Local African-American artists showcase their talents in exhibit

By Peter Proko
pproko@sjnewsco.com

Kandice Fields, a 17-year-old senior at Buena Regional High School, has lofty goals for her future career in the art world. She just never thought things would get off to such a quick start.

Fields is one of five artists being featured in a new 74-piece exhibit entitled "African American Jersey Girls," at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey in Newtonville. She has contributed 29 pieces to the exhibit, which also features the works of other creative locals Donnie Hill, Joan Reeves, Lois Smith and Asa Zuberi.

"Having my work shown in an actual museum, where I am the focal point, it means a lot to me," Fields said. "My training has been good and it is paying off in that people are interested in my work." Ralph E. Hunter Sr., president and founder of the museum, has been working with the artists since last spring to bring the exhibit to life and is excited to see the varying works decorating the walls.

The exhibit gives these local artists an opportunity to showcase in a museum setting. It's not just about black art, there is plenty of crossover and it opens the flood gates for people to see new artists," said Hunter. Hunter is more than happy to know that the three-year-old museum gives locals a place where their friends can come see their works hanging on the wall. This year alone, 14 different artists have displayed more than 2,000 pieces in the museum.

"It benefits us and benefits the arts community at large," Hunter said.

Reeves is equally excited for the opportunity to showcase her 27 pieces.

"It's a great opportunity, one that I would not have been able to find as a new artist without waiting quite a number of years," Reeves said.

Reeves said that she takes pride in the fact that school children can come learn about her art and the work of other African-Americans.

The artists and Hunter have formed a relationship that all parties hope will continue well into the future, thanks to the success of this exhibit. Visitors from New York to Delaware have stopped by to see the pieces, a testament to the work of the artists.

"At my age, I never thought I would be in a show," said Fields. "It's happened and I do believe in myself more. "Watching people look at my work and seeing there perception of what I do, I love that part of painting. It's not complete until someone looks at it.

"It's nice to see judgment of my work, which is usually higher than my own."

If you go

The art of the "African American Jersey Girls" is on display at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey at 661 Jackson Road, in Newtonville through Dec. 30. For more information call (609) 704-7262.

[Photo #1] Donnie Hill's 'Jazz Trio' is one of the featured pieces in the'Jersey Girl' exhibit at the African AMerican Heritage Museum in Newtonville.

[Photo #2] Seventeen-year-old Kandace Fields has 29 pieces in the exhibit, including this one entitled 'New Jersey Native American.'

African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
661 Jackson Road, Newtonville, NJ 08346, 609-704-7262; (fax: 704-7263)
email: rhunter@AAHMSNJ.org

This site maintained by Bob Barnett.
Last updated: 2005 Eleventh Month, 11th.