ATHENS, Ohio -- In celebration of Black History Month, the Kennedy Museum of Art presents an inspiring new exhibition "People of Color: A Multicultural Role in History" opening Feb. 1. The exhibition, which highlights the multicultural community of Kilvert, Ohio, is an engaging expression of community identity, heritage and regional history. The exhibition will be on view through March 30.
The exhibition's guest curator, David Butcher, is a Kilvert resident and local history aficionado. His inspiration for this project grew from his own quest to preserve his family's history.
Butcher stated, "My goal is to make people aware of our community's unique history. My hope is that this exhibition will encourage others to see how important it is to know their own family history and continue to explore and find these remarkable connections."
Butcher's African American, Native American and European American ancestors were among the first individuals to settle this southeastern Ohio community. Butcher, along with several family members, including his uncle Alvin Adams, an author, civil rights activist and former staff writer for Jet Magazine, who is also an area native, conducted exhaustive research on the community. The result is an informative exploration of cultural identity, family, region and history. Genealogical records, photographic documentation, historical memorabilia, and arts and crafts of past and present community members, compose this eclectic and captivating exhibition.
A public reception will be held on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. The Kennedy Museum will also host a series of events in conjunction with the exhibition including a Gallery Talk by David Butcher and Alvin Adams on Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. and Art Encounter family workshops on Feb 1 and 8. For information call (740) 593-1304.
"People of Color" and the Jacob Lawrence print exhibition "Genesis, Hiroshima and Toussaint L'Ouverture" are integral to Ohio University's special events programming for Black History Month.
Foremost among these events is the university's African American Community and Campus Day 2003, "A Tribute to Families," which celebrates the rich histories and cultures of African Americans and the African Diaspora in the Ohio River Valley.
"A Tribute to Families" will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nelson Commons, Ohio University. A shuttle bus will run between Nelson Commons and the Kennedy Museum between 3 and 6 p.m.
The Kennedy Museum of Art is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Pre-arranged guided tours are available to community and school groups with advance notice. For information or to book tours call (740) 593-1304.
