The Berkeley Arts Council will host an exhibit of artworks in support of the Green Hill Historical African-American Cemetery (GHHAAC) in Martinsburg, WV, from February 18 through March 20, 2021 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street.
The purpose of the exhibit is to highlight the work of the GHHAAC Committee, a nonprofit organization formed in September 2017, to restore the long-abandoned African-American cemetery located on the east side of Martinsburg. The exhibit is open to all artists in the region, over the age of 18, working in any medium, including visual, literary, music, and performing arts. The subject of work may focus on any of the following themes:
– Revitalization and preservation of the cemetery grounds,
– Preservation of the history and identity of the GHHAAC, or
– Commemoration and remembrance of souls buried there.
Visual Arts: Work in all visual arts media, including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture and graphic arts; fine craft media, such as clay, glass, metal, wood, fibers are welcome. To participate, deliver one or two art works to the Berkeley Art Works gallery, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, February 11, 12 and 13 from 11am to 3pm.
Artwork must be properly framed or otherwise professionally presented and ready for display. All 2-dimensional artwork framed up to 48 inches in width, is eligible. Framed work must be wired for hanging (no saw tooth or single ring hangers, please). Three-dimensional fine art and fine craft up to 72 inches in height and 36 inches in width or depth must be free-standing. Larger visual works or works in a series are welcome, but will require prior arrangements to ensure sufficient space in the gallery. Film or documentary work can be provided in DVD format. A DVD Player and TV screen can be provided at the gallery.
A signed consignment form for the exhibit must be submitted when the work is delivered. An identification tag must accompany each piece and must include the artist’s name, title of the work and price, if the work is for sale. The Berkeley Arts Council will retain a 30% commission on sales of work during the exhibit. The Berkeley Arts Council does not insure art work while in the gallery. Although the Berkeley Arts Council will take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of the entries in the gallery, the BAC is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, the artwork and the artist is responsible for his/her own insurance if desired.
Literary, Music and Performance Arts: Artists interested in submitting literary, music and performance work are strongly encouraged. Due to covid-19 restrictions, live performance will not be possible; however, arrangements for virtual presentation of these works will be made, if there is sufficient interest. Project proposals are required in advance and are due by Saturday, February 13, 2021.
There is no entry fee to participate in this exhibit; however, a donation to the GHHAAC Committee is appreciated. Donations may be made when artwork is delivered to the gallery, in cash or check payable to GHHAAC.
Please direct questions via e-mail to berkeleyartswv@gmail.com, with “GHHAAC” in the subject line and be sure to provide contact information so our exhibits committee can respond to you.
Entry Forms:
Visual Arts Consignment Form (PDF)
Literary, Music and Performance Arts Proposal Form (PDF)
More Information about the GHHAAC is after the break:
GHHAAC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GreenHillHistoricAfricanAmericanCemetery/
Media:
“New Art Exhibit will Feature Local Historic African-American Cemetery”, Herald-Mail, January 2021
“Local Artists Called to Help Honor Recently Dedicated Green Hill African-American Cemetery”, Journal-News, December 2020
“Dedication for African-American Cemetery Offers Proper Burial Respect to Those Who had Passed”, Journal-News, November 2020
“Historic African American Cemetery Formally Recognized in Martinsburg”, November, 2020
https://www.localdvm.com/news/west-virginia/historic-african-american-cemetery-formally-recognized-in-martinsburg/
“Group Restores Historic African-American Cemetery”, Herald-Mail, September 2020
https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/west_virginia/group-restores-historic-african-american-cemetery/article_692b0630-a205-53a7-9cf3-9f336d71be06.html
“The Fight to Save America’s Historic Black Cemeteries”, MSN.com, August 2020
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-fight-to-save-americas-historic-black-cemeteries/ar-BB18a3Xp?ocid=ientp
“GHHAAC Hopes to Connect Relatives with Slaves’ Gravesites”, Journal-News, December 2019
https://www.journal-news.net/journal-news/ghhaac-hopes-to-connect-relatives-with-slaves-gravesites/article_fc2d61d9-62ec-5639-8fb3-ffbaa7b568d4.html
“Gentrification is Erasing Black Cemeteries, and with it, Black History”, The Guardian Opinions, April 2019
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/apr/27/gentrification-is-erasing-black-cemeteries-and-with-it-black-history?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail
“Shepherd Students Help Group Restore African-American Section of Cemetery”, Herald-Mail, August 2018
https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/west_virginia/shepherd-students-help-group-restore-african-american-section-of-cemetery/article_8f9ea21e-a662-11e8-9036-c73fea308083.html
Rob and Dave Show, “Eastern Panhandle Talk”, WRNR, July 3, 2018
YouTube video link; discussion starts at the 29:30 minute mark.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zww0Ytlixb4
“Volunteers Tend to Green Hill Cemetery, Help Clean Portion of African American Cemetery,” WDVM, June 2018
https://www.localdvm.com/news/west-virginia/volunteers-tend-to-green-hill-cemetery-help-clean-portion-of-african-american-cemetery/
“Martinsburg Man Still Passionate About Historic Black Cemetery”, Journal-News, October 2017
https://www.journal-news.net/news/local-news/martinsburg-man-still-passionate-about-historic-black-cemetery/article_2016c84e-c683-5714-b44e-94f92f006c96.html