Offering a glimpse of African-American culture, Joyce Wilderson’s art collection will be on exhibit at the St. Charles Parish’s East Regional Library in Destrehan.
“I want the viewers of this collection to see the American black culture and its precious moments that hold so many wonderful memories for me,” said the Destrehan resident and retired educator.
Open to the public until May 31, the exhibition showcases Wilderson’s collection of figurines, paintings, statues and “whatnots” that she started collecting after she retired in 1987 from teaching.
The theme of the two-month exhibit is, “Presenting an African-American collection: A few of my favorite things.”“One of the exhibits is from a friend who paints scenes on oyster shells,” Wilderson said. “This was done exclusively for me. I really cherish her work.”
The display captures the universality of African-American life.
There is the gray-haired grandfather playing with a grandchild, black angels, historical and political icons, ladies in their Sunday best and sports heroes – all are captured in moments that are nostalgic to Wilderson.
“Many of the depictions remind me of my childhood and the people I knew growing up,” she said. “That’s the great joy in the pieces. I see my history and past, and often times, when I view them, those items bring a smile to my lips because they tell the story of who I am.”
Wilderson said that once family and friends saw her burgeoning collection, they began donating pieces. The library display is a small sampling of a larger collection which includes items that were also bought during her extensive travels.
Wilderson, a New Sarpy native, retired after 31 years in the St. Charles Parish School System. She and husband, Lutcher native Ralph Wilderson, celebrated a 50-year marriage recently. Ralph Wilderson also is a retired principal in the same school system.
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