City of East Orange to Host Exhibition of African Americana Holiday Decorations

East Orange City Hall to Host Collection of New and Vintage Holiday Decorations
 
EAST ORANGE, N.J. - Dec. 1, 2014 - PRLog -- East Orange, NJ, December 1, 2014: Mayor Lester E. Taylor III and the East Orange City Council, in conjunction with the Arts Council of East Orange and Art in the Atrium, Inc., will present a “Holiday Spectacular,” an extensive collection of one-of-a-kind new and vintage African Americana holiday decorations of the late Reverend Alfonso Sherald, A.M.E., former Board Member of Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA) and pastor of Bethel AME Church in Morristown.

An opening reception for the exhibition, which will run through Jan. 1, 2015, will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ. Light refreshments will be served.

Pastor Sherald began collecting in the 1990s, and since then, he had amassed quite an array of black santas, angels, nutcrackers, and carolers, which he lovingly and proudly displayed at his home throughout the holiday season, according to ATA Director of Special Events and Board Member Lauren Craig, Esq.  Upon his passing, the non-profit arts organization, which primarily services the Morris County area, decided to continue Rev. Sherald’s tradition by curating an exhibition that could be displayed in public venues in and beyond Morris County.

Earlier this fall, in a chance encounter with Mayor Taylor, Craig mentioned the idea of bringing the display to East Orange’s City Hall. According to Mayor Taylor, the conversation was perfect timing.

“We had already begun thinking about new ways to celebrate the holidays and bring people together in our community,” said Mayor Taylor. “This exhibition, which celebrates African American culture and the spirit of the holidays, is a wonderful opportunity to set the tone for a joyous season in the city.”

Craig is delighted to partner with the City of East Orange and carry on the holiday legacy of Pastor Sherald.

"We are thrilled to bring this amazing collection of Afrocentric Santa’s, nutcrackers, angels and carolers to the public for all to enjoy. Pastor Sherald was truly one of a kind, and the breadth of his collection reflects his uniqueness, spirit and tenacity," Craig said.

Media Contact
Connie Jackson
connie.jackson@eastorange-nj.gov
973-266-5153
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