By Chelsea Reed
African American History Month, also known as Black History Month in Canada, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere, takes place in February. In the United States, it commemorates the important milestones made by African Americans in America’s history. The significance of this month helps us remember their struggle, sacrifice, and victory of full citizenship. It also helps us reflect on creating a peaceful and prosperous future for Americans of all color to look forward to.
Below are some art pieces from Seaside Art Gallery that feature and honor African Americans.
The Art: Homage to Ray Charles
The Artist: Berge Missakian
What better way to capture the jazzy magic of Ray Charles than Missakian’s colorful style? You can even see the music jump off his acrylic painting! The famous soul singer made a remarkable 50-year career and changed the music industry forever, paving the way for many other African American singers such as Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder to make their mark.
The Art: Connoisseurs
The Artist: Gary Spicer
While Homage honors talented African American celebrities, Connoisseurs pays a wonderful tribute to the daily life of African American citizens. Spicer took great care in capturing the realistic details in this ink drawing. Two friends are engaged in a delightful conversation with cigars while sitting in a shop. Do you wonder what they’re talking about? How long have they known each other? The rest is up to our imagination.
The Art: Soldiering in the South West – The Rescue of Corporal Scott
The Artist: Frederick Remington
African Americans played a key role in the history of the United States military. Whether overseas or in our homeland, they continue to keep citizens safe and preserve American freedom. This engraving by Remington is an excellent example. It shows the potential dangers of being a solider in the Old West during times of conflict such as the Spanish American War and the Apache Wars. His engraving also shows the bravery of Corporal Scott’s fellow white soldier as they rescued him when he was shot by an Apache Indian. In that moment, it was not about differences of skin color. It was about American soldiers looking out for each other. And that’s what makes the United States great.
All these art pieces and more are available online and in person at Seaside Art Gallery. Like what you see? Simply give us a call. Our team staff will be happy to assist you!
By Chelsea Reed, as seen on Seaside Art Gallery online, February 21, 2019.