By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Feb. 11, 2021) The Worcester County Arts Council is celebrating Black History Month this February by showcasing the work of local creators Tina Lynn and Ashley Cuffee.

“The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to embrace and celebrate the diversity and inclusion by focusing on vital contribution of African American artists to our communities,” said Anna Mullis, executive director of the arts council. “Black history belongs to all of us — black and white, men and women, young and old. The impact African Americans have made on this country is part of our collective consciousness. Contemplating Black history draws people of every race into the grand and diverse story of this nation.”

The theme of 2021 Black History Month is The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.

Lynn’s artwork is influenced by her love of her family. She captures moments she spent with them, including portraits of her children or memories from her childhood.

Her artwork is featured at the Worcester County Arts Council’s Berlin gallery at 6 Jefferson St. until the end of February.

ALLY LANASA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
For Black History Month this February, African American artist Tina Lynn is featuring her canvas paintings in the Worcester County Arts Council Berlin gallery on Jefferson Street.

The paintings on exhibit are all on canvas or canvas boards.

“My art is all about celebrating my Black roots. I love my brown skin, and I think that my brown skin is beautiful. [With] everything going on in the U.S. right now, I think it’s important to know that brown skin is beautiful, and that brown people do matter,” Lynn said.

“I come from a long line of beautiful brown skinned people. I come from curly roots and hips, and I believe that God put me here to inspire people and not just any people, but the ones here on the Shore. This is my home and knowing that I can touch the soul of one person and change things for the better means a lot.”

Lynn also believes that Black History Month is about honoring the legacy of people from the local communities in addition to Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass or Rosa Parks.

“I hope that once I am flying amongst my [ancestors], that I leave behind one powerful legacy and amazing stories with my art and not just my words,” she said.

The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and during the 2nd Friday Arts Stroll on Feb. 12, from 5-8 p.m.

All artwork is available for purchase.

Lynn was born and raised in Somerset County. She graduated from Salisbury University with a bachelor’s degree in 2D Designs.

Lynn went on to serve as an educator at the Ward Museum in Salisbury, then as an education program coordinator at the Dorchester County Arts Center. Currently, she is the creative arts manager at the Worcester County Developmental Center of Art in Newark.

Ashley Cuffee, also known as Ash’iz, is a writer and performance poet.

To watch Cuffee’s spoken word performances, visit https://www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org/ash.

“I feel honored to display the gift God has given me. Through spoken word, I’m able to bridge gaps, give perspective and spread love so humanity can filter back in our veins. I feel the strength and blessings of my ancestors, which motivates my current and future endeavors of allowing my Black Girl Magic to permeate every space I enter,” Cuffee said. “I love being Black, and I love how the sun kisses my brown skin and I love having the opportunity to share what Black means to me and offer perspective to those who don’t see Black as beautiful and pride to those who already know Black is beautiful.”

Cuffee teaches classes at the Ocean City Center for the Arts that introduce youth to writing and performing spoken word poetry. She has also hosted open mic events for the community at the Worcester County Library and the Zenna Wellness Center.

In addition, Cuffee is a holistic crystal practitioner and creates crystal jewelry.

She has taught this craft to adults via the Worcester County Library’s programming both online and in-person.

This spring, Cuffee will be presenting online classes for children and adults through the Artist in Residence program sponsored by the Worcester County Arts Council and the Worcester County Library.

The Worcester County Arts Council is also hosting a contest to recognize Youth Art Month in March.

“Over history, both distant and recent, art has helped humans to peacefully navigate our differences, validate our self-worth and enable us to process the deepest emotions to make the sense of the world around us,” Mullis said. “Arts and culture are integral to our lives because art builds a bridge that connects us with one another and our humanity. During these challenging times, arts play an essential role to help the community to strengthen and to heal.”

All K-12 grade artists are invited to submit artwork for the 2021 Youth Art Month Virtual Showcase: “Art Connects Us.”

“We hope that the theme of the “Art Connects Us” contest, will spark an inspiration and provide a platform for students to express they creativity and emotions that reflect on how through the arts we make a connection with one another,” Mullis said.

The artwork must be original in any medium, including 2D and 3D and must relate to the theme of “Art Connects Us.”

Artwork for the contest may be submitted by an individual student or an art teacher if the submission is a collaborative class project. Entries for the contest should be submitted online at https://www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org/youth-art.

Students need to upload an image of their artwork (JPEG or PNG files) to participate in the contest.

Online submissions for the contest will be accepted until Feb. 22 at 2 pm.

All submissions will be judged by Tamara Mills, coordinator of instruction for Worcester County Public Schools. One winner will be selected in each of the following categories: Grades K – 4, Grades 5 – 8 and Grades 9 – 12. Winners in each category will each receive a $100 prize.

In addition, winners’ artwork will be featured on a banner to be hung outside The Worcester County Arts Council on Jefferson Street.

Winners will be notified on March 1.