In commemorating its 30th Anniversary and Black History Month, Richmond’s Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, debuted Pearls of Wisdom: Black Families and the Nobility of Everyday Living. The exhibition, which opened on February 4th and runs through July 1st, is a powerful illustration of the daily sayings and mantras which have sustained people of African-American descent in America.
The exhibit represents “the quiet nobility…that exists in African-American families”, according to Dr. Maureen Elgersman Lee, Executive Director .
“The premise of Pearls of Wisdom, according to Lee, “is that there is dignity and nobility in everyday living and that this wisdom exists irrespective of gender, class, education, age, or geography”.
The quiet nobility of which Dr. Lee speaks, is evidenced in the works of the contributors whose ‘pearl’ recounted the qualities of loved ones who transmitted their ‘wisdom’ through acts and behaviors that taught lessons about judging others, financial responsibility, how to live and many others.
The exhibition is divided into three galleries:
Gallery One - Traditional Wisdom, is a collection of family sayings that have been handed down from generation to generation covering a variety of topics along with objects that help viewers grasp the essence of those sayings.
Gallery Two - New Voices of Wisdom, is comprised of works that illustrate how young people have interpreted the concept of wisdom as it relates to their lives. These works are the result of a partnership between The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.
Gallery Three - The Art of Wisdom, is a collection of artistic renderings symbolizing the quiet nobility and dignity of everyday life, family and spirituality.
The exhibition was very well conceived and enthrals viewers as they meander from room to room to partake of its offerings. Its multi-faceted approach in terms of contributors, artistic mediums and diversity of expression is its true marvel.
I recommend the exhibit highly and encourage all to sample this visual and heart rejoicing feast between now and July 1, 2011.
The museum is located at 00 Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Its hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and all major holidays including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For picture galleries of this and other events, visit www.rudolphhickmanphotography.smugmug.com
