Celebrating Black History Through Art

In February, Sweet Water Foundation hosted two arts + culture workshops at The Commons in celebration of Black History Month. More than 40 participants - children, their families, elders, local residents, and SWF team members - engaged in the workshops, through which participants had an opportunity to celebrate their ancestors, history, and legacy through art. Read on to learn about the workshops.

February 17 | Kids’ Art Workshop 

Despite a cold and rainy afternoon, the Thought Barn came to life with the radical imagination of children and their families as 20+ children and their families engaged in creative activities to celebrate Black History through art making. The SWF team prepared two art stations inspired by black artists: a color by number station inspired by Aaron Douglas and an open painting station inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas.

Aaron Douglas is known as the “father of black American art and was an influential figure during the Harlem Renaissance. His art was a fusion of modernism and African art and “captured the complexity and grand scope of the African American experience.”

Alma Woodsey Thomas was a teacher and painter who used bright colors and repeating shapes to create beautiful works of art. She first exhibited her art at the age of eighty at the Whitney Museum of American Art, becoming the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney. Alma is an inspiration for artists and children.

February 21 | Card Making Workshop

A few days later, Sweet Water Foundation welcomed an intimate group of elders, local residents, and SWF team members to share stories about their families and communities during a card making workshop. Guests included an individual whose family lived in [Re]Construction House during the 1940’s who visited The Commons for the first time earlier in the week. He was moved by SWF’s work and returned to participate in the card making workshop, bringing with him family photos of the [Re]Construction House and historic census records that document its inhabitants. He also shared what he knew about his father and family who lived in the neighborhood. After he shared his story, other participants reflected on the history and changes they have experienced both within the neighborhood surrounding The Commons and their own neighborhoods. This was the first of many workshops that will focus on remembering and celebrating our ancestors, history, and legacy.

Sweet Water Foundation would like to thank the participants of each workshop for bringing new creative energies to The Commons.  We look forward to hosting other art + culture inspired workshops at The Commons soon.