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Things to Do > Attractions > Public Art > Arsenal Gallery

Reaching for the Sun: A Celebration of Black History Month

Picture of the Medgar Evers College Thirteenth Anniversary Commemorative Quilt
The Medgar Evers College Thirteenth Anniversary Commemorative Quilt Mary Louise Smith

Parks’ Ebony Society’s Black History Committee presents the Arsenal Gallery’s annual art exhibit in honor of Black History Month. This year’s show, entitled Reaching for the Sun features the artistic and creative talents of Parkies, former Parkies, family members, and members of Parks recreation centers. As in years past, this show highlights a variety of art works from quilts and puppets, to photographs and oil paintings.

The works in the exhibition celebrate the creative talents of our Parkies and park patrons, and recognize the time-honored traditions that have been practiced within African-American communities. One quilt in particular, The Medgar Evers College Thirteenth Anniversary Commemorative Quilt , crafted by Mary Louise Smith, is composed of 130 African fabrics from the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Benin and South Africa. The colorful quilt contains Ghanian Adinkra symbols in golden thread representing respect, truth, courage, unity, understanding, peace and remembrance

Picture of the UAM Harlem African Parade
UAM Harlem African Parade
Dennis Cooper

Reaching for the Sun will be on display in the Arsenal Gallery through Thursday, February 28, 2002. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This show is annually curated by Parks employees Ying Goodson and Maxine Clark.