NYC Parks announced on Monday, Feb. 7, that is is proud to present the Poe Park Visitor Center’s virtual exhibition as part of the agency’s Black History Month celebration. The online show is in addition to “The NYC Parks Renaming Project: Celebrating Black Leaders,” at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, as well as other events and tours taking place this month. Both shows are free and will be available to view through February 28, 2022.

 

NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Liam Kavanagh said of the exhibit, “Through photography, paintings, and mixed media, these gallery shows highlight thought-provoking interpretations of the Black experience and reflect on how Black history is honored in New York City’s parks today.” He added, “We encourage New Yorkers to check out the Poe Park Visitor Center’s online display and visit the Arsenal Gallery to experience this year’s inspiring Black History Month exhibitions.”

 

Poe Park Visitor Center is a community hub at Poe Park that offers art, literature, fitness, and community events. Due to the pandemic, the center has been closed for in-person events, as reported, and the gallery therefore, has temporarily moved online. This year’s virtual Black History Month Exhibition features striking photography, paintings, and multi-media work by artists Albert Bermudez, Josipa Kecman, Betty Murray, Anne Price, and Gloria Zapata.

 

Meanwhile, the Black History Month exhibition at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, “The NYC Parks Renaming Project: Celebrating Black Leaders,” is presented by NYC Parks’ Art & Antiquities and Ebony Society, and the show highlights some of the parks and park features that the agency has recently renamed to honor the Black experience in New York City. Historical images from the NYC Parks Photo Archive and other collections are placed alongside contemporary photographs, and accompanying texts detail the park histories and biographies of the honored individuals.

 

NYC Parks’ Black History Month page highlights events, tours, and exhibitions taking place during the month of February. The page also features information about the city’s Historically Black Neighborhoods, African-American Burial Grounds, and more. Last year, Norwood News reported on a ceremony which took place to honor the African-American Burial Grounds at Van Cortlandt Park.

As above, the Poe Park Visitor Center has been closed in recent months, but NYC Parks confirmed to Norwood News that it reopened to the public on Jan. 10 for limited programming, as it continues to ramp-up from the pandemic pause.

 

Visitors are required to wear a mask at all times while in the center, take a health screening, and provide proof of vaccination. “We are pleased to welcome Bronxites back to this valued Fordham gem,” said Dan Kastanis of NYC Parks. Kastanis also shared that currently, membership is not required to participate in programming at the visitor center.

 

Below are the upcoming workshops taking place throughout February and March:

 

BLACK HISTORY WORKSHOPS

Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23 (Wednesdays)

11 a.m. to noon

Poe Park Visitor Center will host a three-part series of Black History workshops. Adults and seniors are welcome to come and create inspirational images, using various art media. Social distancing and safety protocols will be enforced. Space is limited to 10 people.

 

POE PARK MIXED MEDIA

Feb. 11 and March 11

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Poe Park Visitor Center will host 2 series of mixed media – wine bottle painting for adults and seniors. Participants will be able to bring their own wine bottles (clean and with the labels off). Participants will enjoy a day of relaxation as they venture through the world of creative arts. Social distancing and safety protocols will be enforced. Space is limited to ten people.

 

CHILDREN ART-NASIUM

Feb. 15 to March 31  (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Children aged 5 to 12 will be able to come and express themselves through art. Participants will create their masterpiece through self-reflection and instruction. Social distancing and safety protocols will be enforced. Space is limited to 10 people.

 

For more information about the latest NYC Parks events, visit nyc.gov/parks.