Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. For museums of all kinds, Black History Month is an important time to pay tribute to the vital contributions, triumphs and creativity of African Americans.
Throughout February, Piedmont Arts is celebrating Black History Month with free exhibits, events and educational programs:
January 22 – March 12, 2022
For 35 years, photographer Timothy Duffy has forged a unique vision immortalizing Southern musical heroes and the world in which they live. The founder of Music Maker Foundation — a non-profit that preserves the musical traditions of the South by directly supporting the musicians who make it — Duffy traveled the South to capture this compelling collection of 25 wet-plate collodion photographs, which were printed with the platinum/palladium process.
The exhibit includes portraits ranging from guitar virtuoso and Allman Brothers Band member Derek Trucks and legendary bluesman Taj Mahal to lesser-known blues and soul artists, as well as images of instruments, like former Carolina Chocolate Drops member Dom Flemons' circa 1920 banjo, “Big Head Joe.” More...
African American Read-In + Family Day
Saturday, February 19, 2022 • 11 am – 2 pm
Sponsored by Carter Bank & Trust
Take part in the museum’s annual celebration of African American artists, performers and writers. The event will feature a drumming workshop, story time, crafts, a performance by Kuumba Dance Ensemble, Inc. and a public read-aloud. Held in conjunction with the National African American Read-In established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. More...
Located outside the Discovery Room, the Discovery Board provides activities for children to learn, explore and play while visiting the museum. From facts about artists and historic figures, to coloring sheets, to take-home crafts, visitors can find educational activities that relate to the museum's exhibits. Black History Month activities, include: