CHRIN GALLERY / EXHIBIT OPENING / SIGAL MUSEUM EXHIBIT OPENING: “Another American’s Autobiography: Selections from the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art”

Exhibition Opening at the Sigal Museum – November 19, 2021

The public is invited to enjoy a new exhibition: Another American’s Autobiography: Selections from the Petrucci Family Foundation’s Collection of African American Art.

Easton, PA – The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition in the Chrin Gallery at the Sigal Museum. Opening November 19, 2021 is Another American’s Autobiography: Selections from the Petrucci Family Foundation’s Collection of African American Art.

The exhibition is a collaboration with the Petrucci Family Foundation featuring over 25 pieces of art from their collection. The selected works will explore American patriotism and identity as it relates to the Black American experience. It will address the challenges of Black patriotism and the circumstances that complicate the relationship between Black Americans and this country. It asks the guests: What does it mean to be patriotic? Who comes to mind when we think of an American Patriot? Can we redefine and reimagine our symbols of patriotism or our expressions of allegiance?

This exhibition surveys work by Black artists who have grappled with questions of American identity, allegiance, and belonging in their practice. The selected artworks aim to affirm the role of Black Americans in shaping our national identity and to elevate civic engagement and constructive patriotism as a valid and healthy expression of a love of country. The exhibition features art work from a wide variety of media including film, sculpture, textiles, and more. It also features a quilt on loan from former Lafayette College and Easton resident, Chawne Kimber.

The Petrucci Family Foundation has also generously sponsored free public admission to the Sigal Museum November 19, 2021 through December 30, 2021 (closed Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve).

NCHGS Executive Director Megan van Ravenswaay, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Petrucci Family Foundation to present this important exhibition to the community. It is a true honor to host the incredible works in the exhibition. Many of the pieces are deeply moving and provide the catalyst for important community discussion.”

Petrucci Family Foundation Principal & Collector James G. Petrucci, “The collection’s purpose has always been to represent the full range of African-American art and assert its essential place in the discourse of American art and history. I’m grateful to the Sigal Museum for inviting us to exhibit works that expand and enrich the story of America, and to our Director, Claudia Volpe, for guest curating this important exhibition.”

Petrucci Family Foundation Director Claudia Volpe, “We have had the privilege of exhibiting works from the PFF Collection of African American Art at a variety of institutions around the country, but it is always uniquely exciting to be able to bring these artworks and discussions to our backyard. As the country grapples with the themes presented here, it feels deeply meaningful to have enriching conversations around challenging topics with our community at the Sigal Museum.”

Another American’s Autobiography will open to the public on November 19, 2021 and run through July 10, 2022.

Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society’s mission is to share the stories of Northampton County’s past to encourage personal reflection, community dialogue, and an understanding of history’s impact on our lives. Guests enjoy exhibitions at the Sigal Museum, accessing their genealogy or family history at the Jane S. Moyer Library and the NCHGS Archives, and dozens of programs, events, workshops, and tours at our three historic house properties: the Jacob Nicholas House, the Mixsell Illick House, and the Bachmann Publick House. We believe that by exploring local history, we will foster a more respectful, caring, and inclusive community.

Founded in 2006, The Petrucci Family Foundation (PFF) actively responds to the needs of the communities it serves. The PFF mission is to support education and create opportunities for Americans at every stage and station of life.The PFF Collection of African American Art is a targeted initiative to bring focus to the full range of African-American visual creativity and its essential place in the history and discourse of American art.

Information Provided By:
Megan van Ravenswaay
Executive Director
http://northamptonctymuseum.org/