First Coast Cultural Center presents Teresa Cook, watercolor artist on Feb. 3 - Black History Month

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jan. 23, 2023 - PRLog -- First Coast Cultural Center and Florida Humanities will partner in an art exhibit and reception with Teresa Cook, a watercolor artist, as part of the Florida Talks program. In commemoration of Black History Month, the event will be held on Friday, February 3 from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Pawsitive Healing Mobility Center, 1617 Thacker Ave. in Jacksonville. Fla. The event is free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, visit the website at https://tinyurl.com/2reh8s6t.

The show theme, Figuratively Seen, will feature Cook's watercolors and a talk by curator and historian Dr. Cori Convertito entitled "Shaping an Island: Key West's Black History." Dr. Convertito will discuss how Black settlers shaped the island of Key West into what it is today, and what that has meant for the state of Florida. Convertito is Lead Historian at the Florida Keys History Center, and her presentation is made possible through Florida Talks.
The art exhibit will continue starting on Friday, February 10 until Tuesday, February 28 at First Coast Cultural Center, 3972 3rd Street South in Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

According to Cook, "Figuratively Seen" displays her unique form of self-expression, capturing the quick lines and loose watercolor style gained through her artistic journey. "This show is meant to display artistic multi-dimensionality by portraying my style, growth, and the path leading to now," she said. Cook owns Teresa Cook Art which focuses on her watercolors, fabrics, and clothing designs.

Dr. Convertito's presentation at the event on February 3 will explore the contributions of Black Bahamians and Black Cubans to the maritime industries of Key West. The influences of these skilled workers, including sailors, spongers, boat builders, cigar rollers, and fishermen, have been marginalized, when their contributions were vital, valuable, and integral. The presentation looks at the diverse industries that the Black population impacted, and how these settlers shaped the island of Key West into what it is today and what that means for the state of Florida.

About First Coast Cultural Center: First Coast Cultural Center is located at 3972 3rd Street South in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and holds classes in Nocatee at Care Connect+, located inside the Flagler Health+ Village at 351 Town Center Plaza, Suite 205 in Ponte Vedra, Fla. Studio hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, with after hour appointments available. Visit the website at https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org.