In last month’s PNWS newsletter, I posted an article about York, the lone black member of Lewis and Clark’s expedition and subject of local sculptor Todd McGrain’s replacement sculpture on the empty plinth in Mt. Tabor Park. I hoped to connect with Todd to see if he would be willing to speak in a public setting about his engagement in this adventure, and to my surprise, he not only agreed but offered to share the event with Zachary Stocks, Exec. Director of Oregon Black Pioneers, an expert on Black history in the Northwest. While the full plans for the event are still in process, we have a venue and a time in place so you can mark your calendars.
When: February 5, 2026 (5pm-8pm)…Celebrating Black History Month
Where: Vancouver’s Hub Art Center 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd.
Included in the plans for the evening’s talks, will be a gallery show of artwork by local Black artists, and an exhibit of York- related artwork we hope to solicit from local artists (that would include all PNWS members and non-members) and student work from any and all educational instructions willing to participate.
The event will also include poetry reading and the possibility of a selection performance of the recently performed Opera, “York The Explorer”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiOsxWGMHGE&t=44s
I have been greatly inspired by the story of York, especially the sculpture that has brought his story home to so many. I am looking forward to sharing the fuller picture through this venue. I encourage all who are so moved to consider contributing an artwork to the York exhibit. Since there are no known pictures or portraits of York’s image, artists have been free to imagine him as they may. All we know is that he was a big man and an expert hunter and swimmer. He is also mentioned as a diplomat in dealing with the local Native tribes that were encountered.
Let me know if you plan to participate. Also consider reaching out to fellow artists and students or schools. I will generate a flier to inform. brussellford@gmail.com