HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) continues to celebrate Black History Month in February through some special exhibits and events. The exhibit “Looking at the Collection: African American Art and Artists” is currently on display in the museum’s Chan Gallery and will remain on view through May 28.

On Sunday, Feb. 19, HMA will offer a community free day during its regular hours. Visitors can view the exhibits “Looking at the Collection: African American Art and Artists,” as well as “Encounters: John Cleaveland,” “Gala 2023 Art Exhibit,” and “A World Within,” at no cost.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, HMA will honor local chef Narvell Patton at the “Voices of Our Times: Alex Hitz” event. Celebrity chef Alex Hitz featured Patton and a few of her recipes in his latest cookbook, “Occasions to Celebrate.” The evening will celebrate Patton’s accomplishments as chef and business owner in Huntsville over the years. This event is sold out.

“The museum is thrilled to offer special programing for Black History Month,” said HMA Executive Director Christopher Madkour. “While we aim to have diverse exhibits and events year-round, Black History is a special time and a special opportunity to highlight Black art and artists. We hope the community engages with and enjoys our programing this February.”

“Looking at the Collection: African American Art and Artists” features artwork by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists working in a variety of media, including Benny Andrews, Elizabeth Catlett, Althea Murphy-Price, Clifton Pearson, Renee Stout, and Mose Tolliver, among others. All pieces are housed in HMA’s permanent collection.

Included in the exhibit is Italian American Luigi Lucioni’s portrait of singer and actress Ethel Waters. Considered a signature artwork in the Museum’s permanent collection, the artwork has a fascinating story. The piece was not publicly viewable for 75 years until HMA Executive Director Christopher Madkour tracked it down. HMA held a fundraising campaign to purchase the piece and has displayed it several times since it joined the permanent collection it in 2017.

The exhibit highlights the Museum’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility and is presented by the HMA Black History Month committee. Committee members include Co-Chairs Bobby Bradley and Dianne Reynolds, and members Lady Tucker, Ina Wilson Smith, Herman Stubbs, and Denise Swain.

The museum’s weekly “5 after 5” events will also have special programing. HMA will feature live musical performances from Black artists Kevin Richardson on Feb. 16 and Arthurine Shackleford on Feb. 23. Admission to “5 after 5” is $5 from 5-8 pm every Thursday. There will be no “5 after 5” on Thursday, Feb. 9.

More information about HMA’s hours admission prices, events and exhibits can be found at hsvmuseum.org

“Voices of Our Times: Alex Hitz” lead sponsors include the Doris Burwell Foundation, Butch and Jerry Damson, Susan and Bruce Park, Danielle and Deke Damson, Anne Robinson, and Linda Smith. The 2022-2023 “Voices of Our Times” series is sponsored by AL.com IronMountain Solutions, PNC, and Shelbie King.