The St. Augustine Historical Society announces Exposing History: Color, Taste and Textiles, a solo exhibition of new work by Laura Mongiovi, Flagler College Professor of Art and Design. The exhibition opens November 5, 5:30 – 8:30 during St. Augustine First Friday Art Walk. A reception immediately follows a speaker panel featuring Heather Hodges, Former Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, and Susan Sernaker, Lead Ranger at Kingsley Plantation. This event is free, open to the public and supported with funds from The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Exhibition on view until Dec. 10. 

Laura Mongiovi has utilized the historic features of an 18th century home, Tovar House, to present the often overlooked and under told histories related to northeast Florida enslaved labor. Crops such as indigo, sugar, cotton and rice occupied the northeast Florida landscape during colonization, bringing wealth to many through an elaborate system of oppression. In addition to agriculture, trade for fur and hide demanded the labor of indigenous people. Mongiovi’s sculptural and textile work raises awareness how needs and desires can exploit a labor system. To further the conversation, Heather Hodges and Susan Sernaker will discuss the histories of enslaved labor as well as the cultural heritage that resulted from the transatlantic slave trade.  

Location: Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis Street, St. Augustine. Open daily 10:00 – 5:00. Parking available in nearby lot and street. The speaker panel will take place on the grassy grounds. The exhibition is located on the second floor of Tovar House. The second floor is not wheelchair accessible.  

For further information, please visit The St. Augustine Historical Society website https://staughs.com/