Well, this is exciting! I've been invited to participate in two amazing exhibitions for Black History Month. I'm honored to be featured amongst some of my favorite artists. I'm going to try and attend both openings and I plan to go to Gloucester first. If you live on the Peninsula, please meet me there. I'd love to see you. Then, I plan to high-tail it down to NSU for the opening at the James Wise Gallery. If you attend either show, please take plenty of photos and send them my way, I will share each image on my social media pages.

CELEBRATING BLACK ARTISTS – A BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT

Friday, February 3
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Sponsored by Ronald & Katrina Brown


We are celebrating Black History month at Arts on Main during the month of February! Arts on Main is honored to host, “Celebrating Black Artists – A Black History Month Exhibit,” a group show featuring black Virginia artists: Sukenya Best, Nia Alexander Campbell, Julian Haskins, Ray Johnson, Dathan Kane, Jackie Merritt, LaKaye Mbah, & Anjenette Renae. The goal of this show is to educate our community, share history through artwork, but most of all celebrate black artists and their journey with our community. The opening of the show will take place on Friday, February 3 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The exhibit will be on display from February 3- February 25.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
6:00PM – 9:00PM
located in the james wise gallery


Please join us for the opening reception of our newest exhibition Crowns of Glory: Ceremony, Culture, and Couture through Caps, Coiffures, and Coverings on February 3rd (6-9pm). 

Based in Norfolk, Virginia, LaKaye Mbah, MFA creates artwork that assists women and children with recognizing their self-worth by making West African traditions more accessible. The artwork is inspired by cultural dances, ancient Igbo motifs, and Yoruba decorative techniques. The works of artists Faith Ringgold, Aaron Douglas, Yinka Shonibare and Nike Davies have also informed her work. She holds an undergraduate degree in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, and an MFA in Visual Studies from Norfolk State University.

“There are many misconceptions about Black women in America. They are often perceived as aggressive and threatening when, in reality, they play an integral part in keeping communities safe and whole. Society virtually erases their accomplishments from the broader social, economic, and political lexicon. This eradication of the impact of black women’s achievements is problematic because it leaves girls and women without an aspirational positive story. Without knowledge of how to create positive personal mythology, the lack of cultural identity causes confusion, self-loathing, and low self-efficacy.

Connecting with one’s ancestral history is the first step in creating a new personal mythology. LaKaye Mbah passes down the traditions of West African women to the new generation of Black women and children through her work. By sharing the knowledge of her heritage, she hopes to inspire others to seek information about their ancestry and feel empowered by knowing who and where they came from.” -LaKaye Mbah