Speaking to Our Ancestors Opens at the NRCA Rotunda Gallery May 21st
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, Shanequa Benitez and Traci Johnson — 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.
Some works include augmented reality components, enhancing educational experiences and engaging the community. By blending traditional artistry with modern innovation, the exhibition honors the past while looking forward, channeling pain into positive action and inspiring hope and reflection.
Lynn Honeysett, the Chair of the NRCA Rotunda Gallery, was trained as an artist at the National Academy of Art in NYC; she was formerly Executive Director of the Pelham Art Center. Valen Daughtrey is an illustrator, graphic designer, muralist, and teaching artist who works as a Program Advisor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Daughtry, who recently joined NRCA’s Gallery Committee, says “’Speaking to Our Ancestors’ celebrates the profound narratives of these artists. Their works transcend time, honoring ancestors and paving the way for future generations, teaching us the enduring values of love and goodness.”
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.
CAPTION:
“Diary of a Wet Nurse” by Alvin Clayton is among the works featured in “Speaking to Our Ancestors” at the NRCA Rotunda Gallery.
About New Rochelle Council on the Arts
The New Rochelle Council on the Arts mission is to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and the public\’s interest and participation therein. It has been exemplified by our sponsorship of a vast number of exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series. To create opportunities for the public to encounter and explore art and increase access to the arts in New Rochelle.
NRCA has been in existence for nearly 40 years — it was created by a resolution adopted by the New Rochelle City Council on April 8, 1975. Our mission is to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and the public’s interest and participation therein. This is exemplified by our sponsorship of a vast number of exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series.