Student artists honored at Black History Art Contest & Exhibit at Bwembya’s Market

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service

Art, culture and community filled Bwembya’s Market in downtown Quincy this past Sunday as the gallery hosted its second annual Black History Art Contest & Exhibit, highlighting the global influence of Black American and African food traditions. The exhibit, held at 23 N. Madison St., centered on the theme “Food Around the World: Black American & African Influence on Food,” and featured ceramic artwork created by student artists from Robert F. Munroe Day School. All three winning pieces were produced as part of the students’ art curriculum, with their teacher incorporating the contest into classroom instruction. First place was awarded to Hudson Outley for a ceramic piece titled “Seafood Boils.” The artwork depicts traditional low-country boil foods and reflects on the historical significance of seafood boils in Black American communities. According to the artist statement, foods once viewed as undesirable by some became essential to survival and tradition for Black families, evolving into meaningful communal meals. Second place went to Andoria Carr-Gutierrez for a ceramic work titled “United.” The piece represents food as a symbol of unity and highlights how Black Americans have used food as a way to bring people together. The artwork emphasizes food as both cultural expression and a powerful tool for connection. Third place was awarded to Alyssa Lundy for her ceramic interpretation of a seafood boil. Her piece highlights the role of seafood boils in Black culture, particularly their presence at church events, parties and community fundraisers, underscoring food’s role in fellowship and shared experience. Emerging artist Tonisha Harper, a Florida International University student, received the Judge’s Recognition Award for her contributions to the exhibition. There were also submissions by students from middle and high school students in Gadsden County Public Schools. The program began with gallery viewing and refreshments, followed by opening remarks from Charles Bwembya, co-founder of Bwembya’s Market. Musical entertainment was provided by singer-songwriter Spencer Duncan, and keynote speaker Chelsea Waters, an educator and creative supporter, addressed the audience on the importance of uplifting voices and fostering community through the arts. Winners were selected by a panel of judges that included Gloria Nicholson, a ceramicist; Jocelyn Riedl, a Bearfly Studio artist; and Denzel Goldwire, an artist and art educator. The event was supported by lead sponsors T2K Audio Video Sound & Productions and Crawford & Moultry Funeral Home, along with several community partners and contributors, including Azure Sky Private Family Foundation, Full Earth Farms, PHI Entertainment, and P.W. Patsy’s Blessed Hands Event Decorations. Organizers also thanked local cooks, caterers and restaurants for providing food samples, as well as Dr. Annette Bradley and artist Lillie Clark for logistical support. Bwembya’s Market operates as an independent art gallery and creative space in downtown Quincy, with a mission centered on community engagement through art, culture and creative programming. Most artwork featured in the exhibit was available for purchase, with options for delayed purchasing. The Black History Art Contest & Exhibit offered a platform for young artists to explore cultural history through art while engaging the broader community in shared reflection and celebration.

Student artists honored at Black History Art Contest & Exhibit at Bwembya’s Market

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Student artists honored at Black History Art Contest & Exhibit at Bwembya’s Market

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Quincy police chief fired, responds at commission meeting

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