By: Maria-Paula
This year, Jamestown Settlement will exhibit its Black Artist Showcase for the Black History Month between Feb. 1 – 29, with an exclusive opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Black Artist Showcase, which was originally limited to one weekend, is on extended view all February by connecting the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history.
Under the theme, “the beauty of our lives”, guests are encouraged to dress ‘beautifully’ for the evening where 22 Virginia-based artists are expected to present more than 30 original interpretations and reflections of family, faith, music and social justice. Participants will be treated to contemporary art and 17th-century history while enjoying live music, hor d’oeuvres, and a cash bar.
The culture of West Central Africans brought as slaves to Virginia in the 17th century will be displayed through immersive gallery exhibits, films, and education programs.
Live music by Akeylah Simone, a spoken word performance by artist Clayton Singleton, and reflections on the fourth year of the showcase from artist Austin “Auz” Miles will be highlights of the Black Artist Showcase opening.
Some of the artwork by African American artists on display will also be available for purchase.
After Angelo, a one-day program honoring the legacy of one of the first African women in Jamestown will be a celebration of African American culture and heritage through art, performance, and community conversation.
From permanent gallery exhibits, films and narrations that tell the story of Virginia Indian, English and West Central African cultures who converged in the 17th century, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, will share the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America.
In addition, Robins Foundation Theater will showcase a series of dynamic programs, including entertaining performances.
The documentary film, “1607: A Nation Takes Root,” shown every 30 minutes in the museum theater, traces the evolution of the Virginia Company that sponsored the Jamestown colony The film examines the relationship between the English colonists, the Powhatan Indians, and the arrival chronicles of the first recorded West Central Africans in 1619.
Period artifacts, immersive films and exhibits share historical accounts of the first documented Africans to Virginia in 1619, their homeland in Ndongo (Angola), life in the Virginia colony, development of the transatlantic slave trade and the evolution of a new African American culture.
Although residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency, a discounted combination ticket with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown costs $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 6-12.
All daytime performances, activities, and speaker presentations during this special event are included with museum admission charged at $18.00 for adults, $9.00 for ages 6-12, and free for children aged under 5.