Sunday, February 13, 2011
Each piece tells its own story of triumph, resilience, and the human condition. From African tribal masks and paintings to patchwork quilts, the art selected for Gloucester County College's Black History Month art exhibit live to tell stories of generations of Africans and African Americans and its lasting impact today.
The exhibit, sponsored by The Links, Inc., a non-profit organization started in 1946 focused on the continued preservation and success of African and African Americans, runs at Gloucester County College through March 4. The exhibit displays the work of nine contemporary African American artists, including quilts by Kathleen D. Lindsey.
Lindsey, African American historian, artist, and author, has been sewing her remarkable quilts for more than 30 years. A life-time resident of Clayton, Lindsey has also displayed a wide range of other talents, from performing stage shows to writing children's books, but quilting seems to be her true calling.
"The first thing I thought when I woke up this morning was, ÔWhat kind of quilt will I make?'" Lindsey said. "Quilting comforts me. It's my entertainment."
Lindsey was the lead writer of the now-retired group Seven Quilts for Seven Sisters. The group traveled along the East Coast for 16 years, telling stories and singing songs from the Civil War era. The group disbanded in 2009, but Lindsey, however, still performs stage shows to continue her passion.
"I want to continue my legacy," Lindsey said.
The work of local artists Joan Wallace Reeves and Ruby Peters are also being displayed at GCC.
Reeves, a Philadelphia native, has also had her work displayed at the Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia and the Atlantic City Arts Center.
Peters, a professor at Temple University, a millinery expert, will be displaying her one-of-a kind hats alongside the works of Vusumuzi Maduna, Walter Cade III, Michele Lucas, Sandra Peterson-Giles, and Vincent Wilson, a 12-year-old cartoonist.
The work of all nine artists will be open to the public at GCC's art gallery from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
