New Rochelle Library Hosts Annual African American Art Exhibition

The African American Art & Cultural Appreciation Council held its 18th annual art exhibit Sunday afternoon, featuring works by artist Carolyn Maitland and her stunning array of abstract paintings and visual representation of African culture and history.

"These events do take a great deal of work and I'm happy if I can get a few exhibitions a year," said Maitland, whose work has been featured around the world over the past five decades.

"My first painting I did out of college in 1953, my husband bought me some supplies and I went to work," recalled Maitland.

Each year, the council selects an artist and artistic theme to highlight. One of last year's honorees was George Patterson, who also has been an artist for most of his life. "Once I retired I was happy that I could focus on my art full time and being honored by the council is a very satisfiying accomplishment," said Patterson.

The spotlight on Sunday belonged to Carolyn Maitland, who was born and raised in New York.

"Later in life I became interested in African history and the arts and when I studied everything I could about the subject, I saw so many similarities from hundreds of years ago to today, such as the hairstyles and even their dress," said Maitland, who recently began painting with oils.

"Her work is very interesting, some being very abstract while her metal work shows such realism," said Bernard Raymond of Mammaroneck while gazing at a print portrait of Malcolm X from the 1960s.

Addressing the crowd that packed the library's Ozzie Davis theater, Audrey Inez Clark, president of the council, said, "African Americans are being included in mainstream society more and more today, whether it is in the arts, sports or even government."

"We are trying to bring people together and raise money for programs in the schools, such as a voice chorus where artist can share poems or other forms of expression," Clark continued.

Her hope is that more awareness can be generated not only about the organization itself, but about acceptance and openess to the arts and culture of African Americans.

Maitland's art work can be viewed all this month in the main gallery of the New Rochelle Library.

For families with children interested in the arts, Maitland will be conducting a workshop for kids on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. at the library.  Advance registration is required. For information, call 914-813-3706.