Black History & Culture: Eyes Wide Open
Black History & Culture: Eyes Wide Open
“Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” – African Proverb
The 2025 Bethany Arts Community Black History exhibit “Black History & Culture: Eyes Wide Open” is a transformative journey that our society has long awaited. For too long, we have viewed history with eyes wide shut, omitting the presence, contributions, experiences, afflictions, and injustices suffered by African Americans in our shared history.
This exhibit signifies a pivotal moment where we commit to observing black history with eyes wide open, fully acknowledging and embracing the realities experienced by African Americans in our community, state, and country. This commitment includes each one of us, making us all responsible for understanding and respecting the history of African Americans. We honor their contributions, resilience, and legacies that have the power to inspire, educate, and enrich our understanding of topics ranging from the enduring fight for civil rights and advances in medicine to culinary influences.
This exhibit is not just a display, but a powerful educational tool. As an African proverb wisely states, “Until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter.” Let this powerful message inspire and motivate us. It is time for the lion to speak.
5th installment of this award-winning exhibit at BAC will open on February 1, 2025 and will be on display through March 14, 2025. The exhibition will utilize oral history accounts and genealogical research to unearth the histories of the Black experience from all facets of life. Curated by Ossining Village Historian, Joyce Sharrock Cole.
Exhibit Dates: February 1 – March 14, 2025
“Night At The Museum” Opening Reception: February 1, 2025 6-8PM
Gallery Hours (Starting February 3):
Monday-Saturday: 10AM-4PM
Closed Sundays
Exhibit is open 30-minutes before events at BAC
Walk & Talk Experiences with Curator Joyce Sharrock-Cole – $25 Adult/$15 Student/Senior
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 7-8:30PM – Click to learn more and register!
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 7-8:30PM – Click to learn more and register!
To inquire about scheduling a private group tour (for groups of 8 or more) contact Julia by email at [email protected] or by phone at (914) 944-4278.
BAC Docent Program
Docents are trained volunteer facilitators who provide group-learning experiences in the form of museum tours for Bethany Arts Community’s annual Black History & Culture Exhibit, this year’s theme “Eyes Wide Open.” The program expands the volunteer’s knowledge of art and history while strengthening communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
The program is designed to offer students and adults an exciting and engaging experience that stimulates learning, understanding, and compassion for others’ lived experiences. This program supports BAC’s mission to foster the intersection of ideas, sharing, connection, and collaboration, in an inclusive culture where people experience the power of art to improve lives and deepen their perceptions and perspectives of the world.
Docent Duties and Responsibility:
- Support visitors & interpret exhibits for visitors through interactive programming
- Communicate directly with visitors, including the public, students, and special interest groups.
- Work in collaboration with BAC staff & volunteers
- Facilitate interpretive programs as designed by the curator in a manner consistent with program goals and objectives
- Attend 2 required training sessions about facilitation and exhibit content
- Maintain an attitude of flexibility and respect in all relationships with visitors, peers, and BAC staff
- Commit to scheduled volunteer service
INTERESTED? HAVE QUESTIONS? Email [email protected] to sign up! Or call the BAC office at 914-944-4278.
Image Design Credit: Emric Cole
