The City of Thomasville’s Office of Downtown & Tourism Development recently invited professional artists to contribute their creativity and talent for the Black History Month Celebration, showcasing decorative event signs to adorn the historic streets of Downtown Thomasville and adding a vibrant and artistic dimension to the celebration.
Artists Ke’Chanbria Ball, Carla Mintz, Maria Pittman, Ortoria Scott, and Sharard “X” Saddlers brought their artistic visions to life through expressions of empowerment, celebration of diversity, and reflection of humanity. Their hand-painted circle signs located along Broad Street and West Jackson Street pay homage to this year's Black History Month theme, African Americans and the Arts. Full of beauty, diversity, history, and culture of African Americans, these artists brought vibrant and artistic elements to the downtown for us to enjoy all month long.
“Working on this project was such an exciting addition not only to our Black History Month celebration, but to our downtown,” said Brandy Avery, Main Street Director. “The displays inspire through experiences such as black womanhood and African American heritage.”
Along Stevens Street, a gallery wall was also created by the Jack Hadley Black History Museum. City of Thomasville crews also installed decorative banners throughout The Ritz Amphitheater. Both installations pay tribute to local African American history.
“The addition of these artistic signs and artwork shows how Thomasville’s annual Black History Month Parade and Celebration has transformed and another piece of our rich cultural past and present are included in history-making,” said Nicole Elwell, Special Events Manager.
The circle signs, banners, and gallery wall will be on display throughout the month of February during Black History Month. The City of Thomasville proudly supports Black History Month and is thankful for partnerships like that of the Jack Hadley Black History Museum and the Black History Committee who assist staff in highlighting African American History all month long.
For more information about the artists or the City of Thomasville’s Annual Black History Month Celebration, visit thomasvillega.com or call the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.