The Black History Month celebrated its 6th year by honoring Black female artists history has overlooked and undervalued. Despite experiencing racism, discrimination, poverty, these women went on to achieve
great success and made signifi cant contributions to the art world. One example, Edmonia Lewis (1844-1907) was the fi rst sculptor of African American and Native American descent to achieve international recognition during the time of slavery.

The Exhibit was on display at the Gilroy Center for the Arts from February 3 to March 1, 2020. The exhibit also included work from local Artist and Exhibit Producer Louise Shields, as well as guest artists Ernest Kirk and Katie Johnson. On the closing day there was a Native American closing blessing followed by a drumming circle led by Mike Fair and The Dancer of Peace by Khalilah Ramirez.

“My vision for this year’s Exhibit focused solely on providing the viewers the opportunity to look inside these amazing women’s lives; highlighting their beauty, strength and positive impact that they made within our history. We read their stories, we learned their history, we viewed their work and celebrated their achievements in 2020. Black History Month allows me the opportunity to bring the community together through the eyes and heart of art.” (Louise Shields)