Jazz:The Joan Cartwright Collection
By Charlene Farrington
Spady Museum, Delray Beach, FL September 2020 - February 2021 The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum’s exhibition of Jazz: The Joan Cartwright Collection was on display for five months. The exhibition was a display of 30 photographs and paintings of Jazz and Blues performers such as Alberta Hunter and Nina Simone. The paintings are by Charles Mills, an artist best known for his depictions of the African American experience. These iconic men and women were made more real to the audience in the book and their individual characteristics and personal lives were brought to life through Dr. Cartwright’s lively and hilarious monthly gallery talks. Exhibitions such as this serve to broaden and deepen audiences’ understanding of the Black experience in America, which is part of the Spady Museum’s vision of understanding and acceptance of varying black cultures. It is important to note that real progress in this undertaking must be done interactively. While a display of beautiful photos and paintings can provide a valuable experience for many, understanding and acceptance is only achieved through storytelling and discussion. Dr. Cartwright regaled audiences with her knowledge of the artists and her own personal experiences. During these discussions, the culture of the music business was revealed and, coupled with life during Jim Crow, lessons were learned about the tenacity needed to survive and succeed in the music industry. Audiences were grateful for the perspectives Cartwright revealed that added context to public knowledge about Jazz and Blue musicians.
Charlene Farrington, Dr. Joan Cartwright, Sharon Blake
Stephen Tiger, Sabrena Rich, Dottie Kelly, Yvette Norwood-Tiger, Charlene Farrington, Shamele Jenkins
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