Centre for the Arts Opens African American Experience Exhibit

The Bristol Borough Centre for the Arts celebrated Black History Month and a local well-recognized artist at their reception Friday evening.

The center hosted “The African American Experience” exhibit. The display is sponsored by the African American Historical and Cultural Society of Bucks County and honors the late William H. Smith with an entire section of the Bristolian’s art work.

Smith worked for many years throughout Bucks County and lived in Langhorne before moving to Bristol Borough. He was awarded a silver medal at the 1939 New York World’s Fair and had seven paintings included in a display at the Smithsonian last decade.

“I think he would have been very happy to see this,” said Deal Wright, the president of the African American Historical and Cultural Society of Bucks County. Wright knew Smith for eight years before he passed away and came to know him very well through their work together in the cultural society.

According to Wright, Smith joined the cultural society with the intention of rolling up his sleeves and contributing. “He contributed quite a bit, through ideas and everything else.”

Smith did contribute quite a bit, including doing much of the design work for the Harriet Tubman statue which sits near the wharf in Bristol Borough.

“I was just blessed to have that opportunity,” said James Gafgen, the sculptor who brought Smith’s ideas on Tubman statue to life.

Sophia Agbaje, a retired school teacher who now lives in Philadelphia, knew Smith for years after becoming friends with his daughter.

“I’m just so very proud, and very sad that his family was unable to be here for the reception,” Agbaje said. She reflected on Smith’s work, mentioning the themes that the artist commonly depicted, such as those who participated in the movements for civil rights and against slavery.

Aamira Rollins, a member of the African American Historical and Cultural Society of Bucks County and a resident of Levittown, had a piece of art on display at the exhibit. According to Rollins, the goals of the exhibit were to honor Smith and bring local African American artists exposure while African American culture to be shown.

“It’s sort of nice to be able to add to the mix that exists here,” she said.

The exhibit is on display at 308 Mill Street through February 25.