STCC gallery exhibit explores issue of race, identity during Black History Month

Kiara Lee, a 12th-grader at Springfield Honors Academy, created this sculpture, which is part of the series "It's Personal."

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery at Springfield Technical Community College presents “Reclaiming Our Heritage,” a selection of 2D and 3D artwork, art projects, video and text by students from Springfield Honors Academy and Springfield Conservatory of the Arts.

The exhibit by Springfield Public Schools students from these two schools is on view Feb. 5-Feb. 29. A public reception will be held Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-1 pm. (snow date, Feb. 18) Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome.

In response to Black History Month, this celebration of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) student artwork focuses on issues of identity with all work created since the beginning of the school year.

The inspiration for the exhibition came last spring from STCC fine arts major Simba Smith ‘21, a graduate of Springfield Honors Academy. “Reclaiming Our Heritage” was installed by STCC first year-gallery work-study students Alexavier Arroyo, Cassandra Nowak, and STCC gallery work-study students Enaya Ogletree and Elizabeth Bess in their final semester pursuing their associate in arts.

“This exhibition importantly gives not only STCC students curatorial experience, but also gives young aspiring secondary school artists a platform to showcase their talent and artwork in a gallery setting for family, friends, and the community at large to see,” said Sondra Peron, professor and coordinator for the Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery.

This exhibition importantly gives not only STCC students curatorial experience, but also gives young aspiring secondary school artists a platform to showcase their talent and artwork in a gallery setting for family, friends, and the community at large to see. Sondra Peron, Professor, coordinator of the gallery

Springfield Honors Academy focuses on developing the intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity of its students, strategically supporting them in their quest for becoming their best selves. Springfield Honors Academy students are guided by art teacher Melissa Lynn Barbeau. The art program at Honors Academy offers courses in Foundations of Art, Sculpture, Printmaking, Advanced Drawing and Painting, and AP Art and Design, among others.

Springfield Conservatory of the Arts, a city-run magnet school focusing on the performing and visual arts, opened in 2014. Students are guided in their creative efforts seen in this exhibition by art teacher and department chair April Wesley, who has lived in and worked as a Springfield visual art teacher for more than 20 years.

“I’m excited to have been invited to work with the Springfield Honors Academy, Sondra Peron and STCC student curators to create art with our Conservatory students focusing on heritage and identity during Black History Month,” Wesley said.

Both secondary schools are located across from the campus of STCC on State Street in Springfield. STCC has a dual enrollment agreement with the Conservatory of the Arts and the Honors Academy.

Additionally, STCC’s Early College Career Pathway program allows students in grades 10, 11 and 12 at Springfield’s High School of Commerce and the Springfield Honors Academy to launch their college careers at STCC in six different pathways to a certificate or associate degree.

For more information about STCC’s Fine Arts program, visit stcc.edu/explore/programs/fine.aa

About the Gallery

The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery, located on the campus of STCC in B28, is open Mondays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesdays 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and closed Sunday. The gallery includes a camera obscura room. Parking is available in K Lot. Use Pearl Street gate for easy access.

The gallery and all events are free to the public.

This exhibition and associated events are supported in part by the School of Liberal and Professional Studies (LAPS) and the Fine Arts (A.A.) program. 

For more information, visit: stcc.io/carberry

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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