Faith Ringgold has captured the city's anniversary celebration in a silk screen.
NEWARK -- So far this year, hundreds of events have commemorated the 350th anniversary of the founding of the state's largest city. Now, Newark has commissioned a work of art that will make the recognition permanent.
Faith Ringgold - the 86-year-old activist and renowned artist perhaps best known for her story quilts and Oprah Winfrey-commissioned tribute to Maya Angelou - was tapped by the Newark Celebration 350 Committee to create a print to celebrate the city's landmark birthday. Ringgold, who lives in Englewood, called her print, which depicts people walking along the river while holding 350th anniversary balloons, a "tribute to this dynamic city and its wonderful residents."
Ringgold signing a print of the artwork. (Courtesy NC 350)"It is my hope that this print will welcome everyone to gaze upon my impressions of Newark as a great land of beauty and hope with infinite possibilities," she said in a statement.
The 42-by-30-inch silk screen titled "A Day in Newark's 350th Year Celebration" will be unveiled at an Oct. 26 fete at the Newark Museum honoring Ringgold's six-decade career.
NC 350 is also selling a limited number of signed prints of the work. Organizers said the artwork adds to the movement, which has included a varied lineup of events all year celebrating various aspects of Newark's history and culture.
"As one of the finest American artists, we are proud to have the artistry of Faith Ringgold play a significant role in this year's celebration," said NC350 Chair Junius Williams. "We thank her for this joyous work about Newark."
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Among Ringgold's most renowned works are "The American People Series: Die, 1967," which was recently acquired by the Museum of Modern Art, and story quilt "Tar Beach," which is part of the Guggenheim Museum's permanent collection.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.