Join Piedmont Arts in celebrating the contributions of African Americans to arts and culture with the museum’s Black History Month programming.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. For Piedmont Arts, and museums of all kinds, Black History Month is an important time to pay tribute to the vital contributions, triumphs and creativity of African Americans.
Throughout February, Piedmont Arts is celebrating Black History Month with exhibits, events and educational programs:
Exhibits
I Am…
On display through February 27, 2021 • Piedmont Arts
Jason Franklin’s work narrates the human condition from an American perspective. He brings to life everyday situations and feelings, like love, family, faith, dreams, and friendship, in extraordinary ways. Much of his work documents unique facets of American life and celebrates the indomitable spirit. Exhibit admission is always free of charge.
Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence
On display through February 27, 2021 • Piedmont Arts
The story of women’s suffrage is a story of voting rights, of inclusion in and exclusion from the franchise, and of our civic development as a nation. Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence, a poster exhibition from the Smithsonian, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment and explores the complexity of the women’s suffrage movement and the relevance of this history to Americans, women and women of color, whose fight required even more persistence. Exhibit admission is always free of charge.
Education
Virtual African American Read-In + Family Day
Saturday, February 20, 2021 • 11 am • Facebook Live
Led by Education Coordinator Sarah Short, this online-only event will highlight contributions by African American artists to American music. Short will read the children’s book, Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, and guide participants through a musical craft using everyday items you can find around the house. Community members will also read excerpts from books, stories and poems by their favorite African American authors. To take part in the Virtual African American Read-In + Family Day, follow the link at PiedmontArts.org or visit Facebook.com/PiedmontArtsMartinsville. Sponsored by Carter Bank & Trust.
Discovery Board
On display through February 27, 2021 • Piedmont Arts
Located outside the museum’s Discovery Room, the Discovery Board provides activities for children to learn, explore and play while visiting the museum. From facts about artists and historic figures, to coloring sheets, to take-home crafts, visitors can find educational activities that relate to the museum’s exhibits. Black History Month activities, include:
Artist Spotlight: Highlighting the contributions of African American artists to arts and culture
Lesson ideas and activities about historic contributions of African Americans
Coloring sheets
Display of books by African American authors on loan from community members
Black History Month Zoom Lessons for Teachers
Through the month of March, Piedmont Arts will offer Zoom lessons on black history to all public school teachers. Teachers interested in presenting a Zoom lesson to their class should contact Education Coordinator Sarah Short at sshort@piedmontarts.org.
Events
Canceled – Riddick Dance
February 18, 2021 • 6:30 pm • Piedmont Arts
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the performance by Riddick Dance, scheduled for Thursday, February 18, has been canceled.
Piedmont Arts is a nonprofit art museum in Martinsville. Admission is free. Learn more at PiedmontArts.org.
