“Shifting Perspectives,” an Art and Photography Exhibit honoring Black History Month at History Fort Lauderdale

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History Fort Lauderdale

Black History Month - Social 2026 - 2

“Shifting Perspectives,” an Art and Photography Exhibit honoring Black History Month at History Fort Lauderdale

History Fort Lauderdale, committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history, is proud to present “Shifting Perspectives,” a new art and photography exhibit honoring Black History Month. This year’s free annual exhibit will feature works rooted in social justice, the Black experience, women’s stories, and nature from artist Constance Ivana plus archival photographs from the History Fort Lauderdale collection and an art show and sale from Dillard Center for the Arts’ Advanced Placement (AP) students and instructors, from February 1 – 28. A meet and greet with the artists will take place on Sunday, February 1, at from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the New River Inn Museum of History building on History Fort Lauderdale’s campus.

History Fort Lauderdale artist-in-residence Constance Ivana is passionate about creating bold, vibrant works of art that spark reflection, conversation, and joy. Her creative journey is fueled by a desire to connect people through art—whether it’s through large-scale murals, interactive art workshops, or painting parties that bring communities together. Her pieces blend acrylic paint, spray paint, wood, and mirrors that not only transform spaces but also remind us that art heals and reflection fosters growth. She aims to make art accessible, meaningful, and powerful, while inspiring others to discover their own creativity.

The archival photography component chronicles African American life in South Florida from the 1900s through the 1960s. From family and school life to segregation, peaceful protests and triumphs, the selected photos offer insight how our community has evolved and overcome. Curated by Dillard instructor Celestin Joseph, the advanced placement student showcase illustrates a cultural reflection of today’s issues as see through the lens of upcoming young artists.

Joseph received his master’s in fine arts in painting from the University of Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor’s in fine arts, cum laude, from the University of Hartford as a painting major, with an art history minor, and concentrations in printmaking and graphic design studies. Joseph also received a prestigious Yale/Norfolk Art and Music Scholarship to further his studies. Currently, he is teaching Advanced Placement studio art classes at his alma mater Dillard Center for the Arts where he has been strengthening the visual arts program since 1999.

History Fort Lauderdale’s “Shifting Perspectives” exhibit is sponsored by the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Jan and Ed Crocker Unrestricted Fund, Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional funding is provided, in part, by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale.

History Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of engaging multicultural experiences throughout the year. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent displays including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: The Story of Boatbuilding Along the New River,” “Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” and “Take PRIDE, a Retrospective on LGBTQ Life in South Florida.”

History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docent-guided tours offered daily at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military personnel, and children aged six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.

For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit historyfortlauderdale.org.