To celebrate Black History Month, the Historical Society of Schuylkill County decided to honor three artists, all Pottsville natives.
"This is the first time we've done something like this," said David Derbes, society president, who finished hanging artwork for the display Thursday on the walls of the society at 301 N. Centre St.
Frederic Toone Bacon, Reading, has traveled the world and enjoys painting his impressions of it. A 1944 graduate of Pottsville High School, he earned a degree at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 1948 then he became a teacher in Philadelphia public schools, where he taught for nearly 40 years, according to a biography provided by Derbes.
"He has his work exhibited at Kutztown University this month," Derbes said.
In May 2010, his works were exhibited at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, Pottsville, and the arts council presented Bacon with a lifetime achievement award recognizing his contributions.
Rudine Sims Bishop, Columbus, Ohio, who holds a doctorate degree in education from Wayne State University in Detroit, is an author of children's literature.
"She has published numerous articles in professional journals and has been a speaker at numerous national and international conferences. She has published six books - four as author, two as editor. Two of the books "Wonders" and "Bishop Daniel A. Payne: Great Black Leader," were intended for children. All the others were intended for adults, including teachers, librarians and others with an interest in children's books," according to a biography provided by Derbes.
Growing up in Pottsville, she attended Pottsville schools, including fifth and sixth grade at Center Street School, the building where the Historical Society of Schuylkill County is currently housed. She graduated from Pottsville High School as co-salutatorian in 1955, according to Derbes.
Howard N. Watson, Wyncote, Montgomery County, is a nationally recognized watercolorist and illustrator. His work has been commissioned by former President Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Walter Mondale, President Bill Clinton, noted singer Perry Como, Hall of Fame basketball coach Jack Ramsey, sportscaster Tom Brookshier and famous art collector Set Momjian, according to his website at www.hnwatson.com.
Started in 1976, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history, according to www.history.com.
