New Exhibit Commemorates Juneteenth at Victor Valley Museum

“Wade in the Water” Embodies African American Spirituals

With the upcoming recognition of Juneteenth, also referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, the Victor Valley Museum is pleased to present Wade in the Water: Art and Quilt Exhibition, Jun 1 – Jul 2 Curated by artist Theresa Polley-Shellcroft, the exhibit features twenty-five artists from around the US. The artists’ expressions through their painting, photography, mixed media, dolls, and quilts. derive from African American Spirituals containing messages of freedom.

Participating artists include: Antoinette Simmons Hodges, Annie Toliver, Audrey Williams, Barbara McCowell, Charles Bibbs, C. J. Martin-Marchese, Curtis J. Morrow, Dolores M. Johnson, Frances Busby, Greg Scott, Gwendolyn D. Brooks-Humphries, Jasmine Jackson, Jan Collins-Eaglin, Kenya Finnel, Llawanna Faye Carroll, Marcia Henry, Michelle Flamer, Niya Burkley, Norma Polley-Fullen, Pauline Haynes, Sadie Patterson, Tina Williams-Brewer, T. Faye Griffin, and Theresa Polley-Shellcroft. Original musical composition by composer, father-son team Michael and Jamal Orr.

Award-winning artist Sadie Patterson, 99 years young, will be present at the artist reception being held on Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Patterson is an accomplished High Desert artist and mentor, and is the recipient of the lifetime achievement award by Dreamers, Visionaries and Leaders (DVL).

Theresa Polley-Shellcroft, a teacher and artist of over 50 years, is founder of tps Creative Expressions, Inc., a multimedia artist working in painting, collage, fiber arts and community engaged projects. She is an Art Educator and Art History instructor with a focus in African American history and culture.

Museum Director Melissa Russo said, “We are excited to host this show of exceptional artists during the month of June, and in honor of the federal, --and now county holiday--Juneteenth. The museum is a space for community interaction with history, and what profound stories these artists share through their works!”

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The Victor Valley Museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $5 (adult), $4 (military or senior), and $2.50 (students and child ages 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.