By Fran Folic
History Fort Lauderdale, committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history, is proud to present “Shifting Perspectives,” a new art and photography exhibit honoring Black History Month. This year’s free annual exhibit will feature works rooted in social justice, the Black experience, women’s stories, and nature from artist Constance Ivana plus archival photographs from the History Fort Lauderdale collection and an art show and sale from Dillard Center for the Arts’ Advanced Placement (AP) students and instructors, from February 1 – 28, 2026.
“History Fort Lauderdale is proud to showcase the creative imaginings and visual commentaries of emerging artists in our African American community,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “From self-aware artists like Constance Ivana to Dillard Center for the Arts’ young prodigies just finding their voices, we are gracious for their contributions. We thank instructor Celestin Joseph for his commitment to enriching our community through art and instruction and we invite the community to celebrate Black History Month with us.”
History Fort Lauderdale artist-in-residence Constance Ivana is passionate about creating bold, vibrant works of art that spark reflection, conversation, and joy. Her creative journey is fueled by a desire to connect people through art—whether it’s through large-scale murals, interactive art workshops, or painting parties that bring communities together. Her pieces blend acrylic paint, spray paint, wood, and mirrors that not only transform spaces but also remind us that art heals and reflection fosters growth. She aims to make art accessible, meaningful, and powerful, while inspiring others to discover their own creativity.
The archival photography component chronicles African American life in South Florida from the 1900s through the 1960s. From family and school life to segregation, peaceful protests and triumphs, the selected photos offer insight into how our community has evolved and overcome.
Curated by Dillard instructor Celestin Joseph, the advanced placement student showcase illustrates a cultural reflection of today’s issues as seen through the lens of upcoming young artists.
Joseph received his master’s in fine arts in painting from the University of Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor’s in fine arts, cum laude, from the University of Hartford as a painting major, with an art history minor, and concentrations in printmaking and graphic design studies. Joseph also received a prestigious Yale/Norfolk Art and Music Scholarship to further his studies. Currently, he is teaching Advanced Placement studio art classes at his alma mater Dillard Center for the Arts where he has been strengthening the visual arts program since 1999.
History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docent-guided tours offered daily at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military personnel, and children aged six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.
For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit historyfortlauderdale.org.
