Just in time for Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June, art lovers can celebrate island culture at Ft. Lauderdale’s latest exhibit “The Island Imprint: The Art and History of the Caribbean Community in Broward County.” Produced by cultural nonprofit Island SPACE, the art and historical exhibition is on display June 15 to 29 at History Fort Lauderdale in The New River Inn. With COVID-19 social distancing in mind, guests can also enjoy a free interactive, virtual exhibition through the Island SPACE website.
“We are thrilled to welcome the public back to History Fort Lauderdale with this culturally significant exhibit that highlights the history and contributions of our Caribbean-American population,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “We’re excited to continue our relationship with Island SPACE to share these visually compelling artworks and relevant stories.”
This second staging in a multiyear initiative celebrating Broward County’s Caribbean heritage displays the works of three artists. Photo artist and curator David I. Muir (Jamaica) shares a selection of photos from his “Caribbean-American” collection, printed on canvas and featuring Caribbean scenes around Broward county. Two-time photography participant Sonya Sanchez-Arias (Trinidad) shares pieces from her “Fragments” collection, in which images she has captured from the Caribbean region are digitally manipulated, printed on metal, and mounted on natural, reclaimed materials. Mixed media artist Krystle Sabdul (Jamaica) has included a variety of expressive, oversized portraits.
A Sense of History in The Caribbean
The exhibit also features a historical compotent. Curated by Calibe Thompson (Jamaica), the exhibition traces the Caribbean community’s roots in Broward through news clippings, archival photos and information displaying the influence of diverse island people on the vibrant fabric of Greater Fort Lauderdale.
“Our goal with The Island Imprint project is to showcase art, history and our region’s untold stories as a unique collective, and to stimulate further discussion on diversity and culture,” said Calibe Thompson, executive director of Island SPACE. “We are excited that through the new virtual feature, even those who aren’t able to travel due to the health crisis or other reasons can still enjoy the exhibition from anywhere in the world.”
In compliance with local and state health guidelines, visitors will be required to wear a mask and practice safe social distancing of six feet apart. Hand sanitizer will be available at the front desk admission point and all surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned multiple times a day. Additionally, guests will be asked to sign-in, daily, for contact tracing.
More On Island SPACE:
