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Harlem Postcards Exhibit at the Studio Museum Reminds Us of Harlem’s Treasures
Accra Shepp On Sugar Hill 2009 (Photo: The Artist)
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Harlem is an ever-changing neighborhood, especially SoHa (South Harlem); traditionally known as a hub for African-American culture, the neighborhood is now a hodge-podge. Whether you love it or hate it, gentrification has cast its die and is shaping the area to bring downtown uptown. As the area stands now, its charm lies in the fact that you could walk a few blocks and view the different layers of history and culture. The Studio Museum in Harlem on 125th has tapped into this and put together the exhibit that they are calling “Harlem Postcards.” The exhibit lives in the lobby and therefore is free for anyone to view. The ’postcards’ are all various pictures of Harlem, and whether it be a street sign or a neighbor’s door, their purpose is to capture what Harlem is to the artist.
“Harlem Postcards” is humble in size but it is a great touchstone for appreciating its surrounding neighborhood. Whether you live in this area and haven’t taken the time to recently get out and soak it up or if you aren’t acquainted with the vicinity, I propose that you take advantage of this beautiful spring weather and venture out. As a new Harlem resident, my favorite weekend afternoon activity is just to walk around and photograph the old brownstones, the lush parks or the bustling 125th avenue. If you are looking to visit Harlem’s historic sites you could catch a show at the Apollo theatre, grab drinks at the famous jazz bar, Lenox Lounge, or nosh on some of Silvia’s southern cuisine. Or you could be looking to discover fairly recent additions like grabbing coffee and a snack at High Society Café, dinner at Mojo, drinks at the posh 67 Orange Street or the elegant but casual Nectar. Despite all of it’s changes, Harlem manages to hold onto its sense of community which gives an experience that I find to be hard to find in other parts of the city. Stop by the museum to get some insight into this fun and diverse locale, and then adventure out and discover it for yourself.
“Harlem Postcards” runs until June 27th at The Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 W. 125th st, open Wednesday through Friday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 PM– 6:00 PM.