During the month of February, the City of West Palm Beach will observe Black History Month, an annual celebration that recognizes and honors the contributions, achievements and history of the African American community. According to History.com, Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Black History Month has been recognized by every U.S. president since 1976. The public is invited to participate in any of the FREE City events recognizing Black History month:
WEST PALM BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA)
Bourbon & Bow Ties
Friday, February 16
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
501 N. Rosemary Avenue
FREE
Learn about the rich, black history of West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest at the Bourbon & BowTies networking event presented by the Historic Northwest Businesses and the CRA. The Historic Northwest Community is open for business, and businesses are invited to expand, relocate or open here, in the heart of West Palm Beach. Learn about future development plans, investments, and redevelopment opportunities. Incentive programs are available to new, relocating and existing businesses in the Historic Northwest. Come network, and enjoy gourmet food with live entertainment!
MANDEL PUBLIC LIBRARY OF WEST PALM BEACH
Get to Know Josephine Baker
Monday, February 5
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Clematis Room
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street
FREE
Join Palm Beach State College professor Terryl Lawrence, Ed.D., and learn about the many sides of Josephine Baker - singer, civil rights activist, dancer, spy, and French Resistance agent. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7701.
African Art & Artists
Tuesday, February 6
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Auditorium
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street
FREE
Join Joan Lipton, Ph.D., an independent lecturer and art historian, as she explores the talents and tenacity of great African-American artists across continents and centuries. Sponsored by a grant from the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District obtained by the WPB Library Foundation. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7701.
Art Day Celebrating Black History Month
Friday, February 16
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
KidSpace - 3rd Floor
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street
FREE
Kids can join artist and children’s librarian Ms. Taylor to celebrate Black History Month. Listen to the story Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a Young Artist in Harlem, and explore various materials, paint, and collage techniques to create your own art work inspired by a young Jacob Lawrence. Lawrence was a celebrated African-American painter and educator known for his portrayal of African-American life. Dress to get messy! For children, ages 5 – 12 years. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7703.
Modern Female African-American Artists
Tuesday, February 20
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Auditorium
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street
FREE
Join Joan Lipton, Ph.D., an independent lecturer and art historian, and learn about important and influential modern female African-American artists and their contributions. Sponsored by a grant from the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District obtained by the WPB Library Foundation. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7701.
Modern Male African-American Artists
Tuesday, February 27
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Auditorium
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street
FREE
Join Joan Lipton, Ph.D., an independent lecturer and art historian, and learn about important and influential modern male African-American artists and their contributions. Sponsored by a grant from the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District obtained by the WPB Library Foundation. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7701.
GRASSY WATERS PRESERVE OF WEST PALM BEACH
Celebrate Black History Month at Grassy Waters Preserve with the inspiring story of a group of self-taught artists who went on to create some of the most quintessential paintings of Florida’s natural landscapes. Grassy Waters Preserve serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Highwaymen artwork, an example of the unspoiled natural beauty the Highwaymen artists captured in their iconic works. Over 75 Highwaymen original works are on exhibit from February 1st-28th, 9am – 4pm, at the Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center. See our schedule for Artist Meet & Greets, Painting Demonstrations, and Historian Lectures which are FREE. Space is limited. Call the Nature Center to reserve your seat at (561) 804-4985.
Roy McLendon, Highwaymen Artist
February 3, 4
Lectures: 10am and 2pm
Meet the Artist: 11:30am – 2pm
Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center, 8264 Northlake Boulevard
FREE
One of the original Highwaymen artists, Roy McLendon, is renowned for his night landscapes. Mr. McLendon is also known for occasionally diverging from the traditional Highwaymen style by painting still lifes and portraits.
Grassy Waters Preserve Memorial Tribute to James Gibson
Saturday, February 10; 10am and 2pm
Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center, 8264 Northlake Boulevard
FREE
Join Shirley Gibson, Al Black and Kelvin Hair in a discussion highlighting the life of legendary Highwaymen artist James Gibson. Also, view a special display focused on rare James Gibson paintings.
Al Black, Highwaymen Artist & Kelvin Hair, Highwaymen Legacy Artist
Sunday, February 11
Lectures: 10am and 2pm
Meet the Artists: 11:30am-2pm
Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center, 8264 Northlake Boulevard
FREE
The group’s original salesman turned artist, Al Black, and Kelvin Hair, son of founding artist Alfred Hair, will share their personal Highwaymen stories while presenting a live painting demonstration.
Mary Ann Carroll, Highwaymen Artist
February 17th and 18th
Lectures: 10am and 2pm
Meet the Artist: 11:30am-2pm
Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center, 8264 Northlake Boulevard
FREE
Mary Ann Carroll will share her inspiring personal experiences as the sole female Highwaymen artist. Her life is full of many artistic achievements, including recently being named a contributing art curator for President Obama’s Presidential Library.
R.L. Lewis, Highwaymen Artist
February 24th and 25th
Lectures: 10am and 2pm
Meet the Artist: 11:30am-2pm
Grassy Waters Preserve Nature Center, 8264 Northlake Boulevard
FREE
R.L. Lewis is not only a Highwaymen artist but also a retired art teacher of 32 years. Mr. Lewis will offer a rare glimpse into the unique Highwaymen painting style through a live painting demonstration.