Opening for Speaking to our Ancestors at the NRCA Rotunda Gallery
Anticipating the city-wide celebrations of Juneteenth, “Speaking to Our Ancestors” – featuring artists of African descent — opens at the NRCA Rotunda Gallery next week, on Tuesday, May 21st. An Opening Reception will take place Tuesday evening, from 5 to 7 pm.
Curated by NRCA’s Gallery Chair Lynn Honeysett and Valen Daughtrey, this exhibition explores African heritage through contemporary art, bridging eras and resonating with the voices of the past. The featured artists — including Val Daughtrey, Barry Mason, Even Bishop, CJ Priester, Alvin Clayton, MarkAnthony Love and Shanequa Benitez — draw upon cultural, spiritual, and historical influences, addressing themes of memory, resilience, music, love, goodness, and transformation: How do ancestral lives inform the present? How do artists of African descent carry historic burdens, mysteries, and traditions into their art and lives? Art allows these diverse artists to converse with a silent past, giving their ancestors a voice in the present and future.
The NRCA Rotunda Gallery is located in New Rochelle’s City Hall at 515 North Avenue, and open to the public during regular business hours. “Speaking to Our Ancestors” will be on exhibit until June 26th. For more information about NRCA visit www.newrochellearts.org.