A local artist passed down his talents to younger students as part of Black History Month.
Dennis K. Smith welcomed about eight youth students to his studio in his LaSalle home. He has exhibited several times in Amherstburg in such places as the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, which co-ordinated last Saturday afternoon’s event, as well as the Gibson Gallery.
Smith said his recent works have been inspired by the African Kingdom of Benin, adding plaques that were created in the 16th Century were eventually stolen and are now being returned in modern times.
Youth artists were creating their own textured art by gluing objects of their choice onto a small square. Younger students were in a side room painting.
Smith added he regularly teaches a youth class but the students in that are slightly older than the children that attended last Saturday. He is also part of the “Artists of Colour” with that group that is hosting “The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion”. This exhibit runs Feb. 17-24 at Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre, 3277 Sandwich St. W, in Windsor.“The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion” is the second portion of The Artists of Colour “Journeys” Project. Smith said this special presentation is a fine arts-based project featuring original paintings that are accompanied with historical information fact-filled panels that lead visitors on their quest to learn more. Accompanying QR codes will create a seamless way to further engage and increase the learning experience. This informative exhibit will educate visitors on the strength, determination, and fortitude Blacks exemplified to overcome obstacles, achieve inclusion into the fabric of Canadian society, and establish their culture and livelihood. There is no admission charge but donations are welcome.Exhibit hours are 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The WSO returns to the Nazrey AME Church Feb. 23 for the concert “Korin Thomas-Smith sings Mozart.” Tickets for that are $35 and available through www.windsorsymphony.com.
“A Conversation About Women’s Empowerment and Community Engagement” will be Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. and that discussion is free to attend and held at the museum. People can RSVP for the Feb. 17 event on the museum’s Facebook page.
For more information on future events, visit www.riverbookshop.com/events or www.amherstburgfreedom.org/all-events.
By RTT Staff
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