Artwork by KWATEI
In Midtown Harrisburg, a glamorous storefront looks almost like a Manhattan address, with Nyeusi boldly emblazoned above the entranceway.
Before they ever opened the doors last September, Nyeusi partners Dr. Dale Dangleben and Michelle Green shared that their gallery would be dedicated to the entire Harrisburg community in showcasing African and African American art—but there is so much more to their vision.
In fact, Nyeusi has become something of a nexus for the neighborhood. The gallery is a gathering place where ideas sprout and take root, growing in a garden nurtured with rich soil and tended with care by artists, writers and communicators.
Indeed, the art is just the tip of the iceberg.
During a recent 3rd in the Burg, the gallery was filled to capacity in hosting an HIV awareness event. Judging by the turnout alone, the symposium was energized, eclectic and enlightening. Nyeusi looks to do more of these community outreach programs with businesses in the coming year.
In addition, since its fall opening, Nyeusi has offered an ongoing “artist series,” with onsite personal appearances by various artists whose works are featured on the gallery’s walls. To date, this esteemed collective has included Stephanie Lewis, Steve Barber, KWATEI, Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman and gallery curator, Green. The painter Chase Lawrence from the village of Calibishie in Dominica is represented as part of the Caribbean Collective at Nyeusi.
February will bring additional artist appearances, including, on Feb. 5, Michele Hairston, a painter from Philadelphia, and, on Feb. 19, artist-in-residence Michelle Green. Hickman starts the month of March on the first Saturday, slated to appear from 1 to 5 p.m.
“I decided to bring the artist series to Nyeusi Gallery as a way to showcase the artists as individuals and not just a part of a collective,” Green shared. “It gives the artist a chance to explain their work and give it a voice.”
The team has developed a gallery app that is available on Android and Apple stores under “Nyeusi Gallery.” In addition, look for details of upcoming events and behind-the-scenes looks at the media component of the gallery, which includes podcasts and more.
Another way of connecting with the community is through youth activities. Green is an accomplished chess player and has reached youngsters by giving lessons at the local Boys and Girls Club as well as engaging kids at the gallery, teaching them the intricacies of the game. Chess Club at the gallery reconvened in January. Painting parties are an opportunity to gather friends to create, and they have become regular calendar events. The plan is to continue to make a difference not only in the Black community but throughout the city.
Black History Month is a celebration of the legacy that came before, with an eye fixed on the future and to the leaders of tomorrow. The vision that Dangleben and Green shared has become a reality as it connects culture to community. They’re helping to write the next chapter of African American history locally, which promises to be as groundbreaking as their gallery.
The Nyeusi Gallery is located at 1224 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.nyeusigallery@gmail.com.
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