Black History Month Celebrated through Art Exhibit in City Hall

On February 14 the City of Peekskill's historic rotunda will be transformed into an art gallery with a series of exhibits that celebrate Black History Month. Photographs, original artwork and printed graphics that have a direct connection to African-American history will greet all City Hall visitors.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, the City Hall Rotunda is a prime public viewing space to exhibit the contributions of African-Americans as seen through various forms of artistic expression,” said Mayor Mary Foster.

This exhibition, which runs for about a month, celebrates the achievements of African Americans and includes many historic posters, prints and documents from the collection of LaFern Joseph; original photographs taken by John Payne, staff photographer for the Congress On Racial Equality (CORE) in the 1960's; and original artwork by Andrew Barthelmes, a local painter and educator.

This will be the first of seven exhibitions to be installed in the City Hall Rotunda and its adjacent hallways over the next year.  

“The staff at Innovative Arts has been involved in researching and designing public sector exhibitions since the 1980's.  We are excited about the prospect of displaying the creative endeavors of the artists who have chosen to make Peekskill and the adjacent communities their home,” said Judith Solomon, Innovative Arts. 

The art displays are available for viewing during normal City Hall hours, Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm and at other times when City Hall is open for meetings.  The exhibits are being researched, designed and assembled by Peekskill-based Innovative Arts.