Pictured is the art exhibit at the Tri-Church Parish in Brocton.

BROCTON — Brocton’s Art Discovery program is displaying its latest exhibit, which is an artistic history that combines both February’s Black History Month and March’s Women’s History Month. Instead of doing two different exhibits for each month, the architect of the Art Discovery program, Lucy Andrus, said that this program will celebrate and recognize pieces of both.

“For the Women’s History component, we’re focusing on the concept of women’s handwork and its multiple layers of meaning and purpose,” Andrus said. “For the Black History aspect, we’re focusing on women who have made significant achievements in the arts, humanities, science, business, and politics. Each woman is pictured along with a description of her achievements and contributions. “

Women’s handwork refers to quite literally their handwork, namely in the form of weaving and clothing. Some of the women featured in the exhibit are Elizabeth Keckley, who was born a slave, but ended up as the seamstress in the White House for Mary Todd Lincoln.

“The layers of meaning in Women’s Handwork, past and present, are essential areas to consider in understanding and appreciating the value of women’s contributions to society that include and exceed raising up the next generation of citizens,” Andrus said. “The fabric of our history and society is woven with and deeply connected to the fabric women literally held in their hands, using needle and thread to create objects that served multiple purposes affecting personal, community, and national interests.”

Examples of the layers of meaning in Women’s Hand Work include economic enterprise, a source of income, historical preservation and civic responsibility, and each of those examples are explored in the Art Discovery exhibit.

As the exhibit not only focuses on Women’s History, but also Black History, the women featured in the exhibit are also black, as the accomplishments of both are celebrated. The notable women honored in the exhibit are Phillis Wheatley, Madam C.J. Walker, Mae Jemison, Bessie Coleman, Alice Ball, and LoÔs Mailou Jones, who all have their accomplishments and examples of their work on display with their names.

As the exhibit is directly tied to the Tri-Church Parish in Brocton, Andrus wants to extend thanks to the church for supporting the art initiative.

“An important part of Tri-Church’s mission is to promote greater awareness, appreciation, and empathy for others through Art Discovery exhibits like this one,” Andrus said.

Those interested in viewing the exhibit can set an appointment with Andrus by contacting her at andrusl5186@gmail.com. COVID-19 protocols for masks and social distancing must be followed while viewing the exhibit.