Art Exhibition: ‘Celebrating Abyssinia to Harlem and back’


Meseret Desta, Open Market #1 ,
oil on canvas, 48” x 60”
© Meseret Desta

Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery is pleased to feature Ezra Wube, Meseret Desta, Mekbib Gebertsadik, Tesfaye Tessema and Helina Metaferia, in Abyssinia to Harlem and Back, a group show including artists whose work illustrate the special relationship between Ethiopia and Harlem.

When: The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 5, from 6 until 9 PM. The exhibition will run from September 3 through September 27, 2008.

A studio talk is planned for closing day: Saturday, September 27, 4-6PM, with Dr. Getachew Metaferia, a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Morgan State University. The co-author of The Battle of Adwa – Reflections on Ethiopia’s Historic Victory Against European Colonialism, Dr. Metaferia will speak about Ethiopian-United States ties across the Atlantic.


Ezra Wube, Caution, 2007, mixed
medium on canvas, 18″ x 18″
© Ezra Wube

Where: Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery
2611 Frederick Douglas Blvd.
Studio 2N in Harlem,
New York 10030.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from noon until six and by appointment.
For more information please call 212.694. 1747, or email us at [email protected]

The relationship between Ethiopians and Harlemites began in 1808 when Ethiopian merchants and African Americans co-founded the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York, and has continued to the present, as Harlem is the home of thousands of Ethiopians.


Mekbib Gebertsadik
‘Queen of Sheba’
Oil on canvas, 32″ x 40″
© Mekbib Gebertsadik

African American residents of Harlem have expressed support during Ethiopian struggle for independence and opposition to fascist tyranny. Contemporary Ethiopian art reflects the history of the nation, using bold colors, rich strokes, rhythmic symbols and patterns to express subjects ranging from the homeland and culture to prominent societal struggles.

WEBSITE: www.canvaspaperandstone.com
NEIGHBORHOOD: Harlem
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 212.694.1747
OPEN HOURS: Tuesday through Saturday, Noon to 6PM and By Appointment
COST: Free


Helina with friends in front of her work