The Musée Héritage Museum is partnering with the African and African Descendant Friendship Club of St. Albert (AADFC) for their annual A Long Rich History exhibit to celebrate Black History Month happening in February.
The community-led exhibit will showcase artworks like carvings, sculptures and traditional handcrafted masks donated by members of the AADFC. The art pieces will represent the different artistic talents of the people from African countries like Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
“During Black History Month, it’s our opportunity of giving the residents of St. Albert an opportunity to come and view these art pieces and enjoy the beautiful creative work of people from Africa,” AADFC president Helen Agbonison said. “[This exhibit] helps people to appreciate different works of art, especially from the people of Africa.”
Agbonison said the art tells different stories about the Eastern part of Africa and the Zimbabwean way of life.
“Some [people] would have been hunters and farmers, and these different art pieces speak to this different way of life people in the Eastern part of Africa and Zimbabwe live.”
Museum curator Martin Bierens said the exhibit will display roughly 30 wooden sculptures with display cases filled with other artworks. Bierens also noted the art pieces will have small panels beside their display to give museum visitors a glimpse of Alberta's Black history and the group itself.
“This artwork is connected with the Black history of St. Albert, and we are very, very happy that the African and African Descendant Friendship Club has entrusted us to be the organization who presents their work to the public," Bierens said. “More people can learn about their organization and be exposed, and interact and enjoy African artwork.”
Agbonison said the exhibit will have two pieces of drums on display that represent different drumming styles in Africa. The museum will host a drumming session with drummers and artists who can talk about African drums and the different types of drums from the continent.
The AADFC president hopes museum visitors leave the exhibit appreciating and wanting to learn more about African arts and history, thinking not just about the art pieces being shown, but also about the story behind them.
"Black history is also part of Canadian history, and that people of African descent have been here for a very long time," Agbonison said. “They have their stories, and they have their heritage, and this is part of the heritage they’re trying to share with the whole community.”
A Long Rich History will be in the permanent exhibit gallery at the Musée Héritage Museum throughout February. Agbonison encourages people to stop by the museum to enjoy the exhibit, as well as leaving the AADFC a note if they would like to support the association in any way.
“This art display is important because it tells us our story, our capacity to do creative things and the creativity that is in us.”
