Black History Month – Art Exhibit and Contest
Please note: submissions to the gallery exhibit are still being accepted for display only. Contest entry is now closed for new submissions.
February 4 to 28, 2023 | Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street) | Free Admission
Talented artists create their interpretation of "The Black Family: Source of Perseverance and Resilience." NACCA is pleased to create a platform for this talented group of individuals to express their artistic vision and positionality as black artists. This year’s exhibit is The Black Family: Source of Perseverance and Resilience. For some, the task of executing this particular composition might garner a reflection inwards; whilst others may decide to look at a specific subject to be inspired. The support structure and relationships formed out of strong family bonds make us stronger and are one aspect of success in navigating the complexities of society’s racial inequities. In addressing the Black family as a source of perseverance and resilience, we celebrate all Black families. Recognition is given to Black families which comprise a variety of identities.
Gallery Hours:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding February 7)
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding February 11 and 18)
- Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m. (excluding February 5)
- Wednesday evenings, 7 to 9 p.m.
School Tours
The Black Family: Source of Perseverance and Resilience
“I sustain myself with love of family” – Maya Angelou
Family is a basic unit in every society however, the composition of the family is more complex to define. There is recognition that the "ideal family" is one subset of a diverse society. Nowhere has this been more marked than within the diverse multi-ethnic Black community. Black families are not all the same and like other ethnicities, the geographical location, culture, religion and socio-economic status play a large part in the modeling of each family.
In all societies, cultures and families there are and always will be challenges. However, the historical challenges of the Black family from slavery to present day are rooted in structural and institutionalized racism; this has served to deligitimalize traditional African norms. In order to survive, the Black family has had to transform itself, to buffer the experiences and impacts. Family and kin networks have served as an important bulwark.
The definition of perseverance and resilience appropriately describes the Black families’ response to navigating anti-black racism.
Family values are an essential element across all ethnicities. Some of the traditions and culture of the Black family are rooted in respect for elders, education, community, social justice advocacy, and faith.
Throughout the month of February, NACCA in partnership with the Town of Newmarket, will be showcasing artistic works from various artists throughout York Region for our Black History Month Art Exhibit. The callout for submissions was made to those identifying as Black or of African descent and NACCA is pleased to create a platform for this talented group of individuals to express their artistic vision and positionality as black artists. This year’s exhibit is The Black Family: Source of Perseverance and Resilience.
The artists were given the green light to create their interpretation of “The Black Family: Source of Perseverance and Resilience.” For some, the task of executing this particular composition might garner a reflection inwards; whilst others may decide to look at a specific subject to be inspired. The support structure and relationships formed out of strong family bonds make us stronger and are one aspect of success in navigating the complexities of society’s racial inequities. In addressing the Black family as a source of perseverance and resilience, we celebrate all Black families. Recognition is given to Black families which comprise a variety of identities.
The exploration of various aspects of the Black family’s ability to sustain perseverance and resilience resonates tremendously. As always we encourage that the education around Black History Month continues not only in February but throughout the year.
