“STILL LIFE OF FLOWERS”: Art-loving audience gathered for conversation honoring Harlem Renaissance artist Dox Thrash, his journey and talent, and welcomed a special donation of his rare work to Delray Beach’s art scene, as part of Spady’s 100th anniversary celebration. PHOTO COURTESY OF MASTERWING CREATIVE AGENCY

Delray Beach – Art lovers from South Florida gathered for a master class on American art appreciation on Oct. 9 as part of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum’s 100th anniversary celebration.

The museum hosted a community heritage reception, “Preserving Our Stories: The Life and Times of Dox Thrash,” and welcomed speaker Ron Rumford, a Philadelphia-based expert on Thrash, who was an artist from the Harlem Renaissance period.

The centerpiece of the program was “Still Life of Flowers,” a valued donation to the museum from a private benefactor and Thrash’s family member Roberta Townsend.

Through dialogue between Rumford and facilitator Khaulah Nuruddin, guests discovered the intriguing story behind the rare oil painting by Thrash, who was most acclaimed for his work in a fine art printing technique, which he co-invented, called Opheliagraph mezzoprint.

Rumford enlightened the audience with tales of Thrash’s training, education, life experience and extensive contribution to the American artistic landscape. Many people had never heard of the artist before the event but were impressed by his journey.

“We have minimal journalism from his life. He told his story through his drawings and through his prints,” said Rumford. “People think the highest form of artwork is oil painting, then sculpture. I would argue that his prints were the best artworks from within his period. He was a rather experimental painter; he didn’t create a lot of paintings. I can think of only about 20, which happened sporadically throughout his career.”

“Tonight, we celebrated this beautiful work by Dox Trash, donated to us by the Kimmel Foundation,” said Museum Director Charlene Farrington.

“I want to thank Ron Rumford and everyone who came out and celebrated with us,” she said. “It was a wonderful night, in spite of the rain, and I am thrilled to see old friends, good friends and new friends. We are so grateful for your support."

Also recognized with special thanks for helping make the evening of art, history and education possible were The Kimmel Family Foundation, The Nancy Chanin Family Foundation, Chuck Halberg and Louis Haym.

Proceeds raised at the reception benefit “The House Still Stands” 100th Anniversary campaign and other programs of the 501(c)3 Florida museum organization, located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, which preserves and shares local African American history with Delray Beach Black archives, exhibits, bus and walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring.

Call (561) 279-8883 or visit spadymuseum.com