Lunchtime Gallery Series with Ralph E. Hunter – African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey

Join us for a lively conversation with Ralph Hunter, the founder of the museum. He will be talking with us about the importance of the museum today and will highlight the Art of The Quilt: Fiber & Clay by Artist Gloria Gammage Davis.

Register for Lunchtime Gallery Series – The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey highlights the accomplishments and impact of African Americans in South Jersey and around the country.

The beginnings of the Museum: The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) sprang from the passion of its founder, Ralph E. Hunter, Sr. After retiring from a long career in retail, Ralph began collecting cultural treasures that he stumbled on while traveling or just by being an astute observer of his surroundings. That’s a fancy way of saying he found some of his “treasures” on the curb on trash day. Ralph’s home was affectionately referred to by his friends as “The Museum.”

In 2002, his museum became a reality when he was offered a space by the mayor of Buena Vista Township, NJ. Before long, Stockton College began to notice the museum and the contribution it could make to the school’s growth. After years of searching for an Atlantic City location, in 2013, AAHMSNJ became the anchor for the Noyes Arts Garage in AC — a Stockton University facility. AAHMSNJ is a 501(c)3 non-profit with exhibit locations in Atlantic City and Newtonville, New Jersey. For more information about the exhibition, visit AAHMSNJ.org

Gloria Gammage Davis puts the focus on African American history and culture in her fine art quilt creations. Ms. Davis’ thought provoking compositions employ the techniques of classic needle artistry but deconstruct the form of the familiar rectangular quilt with the use of organic inclusions, abstract shapes, sculptural forms, embroidered text, and African symbology. She uses written and embroidered text, block prints, and colorful African textiles to refine the messages of race and heritage in her artwork.

This exciting series brings you new topics on the arts from local and regional organizations, museums and galleries. Each session features presentations from various experts, online with Zoom.

Our art talks Lunchtime Gallery Series is free to WWA Members (any level) and $10 to all others.
Everyone must register.
Register for Lunchtime Gallery Series – The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Zoom link will be sent the day before the event.

What to expect:  Our art talks with the Lunchtime Gallery Series hope to inform and engage audiences with a range of topics in the arts.  We bring in local organizations, providing a platform for them to reach new people with shared interests in learning and becoming informed in cultural topics, all presented near me in central New Jersey with Zoom.