West Harlem Art Fund Returns To Governor's Island With The Exhibition Early Encounters

The West Harlem Art Fund will present a mixed-media exhibition on Governor's Island that focuses on the early encounters and interactions of the Lenape Indians, African slaves and European explorers (Dutch, African, Caribbean, French) on the island in 1624.

Historically the island known as Pagganuck or ("Nut Island") was bountiful with many tree species -- hickory, oak, and chestnut trees. And the island was used as a site for fishing among the Lenapes. The Dutch first settled on the island before moving to the island of Manahattan and forming the colony of New Amsterdam.

We intend to show the natural riches of the island were appreciated at that time with various installations using grass, moss, paper, ceramics, glass and video throughout entire space. Further spotlights, shown in contemporary art styles, will explore how early inhabitants responded to light, sky, and their earthly surroundings of this New World.

Our organization has been given a two family house 404A Colonel's Row with over 12,000 sq. ft. to create numerous installations and allow visitors to have a continuous experience that flows from room to room.

The exhibition will run from mid May through mid July.

Artists: Iliana Emilia Garcia, Scherezade Garcia, Sai Morikawa, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, Patrick Singh, Dianne Smith, Benjamin Wright.

Early Encounters supported by Akemi Suzuki, Sai Morikawa, NY Wave Art Project and Dessart