Cicilline Opens Black History Month Art Exhibit

Congressional office will host works by African-American Rhode Islanders for remainder of February
Feb 11, 2012
U.S. Congressman David Cicilline and Randy Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Council on the Arts, at the opening of Cicilline’s Celebrating Black Heritage and Culture” art gallery in his Pawtucket Office.
Cicilline Opens Black History Month Art Exhibit

Pawtucket – In recognition of Black History Month, U.S. Representative David Cicilline (D-RI) today formally opened the “Celebrating Black Heritage and Culture” art gallery that his Pawtucket office will host this month.

“It’s a great pleasure to have the opportunity to display this wonderful art created by the men and women from our state’s African-American community,” said Cicilline.  “I hope all Rhode Islanders will come by to visit this exhibit during Black History Month.”

“This exhibit in Congressman Cicilline’s office is extraordinary. I have never heard of a Congressman turning his office into an art exhibit to celebrate the work of the African Diaspora, which includes African Americans, Caribbean and African cultures. I greatly appreciate Congressman Cicilline’s continued commitment to the community,” said Jim Vincent, President of the NAACP Providence Chapter.

Cicilline’s office invited local African American artists to donate works that represented cities throughout Rhode Island.  Along with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, Cicilline welcomed constituents, community leaders, and participating artists for a reception today to celebrate the opening of the exhibit. 

“It is an honor to be a part of Congressman Cicilline’s Rhode Island Black artists’ art exhibit. We thank Congressman Cicilline for acknowledging the arts and cultural that is so vibrant in Rhode Island, and giving all of us the opportunity to exhibit our work so that the community can appreciate the talent that exists in our state,” said Taalibah Cabral, an Artist.

The “Celebrating Black Heritage and Culture” gallery will exhibit the local artists’ pieces in the First Congressional District Office through the end of February, which is traditionally recognized as Black History Month.  The exhibit will be open weekdays from 9am through 5pm.