African American Heritage Society Presents Photographs of P.H. Polk

The Photographs of P.H. Polk, an eloquent testimony to southern African-American life, will be on display at the Coulson House, 200 E. Church St., beginning Monday, January 7, 2008.  An opening reception is scheduled for January 19, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit is showing until March 28, 2008.

The reprints of 1930s and 1940s photographs by renowned artist P.H. Polk (1898-1985) represent three fascinating themes: African-American rural farm workers; studio portraits of upper-middle class black families; and portraits of Tuskegee Institute school associates, such as George Washington Carver, where Polk was the official school photographer.  No matter the subject, Polk composed his photographs with meticulous attention to light, background, environment, and composition, resulting in photographs which are important for both their technical example and their historic value.

This exhibition is presented thanks to a generous grant from The Florida Humanities Council.  FHC is an independent, non-profit organization and is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Each year, FHC funds hundreds of public programs throughout the state that explore Florida 's history, folklore, environment, literature, music, and art. The African-American Heritage Society was among numerous community organizations throughout the state to receive a grant that funds humanities programs.  For more information about FHC grants, contact Susan Lockwood, Grants Director at (727) 873-2011 or email slockwood@flahum.org.

Founded in 1990, the African-American Heritage Society has brought and array of artists, scholars and historians in to the Pensacola community to celebrate African-American cultural heritage.  Through their quality programs, the Heritage Society continues to offer retrospective exhibits, performances and educational lectures which cover a broad spectrum of African-American traditions.

Admission to the gallery is free and wheelchair accessible.  For further information, please call (850) 469-1299, or email at aahs990@earthlink.net.