Dionne Bonner’s large scale portraits of African-American pioneers are on display at the City Hall Gallery alongside historical documents and photographs from Auburn’s White River Valley Museum.
Bonner has captured the essence of Pacific Northwest pioneers and historical figures Nettie Asburry, John T. Gayton, Horace Cayton, William Owen Bush, George Washington, George P. Riley, Sen. J.H. Ryan, George W. Bush and Edward F. Meyer.
In the 3-by-5-foot portraits, their presence is larger than life, and viewers are encouraged to learn more about the individuals by the biographical descriptions that accompany each portrait.
In addition, the artist created a “history quest” handout, encouraging the visitor to learn more and match the facts to the individual.
Hilary Pittenger, guest curator and curator of collections of the WRVM, created a narrative of Auburn’s black history through her research. In the display, visitors will see photographs that have been preserved because of their inclusion in the Auburn High School yearbooks along with other historical documents.
Focusing between 1870 and 1990, the historical exhibit encourages citizens to share their stories and help preserve minority history in the White River Valley.
Black History Month, since 1976, is a remembrance of the events in the history of the African diaspora.
The Auburn City Hall Gallery is presented by the City of Auburn and Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation. For a 2011 Gallery Brochure or for information on other cultural arts programs, go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call 253-931-3043.
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On display
• WHAT:
• WHEN: Feb. 2-March 1, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• WHERE: Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. and City Hall Annex, 1 W. Main Street. Admission is free.
