Library's Black History Month Exhibit: Mel Holston

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Plainfield artist Mel Holston is featured in a Black History Month exhibit at the Plainfield Public Library.

Holston works in a variety of media, but is widely recognized for his finely detailed pen-and-ink renderings drawing on African themes and traditions, using these to offer insights into common themes around the world.

Many of the pieces in the current show are enhanced by semi-abstract color washes which add to the emotional intensity of the drawing while suggesting elements of the setting.

A lifelong Jerseyan, Mel studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and Jersey City State College.

Mel has lived in Plainfield since 1993, and is well-known in local arts and culture circles. He is a member of Plainfield's Cultural and Heritage Commission.

His museum and gallery shows include: Logoa Duncan Gallery, New York and Paris; Jersey City Museum, Rochester Museum & Science Center; Chicago Museum of Science & Industry; Renaissance Gallery; Brockman Gallery, and the Association of Caribbean-American Artists.

University shows include: Rutgers, UCLA, Seton Hall, New Jersey City University, Northwest Missouri State University, Caldwell College, and Brookdale College.

The show opens February 4 and will run through March 24, 2006.

The exhibit is mounted in the Anne Louise Davis Community Room and is open to the public during Library hours: Mon - Thurs, 10 AM - 9 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM.

The Plainfield Public Library is at Park Avenue and 8th Street. There is onsite parking. Facility is handicap-accessible. Information: (908) 757-1111.

-- Dan Damon

Keywords: Library, exhibit
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