This February, the New Brunswick Museum is proud to recognize Black History Month by shining a light on a remarkable collection of works by New Brunswick artists that have long been waiting to be shared. Comprising over 2,500 pieces, this treasure trove of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures offers a window into the province’s diverse history, culture, and people. As we continue to document, digitize, and make these collections more accessible, new stories and perspectives are emerging, enriching our understanding of the place we call home.
Among the many talented artists represented in the collection are several who turned their attention to the experiences of Black New Brunswickers, capturing moments, faces, and lives that might otherwise have been lost to time. Elizabeth Knowling Nethercoat’s tender portrait of a Black youth, created around 1938, is a poignant example of this. So too are the figure drawings of Jack Weldon Humphrey, who drew inspiration from his art students and local newsboys, including a captivating charcoal study of a Black youth.
One of the most significant discoveries in this collection is the work of Edward Mitchell Bannister, a Black artist born in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, in 1828. Recognized from a young age for his exceptional talent, Bannister went on to establish an illustrious career in Rhode Island, USA, where he became one of the first Black artists to achieve international recognition. The New Brunswick Museum is honored to feature several of Bannister’s works, including a stunning watercolour, Unidentified European Scene (1841-1845), which showcases his mastery of light and atmosphere.
As we explore this collection, we are reminded that each work of art is more than just an image – it is a window into a life, a community, and a culture. Alice Delacour Jack’s delicate drawing of Great Aunt Fannie’s Servant Louisa (Louisa Grant) (1870-1900) offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Black domestic workers in 19th-century New Brunswick, while Ted Campbell’s Girl Student Posing (c. 1950) celebrates the beauty and confidence of a young Black woman.
The New Brunswick Museum’s collection of work by New Brunswick artists is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion in the stories we tell about ourselves. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the artists, curators, and community members who have worked tirelessly to bring these hidden stories to light. We invite you to join us in exploring this remarkable collection, and to reflect on the ways in which art can bridge the past and present, connecting us all in our shared human experience.
