Chillicothe — The commemoration of “Juneteenth” has begun, with an annual art show in the Pump House Center for the Arts.
The opening of the Juneteenth show in the Pump House on Thursday evening helped start the now-popular African-American commemoration of history. “Juneteenth” marks the very final end of slavery in the United States, when freedom was finally enforced on June 19, 1865 in the furthermost reaches of the Confederacy.
Jazz and blues were at the Majestic Theatre on Friday, and a program is at the Lucy House today – learn about that in a related story.
After being a small part of last year’s show, Krystian Jones is now the featured artist. The painting that she chose to highlight with me is “Walker’s Way,” with a young girl sitting in a salon chair.
She said Madame C.J. Walker was first known African-American millionaire, after developing cosmetics and hair care for black women. Jones said she painted a hypothetical future for Walker as a girl.
All of her art in the Pump House is for sale, and can be purchased through the art gallery. Jones has an Instagram account.
Another returning artist is Damianne Fischer, who has two sculptures in the show. She says she is mainly an “upcycled sculpture artist” and tries to make political statement with her works.
Her returning piece is “Planting Seeds for Change,” made from a vintage seed machine. Fischer says it represents women’s work…but also quiet rebellion. (Be sure to look into the hidden alcove in back.)
Her art is for sale and she can also be found on Instagram.
Hear both artists in their own words in the below video interviews. Other artists in the show are Stuart Beverly, Bev Reiley, Angie Terry, Edie Miller, and Steven Riggs.
The Pump House is open 1 to 4 Sunday, closed Monday, but opens at 11am Tuesday through Saturday. The free public art gallery has a Facebook page and website.
