by Kaelen Wiegand
for The Beacon
During February, Black History Month is celebrated, a time to have discussions and honor Black voices. The Burlington Art Center is hosting several related events to check out during the month.
This Saturday, Feb. 5, the Art Center is having an arts and crafts event inspired by Black History Month. All ages are welcome, the event is free, and no registration is required. The open event is running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Several different crafts will be available, such as collages focusing on influential Black figures.
In addition to this Saturday's event, the Art Center will also be having a window display showing works done by the fourth-grade students at North Hill and Black Hawk elementary schools. The display will feature over 120 projects created by the students and inspired by William H. Johnson, a Black American portrait and landscape artist. The works will be on display through the middle of March.
The Art Center also offers monthly classes, called Mini Masters, for students in first through sixth grade. This month's class will be on Feb. 12 and focus on Faith Ringgold, a living artist who grew up in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Registration for Mini Masters classes are required, but there are still openings available by calling the Art Center at (319) 754-8069 or through their website at www.btownart.com.
Elizabeth Pappas, assistant director of the Art Center, is excited for all the events happening at the Art Center this month.
“Black History month is an important time to pay tribute to, highlight, and have discussions about important and influential Black artists, both in history and living today. Historical context adds an important layer and makes the discussion richer, so we're really trying to draw attention to Black artists and opportunities for community involvement,” Pappas said.