African Past: Migrant Present. A Guide to the Exhibition

This exhibit guide describes an exhibition of African folk arts produced by seasonal migrant farmworkers in western New York State. Workers come from the American South, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. The exhibition pieces were collected through the BOCES Geneseo Migrant Center's Folk Arts Program and Creative Artists Migrant Program Services (CAMPS). It is organized into two sections that develop the theme of a continuing journey from African past to migrant present, as this journey is reflected in arts and artifacts. Section 1, "These Voices, These Faces," presents works by African American migrants using poetry and storytelling. Section 2, "The Journey Continues," presents works by immigrants from the Caribbean. Paintings, drawings, and artifacts communicate the memories of home and dreams for the future. The exhibition concludes with a videotape of Puerto Rican salsa music. The guide contains descriptions and some photographs of the following exhibition pieces: (1) baskets and brooms; (2) fishnets; (3) handwork; (4) kites; (5) painting and drawing; (6) poetry; (7) quilts; (8) sisal rope products; (9) tin lanterns; and (10) walking sticks. (KS)