February is Black History Month and, to mark the occasion, the Islip Arts Council is holding three art exhibitions throughout the month, including one at the Cohalan Courthouse in Central Islip.
The exhibit, which was open to artists of all races, highlights Black history, creative influence, and culture, and is a collaboration with the court system.
“We created a space that centers Black voices and representation, while also welcoming respectful multi-cultural participation—because many of our families and communities are interracial and diverse, and we believe there are perspectives that come from love, unity, and respect,” Linda Weingarten, the Islip Arts Council’s Director of Operations, said in an email.
Great South Bay Newsrecently had the opportunity to view the exhibit and speak with three of the artists: photographer Keith Rossein of Malverne and sisters Nia and Kiya Henry of Central Islip.
Kiya Henry’s painting illustrates one generation passing down Black history to the next generation. In the painting, a mother, dressed in green, lovingly hands her daughter, dressed in pink, a book entitledMy Black History.
“I chose colors that pop out,” Kiya said.
Nia Henry’s painting depicts a room ready for a family Kwanzaa celebration, with the candleholder (called a kinara) on a table and presents under the table. The walls are painted a vibrant yellow, which Nia said is her favorite color.
Rossein, another artist in the show, has had solo exhibitions at the Bellmore Memorial Library and the Lakeview Public Library in Rockville Centre.
A retired dentist and former weekly newspaper publisher and editor, Rossein has three works in the show, including his photo entitledA Penny for Her Thoughts,which is included in the invitation for the exhibit.
Rossein snapped the photo at an event at the New York City Transit Museum in Brooklyn, where attendees—many dressed in costumes from the 1930s and 1940s—were able to board a vintage subway car.
Source: Fire Island News & Great South Bay News
