A new art exhibit has opened at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library & Cultural Centre for Black History Month.
The vibrant works of local artist Stanley Thomas celebrate Black culture in Jamaica, Africa, and North America.
Subject matter ranges from the wildlife of Africa, to life in Jamaica, celebrations of faith, and portraits of basketball and jazz greats, all in an Expressionistic style that captures movement, colour and emotion.
The works, on display both downstairs and upstairs at the library, are acrylic on canvas or wood. Some are painted on salvaged wooden cabinet doors, still showing the holes where the hinges were removed – adding another layer of meaning to Thomas’ art, which he signs, “STart.”
The paintings will be on display until the end of February, and most are for sale. Drop by the library at 425 Holland St. West to join the celebration.
More Black History Month events:
Wednesday Feb. 12, Black History Month Book Club and Movie at the BWG Public Library. At 6:30 p.m., discuss the acclaimed book, The Hate U Give, and watch the movie adaptation. Please pre-register.
Thursday Feb. 13. Join the Centre for Youths and Culture in a Teen Many Cultures Celebration, 4 p.m. at the BWG Public library, 425 Holland St. W. in Bradford, featuring Youth Elevation Dance Troupe and rapper Prince Jay.
Voices of Black Women in Business, a keynote and panel discussion of diversity in the workplace, at the Sandbox Centre in Barrie, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 13. Five Black women professionals will share their experience. Presented by Sandbox Centre, Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, XcelerateHER and the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $15, available through Eventbrite.ca (Voices-from-black-women-in-business) and include lunch.
Monday Feb. 17. For Black History Month, the Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society welcomes Governor General Award-winning author Dr. Karolyn Smardz Frost, Feb. 17 at the Tec-We-Gwill WI Hall in Newton Robinson. Dr. Smardz Frost is a dynamic speaker, archaeologist and author, who will discuss her latest non-fiction book, “Steal Away Home“ – compelling stories of survivors of slavery. There will be a sale of books and book-signing following the presentation. Free for Society members, $5 per person drop-in fee for guests. Seating on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments to follow. For more information, call 905-936-6549.
Wednesday Feb. 19. Speakers for the Dead – a film screening, Feb. 19 at the Innisfil ideaLAB’s Lakeshore library, 967 Innisfil Beach Road, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free.
Monday Feb. 24. Community Conversations: Better Together, at the Barrie Public Library Downtown Branch, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 24. Global citizen Tiki Akinsanmi shares her perspectives, experiences and ideas, for connecting and building community. Akinsanmi and Michele Newton explore the concept of Ubuntu – ‘better together’ – as a catalyst for inclusion.
Saturday Feb. 29. Making Change – Black History Month Celebration, Feb. 29 at the Five Points Theatre in downtown Barrie, 6 to 10 p.m. Musicians, artists and poets from across Simcoe County will perform. Tickets are $20, available through the City of Barrie, with a portion of proceeds going to support the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka Immigrant Services, Helping Newcomers adjust to Life in Canada.
Join the BWG Diversity Action Group for a Black History Celebration at the BWG Public Library, Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. – featuring Mystic Drumz. In this interactive show, kids can explore percussion instruments and their rhythms, and make crafts. At 1 p.m., the Centre for Youth and Culture presents an all-ages social, I Have a Dream, with performances and refreshments.
