Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 9-1-17

Local
Eatonville Celebrates 130th Anniversary With Art Exhibit
BY ROGER CALDWELL
Eatonville, Florida is rec- ognized as the oldest Black incorporated town in Amer- ica, and it has survived. This is significant because in a time when statues and art is being torn down and de- stroyed, Eatonville is build- ing up and edifying the strength, power, and genius of Africa and African Ameri- can art.
The significance of a cul- ture is measured by its skill and longevity of its art, and the art exhibit displayed at the Eatonville Town Hall is a testimony of our greatness and creativity. In 1887, Eatonville was the town that freedom built, and in 2017 Mayor Eddie Cole and his team embraced the future with progressive leadership and a forward vision.
Something special is hap- pening to Eatonville in terms of pride, new economic proj- ects, and love for each other. A new $18 million elemen-
ZORA NEALE HURSTON ...Former Resident
of Eatonville
tary school will begin con- struction in August; a $100,000 grant will improve the parks, and construction of a national chain restau- rant “Zaxby’s is coming.”
There are also 99 acres of land that will be breaking ground for construction for mixed level home-sites in the next few months.
The art exhibit “Eatonville Proud” repre- sents a resurgence of what had always exhibited in the
MAYOR EDDIE COLE
African American commu- nity, and that is pride in strong culture values. The ways these values are por- trayed govern all of the major social institutions.
Five local artists, Joyce Hayes, Ted Hollins, Ronald E. Kelly, Everett Spruill and Jane Turner- (Jilly) have come together to recapture some of life’s drama as we see it unfold in our community, from the past, present and future.
“Some African Americans are uncomfortable with the names of our ancestors, but all we are talking about are those ancestors who have sacrificed their blood for our existence. Those who have sacrificed everything for you, to be better off than they were when they came along. When you look at the statues and art, it unites a people as opposed to divide” Khalil Osiris, Director of Sales, Bronze Kingdom, said.
There are three magnifi- cent and beautiful pieces from the Bronze Kingdom at the front of the Black Art ex- hibit showcase, and the artists’ work is displayed all over the first floor. Jane Turner, a longtime resident and artist of Eatonville, is the curator of the exhibit.
In explaining Eatonville Proud, Ms. Turner said “The definitive aspect of a people is found in artistic ex- pression. This time we have chosen canvas as a backdrop as well as a variety of other
mediums.”
As Eatonville kicks off a
year-long celebration of its 130th anniversary, this art ex- hibit opened August 18th and will be displayed until Sep- tember 20th.
Each artist’s uniqueness plays off of the other to bring to the audience a well rounded perspective of skill and mastery. In addition, the exhibit also includes the in- troduction of authentic African bronze, from The Bronze Kingdom.
“This is all evidence of a direct link to our community and Africa, and our ancient heritage of richness” ex- plained Jane Turner, Cu- rator of the exhibit.
Visit Eatonville Town Hall located at 307 E. Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville, FL 32751, or call (407) 623- 8900 for more information.
All visitors must sign in and show Photo I.D. at the front desk, and the hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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