“Black Perspective” Exhibit Currently Showing at The Oceanside Theatre Company's Brooks Theater Gallery Through March 26

“The exhibition is a treasure for the eye and the heart,”

Press Release

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) is pleased to announce the positive reception by the public of its newest exhibit “Black Perspective: A Celebration of Community, Family & Heritage.” The show, which has been on display since January 12 at the Brooks Theater Gallery in the lobby of the Sunshine Brooks Theater in Oceanside can be viewed cost-free.

Thematically aligned with two of the theater’s major events at the beginning of the year, “Black Perspective” complements the performing arts taking place on stage. The first event, “Generational Black Pioneers: Oceanside Firsts” on February 17 and 18, highlights black leaders who have fought for change in Oceanside. 

In March, OTC is thrilled to produce the San Diego Premiere of “Chicken & Biscuits,” a feel-good comedy written by black playwright Douglas Lyons and centered around the complex dynamics of a modern black family. Lyons was one of a record-breaking eight black playwrights whose work was on Broadway in 2021 but was forced to shut down due to ongoing COVID-19 cases. 

“Black Perspective" features the works of 12 artists who are showing at the Brooks Theater Gallery for the first time including 17-year-old Brooklyn Burroughs. “Honestly, my grandma told me that the Brooks Theater was doing an exhibition, and told me that I should submit,” said Burroughs. “I looked into the details and just decided to go for it. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be, because at my art school; we have to do juries and present our portfolios every year. It felt a little intimidating to submit I can admit, because I didn't expect for my artwork to get in.” 

The exhibition includes a myriad of different styles including portraits, sculptures, nail art, and powerful social justice themes. Of note is Thomasina Ferguson-Howard’s “Gordon Parks,” a stunning assemblage piece featuring little girls in the 1950s looking at a public park from outside a chain link fence. The artist uses an actual chain link gate – closed when racial injustice is making the headlines; and slightly open when there’s hope for change.

Paintings that have already sold include Artist Rhya Cawley’s “The Importance of Books,” which was bought by a publisher who discovered she’s worked with the artist but has never actually met her. Cawley was inspired by a photo of the first bookmobile made available in 1956 to black neighborhoods in the South. Another piece that sold was Marian Howard’s “Reading, a Shared Experience,“ which included visual language enhanced by the rich words and imagery of her son, poet and songwriter Alfred O. Howard. It was purchased by a couple with triplet girls who have been read to since they were babies. A painting of Rosa Parks by Krista Timberlake is pending sale to a visiting musician from Ohio. Additional sales include “Reflections on Hurricane Katrina” by Don Pallia, and “Tomika’s Village” by John Linthurst. 

“The exhibition is a treasure for the eye and the heart,” said gallery curator and OTC Board Member Carol Naegele. “All are welcome to come and see the ‘Black Perspective.’”  

The Brooks Theater Gallery is located in the lobby of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in the heart of Oceanside’s Cultural District. With year-round exhibits curated to relate to the themes of Oceanside Theatre Company’s main stage and youth productions, the gallery is seen by art lovers, theatergoers, music lovers, tourists, and the Oceanside community. Artist Open Houses for each exhibit offer an opportunity for the public to meet the artists and enjoy the exhibit cost-free. The Artist Open Houses, often coinciding with Oceanside’s First Friday Art Walk, include ambient music, an artist-at-work on a new piece, and light refreshments.

CURRENT EXHIBIT DETAILS

Black Perspective: A Celebration of Community, Family & Heritage

Exhibit Dates: January 9 – March 26

The free exhibit is open before and during most main-stage events. 

Call 760-994-5975 to schedule an exhibition tour during the week.

Brooks Theater Gallery at the Sunshine Brooks Theater. 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside

OceansideTheatre.org/brooks-theater-gallery

* Please note a temporary exhibit of renowned Rock ‘n Roll photography will be on display during the Oceanside International Film Festival February 20-24.