A documentary on Nina Simone, along with homegrown paintings, are complementing a free exhibit that explore Gary’s past.
In conjunction with Black History Month, the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts is hosting Vanguards: Moving “Out Here” to Miller: Black perspectives on joining the Miller Community in the ’60s and ’70s.
Promotional material from Gary’s Gardner Center states that the exhibit’s goal was to obtain the black perspective by “interviewing our neighbors who made the move to Miller in the ’60s and ’70s.”
The story of the desegregation of the Miller section of Gary involves vanguards “who made that move in good faith” and became foundations in the community, according to the publicity information from the Gardner Center.
Aside from the exhibit, the Gardner Center has an insightful documentary on the late singer Nina Simone scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 20. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. The price includes popcorn, soft drinks and the exhibit.
The documentary — “What Happened, Miss Simone?” — debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015.
A civil rights activist, Simone was known for her sultry, distinctive vocals that touched on various genres, including jazz and blues.
“She was an amazing singer,” said Meg Roman, executive director of the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District, which is presenting the Vanguards exhibit. Songwriting and keyboard skills also helped make Nina Simone a memorable 20th century artist.
“She was a virtuoso pianist,” said Gary’s Kathy Long, curator and originator of the “Vanguards” exhibit.
Collaborating with Long were Mary Ann Torian of Miller, and photographer James Derek Oliphant, also a member of the Miller community.
Oliphant took portraits of people who told their stories of moving to Miller decades ago and becoming involved in the integration of the beachfront community along Lake Michigan.
“We wanted to give African-Americans who moved here during that time a voice to share their experience,” Roman, a Miller resident, said.
Also included in the exhibit experience are the oil paintings of Edna Laverne Freeman, who lives in Gary’s Tolleston neighborhood. According to the Gardner Center, Freeman really did not get immersed in painting until retirement.
More Top Picks Books Plant
“Vanguards” — which celebrates black photography and art — has a closing reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 28.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
Vanguards: Moving ‘Out Here’ to Miller: Black perspectives on joining the Miller Community in the ’60s and ’70s
Where: Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake St., Gary
When: Through Feb. 28; 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays
Admission: Free
Information: 219-938-6278; www.millerbeacharts.org