SHOHOLA, PA — When the judges in the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition found out that Edward Mitchell Bannister was black, they tried to take back the prize they awarded him for his painting, “Under the Oaks.” Justice was only served because his fellow artists—the ones he beat in the competition—stood up for him, and the prize was reinstated. 

In February, Black History Month, an exhibit at the Artists’ Market Community Center, 114 Richardson Ave., will feature the works of Bannister and other historical black artists as well as contemporary local black artists. There is a free opening reception with complimentary refreshments and a brief presentation on February 4, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The exhibit, curated by the Barryville Area Arts Association (BAAA), traces the history of black American art through slavery into the civil rights movement. Contemporary artists featured include Robert D. Brown, Branly Cadet, Amber Dougherty, Jennifer Dougherty and the late Geoffrey Holder.