NTID displays work by black deaf artists

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“Dancing Lady with the Jazz” by Yusuf Yahya is one of more than 150 works of art on display this month at RIT/NTID’s Dyer Arts Center. The exhibit, showcasing the works of black deaf artists, is a tribute to Black History Month.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Joseph F. and Helen C. Dyer Arts Center at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf hosts a rare exhibit showcasing the work of black deaf artists around the globe.

“Unfolding the Soul of Black Deaf Expressions” runs through Feb. 27 and features more than 150 works of art from 30 black deaf artists. Pieces stem from a variety of artistic media including paintings, photography and drawings.

A three-day symposium will also be held Feb. 25–27 in the Dyer Arts Center. Many of the presentations are free including “Empowering Young Black Deaf Artists” by Emily Blachly; “Preserving the Legacy of Black Deaf Art,” by LeeAnne Valentine; “How to be an Art Patron,” by Fred Beam and Earl Terry; and “Success Stories of Black Deaf Artists,” presented by a group of participating artists. For a complete schedule of events, go to the Dyer Arts Center website.

“One of the goals of the Dyer Arts Center is to display exhibits promoting cultural groups at least once a year,” said Tabitha Jacques, gallery director. “This season, we are proudly featuring the magnificent work of black deaf artists. It’s important to us that Dyer Arts Center’s exhibits and programs encourage discussion on the myriad types of art that are found within the deaf community.”

For more information about the exhibit, go to the Dyer Arts Center website, Facebook page or Instagram page, @dyerartscenter. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1–5 p.m., Saturdays.