PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Historic Strawberry Mansion has been part of Philadelphia’s story for generations. A century ago, a group of women came together to preserve the historic house, but many people of color were left out of that effort.
Now, as the site marks its 100th anniversary, a new exhibit is seeking to address that history by bringing new voices into one of Philadelphia’s most historic spaces.
Curator Constance Ragland said the exhibit was inspired by artists who were excluded from participating in events at the house decades ago.
“Now during that time, there were artists of African-American, Jewish, and Irish Catholic descent who wanted to be involved in the fair. And they kind of gave them lip service, ‘Yes, you will be,’ but they never gave them the opportunity to participate. So since this is our 100th anniversary, we decided that we would right that wrong that happened 100 years ago,” Ragland said.
The exhibit, titled From ‘Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color,’ features 12 acclaimed artists and includes paintings, pottery, quilts and photographs. Ragland said the collection represents a broader spectrum of the people who make up Philadelphia.
Artists featured in the exhibit say the historic setting is part of the experience, offering visitors a new perspective on the venue’s past while providing a place for contemporary artists to be seen.
Ragland said Strawberry Mansion receives about 3,000 visitors each year and that the exhibit helps tell the story of the property, which was once home to two abolitionists.
She hopes visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of both the artwork and the history of the house museum.
The exhibit opens this weekend and runs through Nov. 8.
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