there are more social justice-related projects on the horizon:

“The WOAC’s new Literary Arts Group, led by Joyce Harley and Liana Torrice, will be working with our partners, the West Orange African Heritage Organization, the West Orange Human Relations Commission and the West Orange Public Library, to offer associated presentations and readings from the exhibit artists and from additional writers from Montclair, Newark and surrounding communities. In collaboration with Pleasant Valley Productions and the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center (OSPAC) in West Orange, the WOAC is co-sponsoring a mural project in conjunction with ‘This is Our Story’ performances in June. The community is invited to support these projects. Currently we welcomed a donation from Tylexa Enterprises, LLC, of South Orange who will be providing commemorative masks to participating artists and supporters. Live music at the exhibit reception on June 19, 2021, Juneteenth, the very first time celebrated as a New Jersey state holiday, will be coordinated by Gregory Burrus, local live music ambassador, event developer and community partner.”

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