Ancestral Artistry: A Film Documentary
Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 pm. Free and open to the public. No ticket required.
Produced by the non-profit Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF), Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture is a documentary that examines the rich architectural legacy that began 300 years ago with the arrival of enslaved Africans, skilled in the building trades, in French colonial Louisiana. The film focuses on these trades that, over the centuries, have produced the distinctive architectural forms that distinguish Louisiana's built environments from other parts of the United States.
Often handed down within families through the generations, these construction trades—such as carpentry, masonry, iron smithing, and plaster work—have played a surprisingly large part in the history and culture of Louisiana's Creoles of Color. The building trades in Louisiana have roots that reach back to both West African soil as well as European; so do the builders themselves. Unique from the majority of America, Louisiana fostered a large population of free, prosperous, mixed-race people. From the early 18th century on, the building trades continuously provided this community of free people of color with significant opportunities for wealth and social advancement—all during an era when precious few doors were open in America for anyone with African ancestors.
But Ancestral Artistry isn't only about the past. The film weaves the stories and emphasizes the personal work of contemporary master craftsmen in New Orleans, Jeff Poree, Darryl Reeves, and the late Teddy Pierre. Ancestral Artistry shares the men's hopes to preserve their fragile traditions and train apprentices who will succeed them.
Following the film is a panel discussion with Darryl Reeves, Karina Roca, and Jonn Hankins, with Kenneth Schwarz as moderator.
The Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF) works to advance Architecture in Louisiana by serving as a link between the public and the architectural profession. This linkage includes public awareness of architecture, public support for architecture, and public participation in processes that shape the environment. Visit www.louisianaarchitecture.org for more information.
Parking near Merchants Square is recommended. If you plan to park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, please check the bus schedule.
