Spady Museum’s Latest Exhibit Explores Black Communities’ Deep Connection to Water

The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum closed out Black History Month with a thought-provoking new exhibit, Water Works: Distillations, which examines the deep and multifaceted relationship between Black communities and the bodies of water that surround them.

Opened on February 21, 2025, the exhibit is curated by artist and researcher Allison Bolah and features original multi-media works by Franklyn Sinanan. Through a combination of visual art, oral histories, and historical artifacts, the exhibit highlights water’s significance in the African diaspora—both as a practical resource and a cultural touchstone.

“The idea is to look at the African diaspora and how water is the element that connects its descendants, not only through its pragmatic uses, but also in how we relate to it on a personal level,” Bolah explained during the exhibit’s opening reception. “The oral histories are conversations about each person’s experience with water, whether it be Khaulah Nuruddin’s aunt teaching her to swim or Franklyn’s memory of swimming in Lake Ontario.”

Bolah, known for her collaborative and educational artistic projects, has presented her research at numerous symposia and developed book arts projects as a Minnesota Center for Book Arts Collegiate Fellow. Her work often explores themes of memory and identity through photography, multimedia, and paper-based installations. She noted that Water Works will continue to evolve, incorporating more local voices and artifacts related to water.

Sinanan’s contributions to the exhibit include striking 3D multi-media paintings that depict figures interacting with oceans, lakes, and marine life. His work further underscores the exhibit’s central theme—that water is not just a resource but a powerful connector of people, history, and heritage.

“We depend on water for utility, energy, and transportation. We cook, clean, relax, and observe life’s transitions with water. We hold personal beliefs, ceremony, and rituals all around water,” Sinanan said.

Water Works: Distillations will remain on display through September 21, 2025, at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, located at 170 NW 5th Avenue in Delray Beach.

For more information on Sinanan’s work, visit www.franklinsinanan.com.

ABOUT THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM:

The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was established in July 2001 by the non-profit organization, EXPANDING AND PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, INC., a 501(c)3 Florida organization. Located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, the museum preserves and shares local Black history with Delray Beach Black archives, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; all other hours are by appointment. (561) 279-8883; http://www.spadymuseum.com; info@spadymuseum.org.

This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.