Kulimushi “Kuli” Barongozi, Sydney “Syd” Bell, Marquis Brantley Sr., Shaunda Holloway, Marsh John, Jasmine Nikole, and Mel Phillips
June 28–November 23, 2025
Opening Saturday, June 28, 1PM–5PM
Reverence: An Archival Altar is an art-based project that celebrates the unique stories of the everyday person held as the “greats and giants” within the local Black community of New Haven. Through the memory work of story collection, Reverence brings together the power of archival preservation and the sacred practice of ancestor veneration through altars. Archives are altars and the act of altar building is a deeply powerful practice that grounds viewers in the belief that all Black folks deserve to be witnessed and revered.
As a love offering, artist and curator Arvia D. Walker connected families from New Haven, Connecticut, with local artists to transform their loved ones’ legacies into commissioned works. Many artists in the project chose to honor their own family’s great or giant. Artworks range from large-scale portraits to mixed-media pieces. These artworks capture the essence of each individual represented and are transformed into unique altar spaces created by Walker.
We thank the families of the giants who are featured in the exhibition: Mrs. Syla Alexandria Artis Branch, Mr. James Brantley Sr., Ms. Juanita Keen Cooper, Mrs. Elizabeth Fain, Mrs. Annie Huckaby, Mrs. EllaNora Price, Mr. Douglas McClure, and Mr. Edward Gillespie Benedict Miller III.
NXTHVN is proud to host Reverence, guest curated by Arvia D. Walker.
This project was made possible with the support of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and CEIO (Co-creating Effective and Inclusive Organizations).
Gallery Hours: Wed-Sun, 2PM-6PM
For inquiries, please email exhibitions@nxthvn.com
For updates, please follow us on IG @_nxthvn_
Detail image: Arvia D. Walker