Three artists from Hopkinsville — Willie Rascoe, Thea Russell and Dr. Nancy J. Dawson — will have works shown in the third annual African American Artist Showcase, a Black History Month event featuring up to 200 pieces at Paducah.
The Paducah Historical Preservation Group, a relatively new nonprofit, earned widespread recognition in the spring of 2024 when it raised more than $100,000 to buy more than a dozen paintings by the late Helen LaFrance — a Black artist celebrated for her “memory paintings” of rural life in the region.
The show will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 10 through 21 at Paducah City Hall, 300 S. Fifth St. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21, and attendees are encouraged to wear Afro-centric attire, organizers said. The theme of the show is “Threads of Legacy — A Journey Through Black History.” It is a free event.
Rascoe is a woodworker known for pieces that incorporate driftwood. Russell is a painter, and Dawson will be showing quilts.
Javanta Dawson, a founding member of the preservation group, said the reception will provide an opportunity for networking with artists and a special heritage exhibit featuring talents like Helen Lafrance, Dale McReynolds, and Joan Dance.
Participants will also hear musical performances by Dominique Hammons, a contemporary jazz violinist.
She added the preservation group is still looking for artists to be a part of this year’s showcase.
“While the event promotes and expands on African American artwork, everyone is encouraged to apply,” organizers said in a press release.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. Anyone interested should contact Javanta Dawson at 804-536-2003 or paducahblackhistory@gmail.com.
