The West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) is honored to present to the community A Salute to The Black Soldier-A Story Untold; This exhibition is in honor of Juneteenth, celebrating Black liberation and preservation in all forms. The works displayed inspire us to explore the idea of Black soldiers of all genders, individuals in the Black community, every day, big or small, have protected and nurtured each other. From historical to current-day, Black soldiers and heroes’ valiant efforts have been overlooked for too long.
With the great help of gallerist Rey Arvelo, we are honored to feature the works of WOAC members: Ameerah Bilal-Shabazz, Maria Estrela, Clara Ford, Mary Franklin, Karen Goldberg, Carol T. Jenkins, Theodore “MARDI” Jenkins, Joanne Leone, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Della Moses Walker, John Piccoli, and Onnie Struther.
A Salute to The Black Soldier-A Story Untold can be viewed June 4, 2023, through July 9, 2023, at the West Orange Arts Center on 551 Valley Road, West Orange. On Saturday, June 17, from 1-4 pm, the West Orange Arts Council invites the community to an in-person artists’ reception featuring music produced by Gregory Burrus Productions with performances by Lynette Sheard Live. Reception sponsorship in collaboration with the West Orange Human Relations Committee.
The WOAC Gift Shop will highlight hand-crafted home accents and bath products using the brilliant colors of Juneteenth Freedom Day and will offer exhibit-related items, jewelry, pottery, and other beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces.
The exhibit A Salute to The Black Soldier-A Story Untold is presented to the community in partnership with the West Orange Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17. This Celebration includes a Flag Raising Ceremony at Town Hall at 11 am, followed by the West Orange Arts Council Exhibit Reception at 1 pm and the Heroes Among Us Documentary Screening at Luna Stage at 5 pm.
About West Orange Arts Council:
The West Orange Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate, inspire, and support the arts in West Orange. Area artists and community leaders remain the core of this all-volunteer organization that operates the West Orange Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ. For more info visit woarts.org, www.facebook.com/woac.org or email us.
This program is made possible partly by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.