George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum Celebrates Black History Month with Special Art Exhibit
3rd Annual Art Past & Present: From a Black Artist’s Perspective runs February 9-22, 2018
To recognize the outstanding contributions to our community by local African American artists, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, KXAS-TV NBC 5, and the Multicultural Arts Alliance present the 3rd Annual Art Past and Present: From a Black Artist’s Perspective, a special art exhibit opening on February 9, 2018.
Running through February 22, the 3rd Annual Art Past & Present: From a Black Artist’s Perspective features the works of several acclaimed local artists including Evita Tezeno, Dr. Giraud Polite, Carl N. Silde, and the late William Tolliver. In addition, three exceptional art students from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Tristin Manus, Daniela Segovia, and Benjamin Vega, will have pieces on display.
“My staff and I are deeply grateful to the late Norm Lyons for his enthusiastic support of this annual event and for his long-standing dedication to the Bush Library and Museum,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. “His passing is a great loss to our community, and we will truly miss our dear friend.”
The art included in this exhibit employs a range of media and addresses a variety of different subjects, perspectives, and concepts as related to the artists’ personal narratives and experiences. Drawing upon themes from nature, history, the environment, and personal reflections, the works demonstrate how artists from different generations and worldviews express themselves through their art.
Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements made by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role they have played in U.S. history. Every American president since President Gerald Ford in 1976, has issued an annual proclamation to celebrate February as Black History Month.
“Throughout African American History Month, we remember how individuals, African American leaders of all kinds helped bring our nation together. We recognize our nation still has a long way to go. But in the example of the leaders like those we honor today, we see strength greater than any division. And we see hope for a day when freedom rings from every mountainside, and every corner of the country,” said President George W. Bush on February 12, 2008.
Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University off U.S. 75, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located at 2943 SMU Boulevard in Dallas. Admission is free to this special exhibit and all community members are invited to stop by. For more information, visit www.bush43library.org.