Juneteenth Celebration: Children's Art Exhibit

As a child, Conni Robinson enjoyed art class with Cochran Elementary teacher Eve Archer. Decades have gone by but Archer is the first person Robinson considered when organizing a children’s art workshop.

The workshop consists of five Saturdays beginning in February and ending in June and was designed to help children create artwork for display at the 10th annual Juneteenth Celebration. Starting the workshops in February – Black History Month – is not a coincidence.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas in 1865. For African-Americans in the United States, it is a summer-time celebration of heritage, a time to reflect on the evils of slavery and their historic struggle to win human and civil rights.

Robinson is the executive producer of the Juneteenth Celebration event for Northern Pennsylvania. She has been planning and preparing for months and with help from grants, private donations, as well as volunteer labor. A graduate of San Francisco State with a bachelor’s of art degree in theater, Robinson said her goal is to emphasize the fine arts so Juneteenth will feature local art, music, dance and other stage entertainment.

To learm more about 2010 Gifted Juneteenth
Celebration Art Exhibit, click here >>>>>

New this year was an exhibit featuring original art by area children. Robinson promoted the free workshops through school fliers and public announcements, seeking a diverse group. Students from Williamsport and Montoursville responded, and agreed to attend the art classes at the Lycoming County Historical Society for the next few months, painting with oils and watercolors and creating clay sculptures. For many, it is their first experience with a new art medium.

“There is hidden talent and we don’t always allow children the opportunity to explore,” Robinson said. “There aren’t many avenues open to them. I had people who really gave you a chance to experience art. I maintained an appreciation for fine arts from my grade school art lessons with Eve Archer, founder of the annual Ways Garden Art Show, and Bob Schultz, who retired from the Williamsport High School. Then, I took private art lessons from the late Pete Gstalder.”

Robinson surveyed the tables filled with children and art supplies and smiled. “They seem to enjoy themselves.”

To see all photos from the 2009 Art Exhibit
workshop, click here >>>>>

Classes were taught by Archer, Ed Steinhilper of Lycoming Art Students League, his student assistant Fran Stiber, and Jackie Thomas, retired assistant school superintendent and now an adjunct art instructor at Lycoming College. Thomas brought with her two Lycoming College art students: Courtney Black, 21, of Lancaster, and Jillete Andrews, 20, of Turbotville.

The art instructors were volunteering their time, which allows Robinson to spend the donations on art supplies. Though Juneteenth provided most, Steinhilper and Thomas supplemented some supplies. Volunteer Denise Gray, who works at the YWCA, helped to promote the event to area parents and assisted children at the art workshop.
Students participating in the workshops are: Nuria Hunter, 15; Jasmine Gray, 15; Abby Caviston, 14, Frances Payton, 18; Nadia Mills, 14; Imani Reeves, 12; Michelle Gray, 7; Cameron Terrell, 13; Corrie Conlay-Saunders, 10; Andre Saunders, 13; and Zakia Austin, 17.

Robinson, administrator of the northern Pennsylvania-based Juneteenth Celebration Association, said the organization, which started at Bethel AME Church, has applied for non-profit status and seeks donations and event volunteers.

“We’re our own organization now, with an advisory board. It’s doing good work in the community,” she said.

At this point, the Juneteenth board (Robinson included) and workers are all volunteers.  The money raised goes to musicians and speakers for their travel and lodging and negotiated talent fees.

Robinson said, “Some local musicians do not want any money but we like to give them something, even if it's small. There are also clowns, contractors, amusement rentals, tent rentals, etc., to be paid. If anyone on staff is paid that will be in the future -- depending on what is fiscally prudent. There may be some reimbursement after the bills get paid for personal expenses, but not always.”

There are many volunteers who have used their money, time and talent to support the event and workshops, Robinson said. “Richard Karp (who is providing free photography and money) and Johnny Blair (who provides musical talent, talent scouting, marketing expertise and money) are advisory board members. I do some of all of it, not photography, but I keep the board in the loop and listen to their advice. The grant writing and books are my responsibility, as well as designing the venue, getting vendors, booking groups and speakers, working the community service projects and getting donations,” she added. 

“We are always seeking new sponsors and vendors. We have several sponsors for product and money, including Lycoming College, who provides tables and chairs at the park, Wal-Mart, PCA, Wegman's, Bon Ton, the local Art's Council, Russ and Marie Reitz' Gracious Meadows Farms, and Dr. Mamie Diggs' Underground Railroad Exhibit. Lamar Advertising has sponsored with billboards.”

Do you know a young person who may be interested in participating in the 2010 Gifted Juneteenth Celebration Art Exhibit workshops? This program will include educational presentations and field trips, free of charge.  Please feel free to click on the flyer below and print it, and share it with others in the community. More information is available by calling 419-2502.

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  Johnny J Blair
  Richard James

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