African American Heritage Museum
of Southern New Jersey, Inc.

Dr. Martin Luther King Center
661 Jackson Road
Newtonville, NJ 08346
609-704-7262
fax:  609-704-7263
email: rhunter@aahmsnj.org

www.aahmsnj.org

"The First African American Museum in New Jersey"

Come visit the Museum

Tuesday through Saturday

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Open to the Public

Free Admission

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African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey

 The African American Heritage Museum of Southern NJ (AAHMSNJ) will host a reception in honor of it’s exhibit  Impressions of the Shore, Paul Keene; Saturday December 1^st 2 – 5 pm AAHMSNJ is located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center at 661 Jackson Road in Newtonville, NJ.

Paul Keene will be on hand to provide insight of his nineteen (19) pieces of art that will be on display at the museum from November 21, 2007 through January 8^th 2008 at AAHM.

            Works by the distinguished modern American painter, Paul Keene, will be exhibited from November 21, 2007 to January 8, 2008 at The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey in Newtonville.  A reception for the artist is scheduled on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. 

The exhibition, entitled Paul Keene: Impressions of the Shore, includes paintings representing the latter part of Keene’s accomplished career.  Collector and writer Lewis Tanner Moore describes the two series as “sublime and lyrical landscapes and seascapes drawn from the early 1970’s …each in its own way monumental.”

Born in Philadelphia, Keene was inspired by the paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner as a child.  Keene received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts from Tyler School of Fine Art, Philadelphia, Pa. He was mentored and supported by pioneer African-American Impressionist Allan Randall Freelon (1895-1960) and artist Henry Bozeman Jones (1889-1963); and worked for the Pennsylvania WPA Federal Art Project with accomplished printmakers Raymond Steth (1916-1997) and Dox Thrash (1893-1965). Keene has exhibited at the famous African-American Pyramid Club on Girard Avenue in Philadelphia.  Cubism affected his work in the early 1950’s  while studying at the Academie Julien in Paris.  When on a fellowship in Haiti he combined religion, music and color to produce rhythmic compositions linked to African culture. 

                His paintings have been influenced as well by regional aesthetics and the tradition of social realism, but his vision was also informed by the times in which he lived.  Keene viewed barriers faced by black people as “doors to be pushed open” and he represented the blacks in his paintings as a proud people.  Mr. Ralph Hunter, founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, believes that the reception on Saturday, December 1^st will provide a unique opportunity to meet a renowned American artist. 

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr.  AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the world. 

For more information contact Ralph E. Hunter, Sr. at 609) 704-7262 or rhunter@aahmsnj.org

EXHIBIT: Impressions of the Shore        

ARTIST:   Paul Keene

DATES:     November 21 2007  – January 8 2008

MUSEUM HOURS:   Tuesday – Saturday

                                      10 am – 4:00 pm

ARTIST’S RECEPTION:

                   Date: Saturday December 1^st 2007   

                   Time:2 – 5 PM

Free Admission

Donations Encouraged     

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The AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM

of  SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY,INC.

PRESENTS

the art work of
 

Artist Lavett Ballard
 

Her art is entitled,"Images In Black".

Lavetts art will be on display from
September 15, 2007  until December 4, 2007.

Stop by and see her exhibit

Tuesday through Saturdays

10am - 4 pm

Call us at 609-704 7262 or email us at
rhunter@aahmsnj.org.For directions visit

our web page at www,aahmsnj.org

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African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey

661 Jackson Road, Newtonville, NJ

609-704-7262

will be holding two artist receptions on

May 6, 2007

from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

In honor of Jeremy Bradley's exhibit, Ink Sketches of Jeremy Bradley

Jeremy Bradley exhibit of 20 pieces of art will be on display from May 6 through July 30th 2007.

 The African American Heritage Museum of Southern NJ (AAHMSNJ) will host a reception in honor of it’s exhibit  Ink Sketches of Jeremy Bradley May 6 , 2 – 5 PM.AAHMSNJ is located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center at 661 Jackson Road in Newtonville, NJ. 

Jeremy Bradley will be on hand to provide insight of his20  pieces of art that will be on display at the museum from May 6^th through July 30^th 2007 at AAHM.

Jeremy Bradley

I’ve always had an interest in the arts to some degree. But when I entered high school, that interest flared. It started with music. For the first two years attending Holy Spirit, I was in the school’s concert band. Then, for my third year, I decided to go into visual arts and for my senior year I also chose to take creative writing along with art. My art teacher, Ms. Denise Milano, who knew from the from the first time she saw me as a freshman that I was an artist, was very enthusiastic about having me in her class. She has been one of my major influences in the arts. From then on, I knew that I wanted to be an artist.

During my high school years I’ve been a constant member in the school musicals, taking the lead antagonist role as Caiaphas in the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, because of my bass voice. I’ve also been drawing at 4-hour life drawing sessions weekly with Meed Barnett, a good friend and another major influence, for the past 2½ years. I attended a week-long Young Friends Quaker gathering devoted to the arts in August, 2006. During my art studies in Ms Milano’s class at Holy Spirit I’ve attended two collage portfolio days and had a drawing accepted in the Drawing Exhibition Contest in the New Hampshire Institute of Art as well. My early experiences in art before high school include: a summer long art class in middle school and week-long Middle Friends Quaker art gatherings.

Now, 18 and a senior in high school, I hope to give something to the world by attending college and become a graphic novelist. This genre involves a great deal of illustration by the writer. As a graphic novelist, I’ll be able to combine two of my three most prominent loves in the arts, visual arts and literature, and spread my messages to the rest of the world.
I’m currently working on three graphic novels, the most prominent being, Mary, a story which points out the similarities in the world religions as well as promoting spirituality. The other two are, With and Without, a comedy about two girls with conflicting personalities who find out they’re actually sisters; and a currently untitled project which explores the topics of schizophrenia and religion. It centers on a character who asks the question: what is truly real? Is it reality as society makes it, the world as the individual views it, or is it some thing more?

In honor of Cliff Maddox's exhibit Oils on Canvas

Cliff Maddox exhibit of Oils on Canvas will be on display from May 6 through July 30, 2007.

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) will host a reception in honor of its exhibit Oils on Canvas by artist Cliff Maddox, Sunday May 6, 2007, 2 PM to 5 PM at the AAHMSNJ, which is located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center,

661 Jackson Road, Newtonville, New Jersey.

Cliff Maddox will be on hand to provide insight of his11 pieces of art that will be on display at the museum from May 6^th through July 30^th. 

Clifford Maddox, born in Newark, New Jersey in 1949, is primarily a self-taught artist who shaped his perceptions by being a “keen observer and committed visionary”.  He is a graduate of The Arts High School in Newark.   He attended Newark State College (Kean University) and studied briefly at The School of Visual Arts in New York City. 

Mr. Maddox initially concentrated his talents on works combining the use of watercolors, graphite and pen and ink.  He redirected his artistic efforts to oil painting in 1990 and has since then honed his understanding of the abstract and his own abstractive reasoning. 

“The grain of the canvas being visible beneath the applied color creates the cellular structure of my work,” Maddox says of his large oils.  “I like to work multi-layered on multiple planes, interconnecting yet remaining independent.  It gives me more opportunities to become visually definitive.”

Although Maddox’s studio dominates his time, he has worked with the renowned Evergreen Art Studios of Manhattan, New York on several historical restorations of various federal buildings and theaters.  This work has included, but is not limited to, the completion of murals, painting of large domed structures, and period reproduction work.
Clifford Maddox’s work is constantly evolving as he moves forward in his study and creation of art as only he can envision.  

Clifford Maddox’s “Birth Tones”

EXHIBIT: Oils on Canvas

ARTIST:   Cliff Maddox

DATES:     May 6^th through July 30^th

ARTIST’S RECEPTION:             Date:  May 6, 2007    Time:  2 PM

 The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr.  AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the world.  For more information contact Ralph E. Hunter, Sr., at 609) 704-7262 or by email at rhunter@aahmsnj.org

 MUSEUM HOURS:   Tuesday through Saturday

                                      10 am – 4:00 pm

 Free Admission                     Donations Encouraged

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Students help put museum's collection on Web  1/31/07

Students at the Richard Stockton College are helping the African American Museum of Southern New Jersey with a plan to create an online database for more than 7,000 museum items.

For complete details go to:  www.thedailyjournal.com 

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Two Artists Featured: Madeline D. Ross and Anne T. Galpion

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM

The clay pottery of Madeline D. Ross and the oil paintings of Anne T. Glapion will be united in a joint exhibit at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.

Madeline Ross presents 26 pieces of smoke-fired clay pottery in an exquisite range of natural colors. The pots display a variety of textures, some traced with delicate lines caused by her use of an ancient firing technique. Ross’ show entitled "Vessels of Clay" also includes delicately wrought wall mounted pieces which demonstrate her mastery of the medium. 

Anne Glapion contributes 12 oil paintings in an exhibit of still life and landscape paintings titled "Inside/Outside". Ms. Glapion paints in a representational style. Her studio oil paintings of fruit and flowers are combined in this exhibit with views of outdoor settings.

Both artists are residents of Atlantic County. Ms. Ross, an Atlantic City native, graduated from Keuka College and studied at Atlantic Cape Community College, Rowan University and the Clay Studio in Philadelphia. Ms. Glapion, who is from Egg Harbor Township, studied at North Carolina Central University and is a graduate of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Their work will remain on display until December 30, 2006.

 Betty Bembry Exhibit: "From Down South to up North"

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey presents The Work of Local New Jersey Artist Betty Bembry 

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern NJ (AAHMSNJ) will present the work of Betty Bembry, a local artist born and raised in New Jersey.  Bembry’s drawings will be on display from Saturday, August 5th through Thursday, November 30, 2006 at the Museum’s exhibit space in Newtonville, NJ (Dr. Martin Luther King Center at 661 Jackson Road).  A meet and greet reception for Ms. Bembry will be held Saturday August 5^th, from 2-5 pm at the same location.  

Her work entitled, ”From Down South To Up North,” features 31 pieces of New Jersey Folk Art!

Bemby, 45, a native of Elwood, NJ, discovered her own talent and love for art as a child watching her brother draw pictures from magazines.  At 12-years-old, she won an art contest that she entered through a magazine, but became discouraged when she found out that growing her talent would cost her family money for lessons at home. 

Bembry attended Mullica Township Elementary School and Oakcrest High School, in Atlantic County, where she took art classes, but again lost interest when she realized she has already grown beyond the high school art class curriculum.   

Bembry’s on-again-off-again love affair with drawing and painting continued through her marriage and having and raising eight children – two of whom she tragically lost.  For a while, she would only draw or paint for family and friends – who told her that she should do something more with her work.  Now, she is boldly back on the art scene – thanks to Hammonton Art Gallery and the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.  She has recently developed the confidence to share her colorful and vibrant “Folk Art” with the world.   

The Betty Bembry Exhibit is part of the AAHMSNJ’s ongoing mission to provide exposure local, talented African-American Artists who may otherwise go undiscovered.  The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr.  AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the world.  

For more information contact Ralph E. Hunter, Sr. at 609) 704-7262 or rhunter@aahmsnj.org 

EXHIBIT: Betty Bembry Exhibit  :”From Down South to up North”  

DATES:    August 5 – November 30, 2006 

MUSEUM HOURS:   Tuesday – Saturday                  10 am – 4:00 pm

 RECEPTION:

                   2:00 pm to 5:00 p.m.

                   Saturday, August 5^th,2006 

Free Admission

Donations Encouraged

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Award-Winning Artist Charly “Carlos” Palmer’s Work To Be Exhibited at
the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey

 
Newtonville, NJ  - The African American Heritage Museum of Southern NJ (AAHMSNJ) is proud to announce a limited-time exhibition featuring the unique works of Charly “Carlos” Palmer from June 1 to August 30, 2006.  The exhibit, entitle “MAMA MADE A WAY” will be on display at the museum’s Newtonville, NJ facility in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center
at 661 Jackson Road Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
 
Charly Palmer won the Miller Brewing Company’s “Gallery of Greats”
contest in 1990.  He was also commissioned to create the 1996 Atlanta
Olympic poster and the poster for the1998 Winter Olympics in Japan.  In
addition, one of his pieces was featured on the FOX television show “In
Living Color.”

Over his 25-year career, Palmer has focused on social, political and
often on African American historical subjects.  He starts with the
Middle passage and continues through slavery, the Jim Crow and civil
rights eras, the Negro Sports League and musical history. His focus is
not limited to the African American experience, but also includes Native
Americans and the Jewish Holocaust.
 

Palmer was born in Alabama and raised in Wisconsin.   At the age of 5 he became fascinated by illustrations in "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack
Keats.  “I could never get enough of the imagery in the book. This
planted a seed in my young heart,” says Palmer.  “Keats, works were
fascinating and magical to me.”His random geometric shapes, the
simplicity of the layered textures and patterns, along with the mix of
bold colors stuck in Palmer’s mind.
 

As a young man, Charly studied the works of Viennese painter Gustav
Klimt, who influenced his growing fondness of flat surfaces, mosaic
colors and simplistic forms, which are highly symbolic in Klimt's
paintings.
 

Another strong influence was Jean Michele Basquiat, “A true artist whose
rawness in technique inspired me, and who I recognized didn't let medium
or anything get in his way,” says Palmer.  “I would like to mimic
Basquiat in that way. To this day he continues to be a pioneer in
influencing lots of artists."
 

Palmer’s passion is painting and his biggest challenge is to be the BEST artist he can be.  His alter ego emerged several years ago after a trip to Cancun, Mexico. He began creating and signing works as “Carlos” as a way to understand his artistic voice and freely express himself. This
journey helped him to truly find self. "Carlos” is Charly, one who is
carefree, relaxed, excited, spontaneous, and passionate. After many
successful years, “Carlos” has been put to rest and all works now signed
C. Palmer. 

Both Charly Palmer and Carlos visual statements can be seen in galleries across the country.  Art enthusiasts who own a "Carlos" creation have a piece from what will be known in the future as the Charly Palmer
"Carlos" period.

 

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr.  AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the world.
 

*EXHIBIT:*          MAMA MADE A WAY
*ARTIST:*   Charly “Carlos” Palmer
*DATES:*     June 1 – August 30, 2006
*HOURS:*    Tuesday – Saturday
                   10 am – 4:00 pm
 

*ARTIST’S RECEPTION: *

                   Saturday June 17, 2006
                   2:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. 

Free Admission
Donations Encouraged

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MUSEUM TO EXHIBIT FINE ARTWORKS BY JOAN REEVES, BURNS ROSE, AARON PINES, & LOIS SMITH AT “THE WALK” IN ATLANTIC CITY 

ATLANTIC CITY, Nj   (March 2, 2006)  

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) and The Atlantic City Outlets, The Walk in association with Atlantic City Arts Commission will exhibit fine artworks by Joan Reeves, Burns Rose, Aaron Pines, & Lois Smith from March 3, 2006 to April 2, 2006 at the Borders Outlet Plaza of “The Walk” located on North Michigan Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey.      

There will be an Opening Reception held on Friday, March 3, 2006 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM featuring the music of The Johnny Andrews Duo. 

Joan Reeves, Burns Rose, Aaron Pines, & Lois Smith are all extraordinary Southern New Jersey based and related fine artists who have been featured in previous exhibitions at The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Their works represent a broad spectrum of both styles and mediums and all works of art are available for purchase. 

Exhibit Hours are Thursday: Noon – 5 PM, Friday & Saturday: Noon – 8 PM, and Sunday & Monday: Noon-5pm.  

Please remember that the “Black Mail” exhibition, featuring 140 posters, stamps and other memorabilia commemorating African-Americans throughout history, is still on view at the AAHMSNJ from until March 30, 2006. 

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr. It is located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center in Newtonville, New Jersey. The AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the global arena. For more information, contact Ralph E. Hunter Sr. at (609) 704-7262 or

rhunter@aahmsnj.org or visit www.aahmsnj.org

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Newtonville cherishes its rich black history 2/27/06

During the Black History month celebration at the Martin Luther King Community Center in Newtonville on Sunday Evelyn Jones Whiting Hunter was honored with numerous plaques for being the oldest black citizen in Newtonville.  Mayor Chuck Chiarello noted she will be honored tonight at the televised Township Meeting.

For complete details go to:  www.thedailyjournal.com 

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Stockton, local museum team up to offer course --African American heritage class has hands-on approach 2/23/06

Rahmel Spann's is taking a new course on black history and museum archiving offered through a partnership between Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and the African American Heritage Museum in Newtonville.

For complete details go to:  www.thedailyjournal.com 

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Stamp celebrates actress' pioneer spirit 1/30/06

The late Hattie McDaniel was a blues singer and went on to become the first black actress to win an Oscar and an early pioneer in the civil rights movement.  The African American Heritage Museum at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center held a ceremony for the unveiling of a new US postage stamp in her honor.

For complete details go to:  www.thedailyjournal.com 

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'A true example': King remembered  1/16/05

Speakers from area churches and the community spoke about King and the way he lived and dreamed.  The event was held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newtonville.

For complete details go to:  www.thedailyjournal.com 

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Museum to Unveil Hattie McDaniel's Stamp at Special Ceremony

Newtonville, Nj   The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) in conjunction with the United States Postal Service will unveil the commemorative postal stamp featuring actress and Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at the museum in Newtonville, New Jersey at 2pm.  The ceremony and reception will also include the first commemorative stamp featuring Booker T. Washington.      

The Hattie McDaniel commemorative postal stamp is part of the Black Heritage series, a vibrant illustration of strategic events, individuals and decisions that have changed the course of the nation.  The Booker T. Washington commemorative postal stamp was the first United States postage stamp to honor an African American and was issued on April 7, 1940.  

Carol Silipena, the Postmaster of Newtonville, NJ, will be presiding over the ceremony and will also be on hand to issue special day cancellation of stamps purchased.  New Jersey Governor Jon. S. Corzine has been invited to attend, along with Buena Township Mayor Chuck Chiarello, New Jersey Assembly members Jeffrey Van Drew and William D. Payne, and Reverend David Mallory, the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Richland, New Jersey. 

The ceremonial unveiling will feature educational, musical and historical elements in honor of these significant moments in America’s history.  The unveiling ceremony will also feature a vendor’s market and will give visitors the opportunity to purchase previously issued stamps.  

The “Black Mail” exhibition featuring 140  posters, stamps and other memorabilia commemorating African-Americans throughout history is on view at the AAHMSNJ from January 14 until March 30, 2006. 

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr. It is located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center in Newtonville, New Jersey. The AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the world arena. 

For more information, contact Ralph E. Hunter Sr. at (609) 704-7262 or

rhunter@aahmsnj.org or visit www.aahmsnj.org

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Museum to host "Black Mail: A Celebration of African-Americans on Stamps"

Newtonville, Nj   The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) in conjunction with the United States Postal Service will present 140 posters, stamps and other memorabilia commemorating African-Americans throughout history.  The “Black Mail” exhibition is on view at the AAHMSNJ from January 14 until March 30, 2006.  The exhibit will be on view at the AAHMSNJ at 661 Jackson Road in Newtonville. 

The “Black Mail” exhibition fascinates not only art enthusiasts, but historians, collectors, residents of Newtonville, and the citizen’s of this country,” Hunter said. “It’s truly an event for everyone.” 

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Ralph E. Hunter Sr. It is located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center in Newtonville, New Jersey. The AAHMSNJ serves as a venue for celebrating American History and the legacy of African Americans in Southern New Jersey and throughout the world arena.  

For more information, contact Ralph E. Hunter, Sr. at (609) 704-7262  rhunter@aahmsnj.org.  Or visit www.aahmsnj.org

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African American Heritage Museum features artwork by five area women 11/11/05

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Art and history at African-American Museum (Spotlight, November 2005)

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'Jersey Girls' show their stuff ~ 17-year-old painter leads all-female art exhibit 10/31/05

Buena resident Kandice Fields a high school student, is the featured artist at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.

For complete details go to:  www.thedailyjournal.com 

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The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc.
661 Jackson Road, P.O. Box 39
Newtonville, New Jersey 08346

For Immediate Release

October 28, 2005
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc. in conjunction with Wash’s Catering will be honoring the late John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing, publishers of Ebony and Jet magazines, on Sunday October 30, 2005 from  4 PM – 6 PM at Wash’s Grand Hall, 128 North New Road, Pleasantville, NJ.

            Johnson passed away at the age of 87 in August 2005 of congestive heart failure at the Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. He was a pioneer in the publishing industry.      “He was the first to give us our own news and national publications” said Professor Jean Griffin, retired from Boston University and owner of Wash’s Catering. John Johnson was born January 19, 1918 in rural Arkansas City to Leroy and Gertrude Johnson. His mother saved all her minor earnings as a cook and washerwoman for years until she could afford to move her family to Chicago where Johnson was exposed to middle class blacks. He attended DuSable High School, an all black high school where his classmates consisted of Nat King Cole, Redd Foxx and William Abernathy. Upon graduating in 1936 he was invited to speak at a dinner held by the Urban League. Harry Pace, President of Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Company offered Johnson a job. At the age of 21 he became the editor of Pace’s in-house magazine.  In 1942 he borrowed $500 from his mother to start Johnson Publishing, launching Negro Digest. In 1945 he launched Ebony magazine and later created Jet magazine in 1951. “Johnson showed the positive side of the African American movement through showing African Americans in churches, in the military service, entertainment, top 10 music charts, politicians elected for office for the very first time, and students doing well in achievement tests in schools across the U.S.” said Ralph Hunter, founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern Jersey Incorporated.  In 1961 he was appointed US Ambassador to the Independent Ceremonies of the Ivory Coast and later on in 1963 appointed by Lyndon B. Johnson, Special U.S Ambassador to the Independence Ceremonies of Kenya.  He was the first black person on Forbe’s list of the 400 wealthiest Americans. Some of Johnson’s recent achievements include: receiving the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Award in 2001 and in 2002 he received the Vanguard Award and Trumpet Award. Ebony is the number one African American oriented magazine with a circulation of 7.1 million and a monthly membership of 11 million.  Ebony Fashion Fair, a traveling fashion extravaganza, is one of the renowned fashion shows in the world and a major cultural event in every city.  Fashion Fair Cosmetics is the number one make-up and skin care company for women of color.  

            “So many people see the African-American movement as such a struggle. Indeed it was a struggle but Johnson was able to put a positive spin on this movement by his commendable achievements.” said Hunter. “He was a true entrepreneur, a real Boot Strap story and one the African American community should honor”, said Griffin. John Johnson will be greatly missed and his contributions to media and society will not be forgotten.

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Hey, Help Them Put On a Play (10/23/05)

"African American Jersey Girls" Exhibit Opens October 1 through December 30, 2005 ~ Reception: Saturday, October 8th - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Artist Kandice Fields       “Chief Quiet Hawk”

Will Exhibit 30 of

Acrylic & Oils

Kandice Celina Fields, is a seventeen year old senior at Buena Regional High School.  Her strong interest in the arts began at age eleven.   

Artist Joan Reeves       Exhibit of Oils & Water Colors 

The Art of Joan Reeves 

I have been interested in the fine arts since I was an elementary school student.  Through high school I took various drawing and painting classes plus clothing and the beginnings of fashion design.  However when I started undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington DC, I changed my major to Business Administration and graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting.

I spent many successful years in my chosen profession as an executive in public service positions.  However, I never lost interest in the arts.  As my career was winding down, my passion for the visual arts grew stronger and I be