BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A series of exciting free Black History Month events including performances, talks, music, dance, craft workshops and other activities are being staged at National Museums Liverpool venues throughout October 2011.

Highlights this year include talks about Black sailors in Nelson’s navy and Pride and Prejudice author Jane Austen’s links with slavery. Cherie Blair takes part in an anti-slavery discussion on Tuesday, 18 October 2011.

Black History Month is held nationally every October to promote and celebrate Black contributions to British society and foster a general understanding of Black history. Most of the thought-provoking events are at the International Slavery Museum which examines the history and legacy of Britain’s transatlantic slave trade, abolished in 1807. Liverpool was the biggest European slave trading port at the end of the 18th century.

Black History Month focuses on a wide spectrum ranging from the lives of enslaved people before and after leaving Africa and traditional crafts and the role of African sailors in Nelson’s navy to the Toxteth riots.

Dr Richard Benjamin, head of the International Slavery Museum, says:- "Black History Month is an essential part of the International Slavery Museum's calendar of events which highlights and promotes the diversity of Black History. We have a varied series of events for all ages which will both inform people of the many positive Black contributions to British society as well as raise awareness of the legacies of slavery."

There are fascinating true-life talks illustrating many examples of Black History. For example:-

►  Do you remember Olive Morris? looks at the life of the Brixton Black Women’s Group founder and member of the British Black Panther movement from 2pm on 3 October 2011.

►  Liverpool and West Africa examines the controversial role of soap magnate William Hesketh Lever in palm oil collection at 2pm on 5 October 2011 Lady Lever Art Gallery).

►  Black Salt - Early Black Sailors and Nelson’s Navy is presented by Liverpool author Dr Ray Costello, 1pm on 21 October 2011.

►  Jane Austen, Slavery and the Search for Salvation – find out what connects Austen with slavery and its abolition 3.30pm – 8pm on 28 October 2011.

►  Other high points of Black History Month include a drop-in event focusing on Haitian voodoo flags, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, 22 October and Sunday, 23 October 2011. Find out about these beautiful flags and help to make some to decorate an activity room.

►  African masks – learn about the design of colourful West African masks and make your own, from 1pm to 4pm hrs 2 October, 25 October and 30 October 2011.

►  There is a Caribbean focus at the genealogy event Who you be? Do you know your family tree? This runs from 11am to 4:30pm Saturday, 15 October 2011. At this event you can learn the basics of family tree research and trace your ancestry at this enjoyable event.

►  Learn the meanings behind the patterns on African American quilts at a quilt pattern workshop, running from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, 9 October 2011. Make your own colourful patchwork pattern, perhaps inspired by the quilt on display at the museum.

►  Life in West Africa – find out about the International Slavery Museum’s collection of traditional West African objects and what they tell us about life in the region before transatlantic slavery that will be held over 1pm to 4pm on both 16 October and 24 October 2011.

►  UK Anti-Slavery Day Liverpool launch and panel discussion featuring Cherie Blair, contemporary artist Nicola Green and Anti-Slavery International director Aidan McQuade on 18 October 2011 (times tbc 12 noon to 4pm).

Pre-booking is essential for some events, but some are drop-in with no booking required.  For more information visit the Liverpool Museums website.

Guest artists join the Oxton Art Fair
Photograph by Roger Sinek.

OVER the last weekend of November, 9 exciting guest artists will be joining the artists of the annual Oxton Art Fair, at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum. This new blood will add fresh interest and variety to the 8th annual fair from the Oxton Artists at the gallery.

The reputation of the fair continues to grow well beyond the boundaries of Oxton Village.   This will be a major community and social event, supported by local residents and businesses.  It is expected to attractmore than 1500 visitors over the weekend.

Colin Simpson, Principal Museums officer for The Williamson Art Gallery and Museum said of the event:- "The relationship that has developed between the Williamson and Oxton Artists through this initiative has been mutually rewarding and very satisfying. The quality of work produced by local artists is undeniable and we are pleased to be a focus of activity throughout the year, but especially for this event. The Oxton Art Fair goes from strength to strength and it now represents the busiest weekend of the year at the gallery. I look forward to seeing the work that is presented as there are always surprises that make each new year an exciting opportunity."

The exhibitors will be showing a variety of contemporary art and design in photography, painting, illustration, jewellery, textiles, print and sculpture. All of the artists exhibit regularly in the North West of England, some nationally and a few internationally.

The 9 guest artists joining the show this year are Frieda Mc Kitrick and Rachael Howard who recently exhibited as part of the Wirral Open Studio Tour, digital photographers Mike Burns and David Hathaway-Price, published children’s book illustrator, Sian Bailey, 3 dimensional artist Barry Natton, printmaker Gill Curry, mixed media artist Camilla McKeane and topographical embroiderer Mary Bryning. They will be joined by previous exhibitors; Janine Suggett, Jayne Turner, Lisa Waldman, Lynda Roberts, Mark Wayne Barrett, Patsy Taylor, Roger Sinek, Theresia Cadwallader and Jacqui Chapman.

The Fair is run and financed by the artists themselves generating huge interest from both press and public.

It is a wonderful weekend just prior to Christmas where artists are available to discuss their work. There will be free ‘art goody bags’ for visiting children to explore their own creativity. Local business, Chilli and Chive will provide refreshments in a café within the gallery at reasonable prices in a relaxed atmosphere. All art works are for sale inspiring interesting hand made Christmas presents or beautiful pieces of art for your own Christmas present. Bring your family and your cheque book.

Opening times:-

► Saturday, 25 November 2011 the exhibition opens from 10am to 5pm.

► Sunday, 26 November 2011 the exhibition opens from 10am to 4pm.

The address is:- Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Slatey Rd, Birkenhead, CH43 4UE

For more information go to:- oxtonartfair.co.uk.