Exhibition brings businesses of Suffolk’s past back to life – The Suffolk News-Herald

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Tommy Johnson with his works of art in the exhibition

Allyn Brown is pictured with her artwork

Brittany Waller is pictured installing the Takin’ Care of Business artwork for the exhibition at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts presents ‘Takin’ Care of Business’, an exhibition about Suffolk businesses, past and present, from 10 November to 17 December.

The exhibition opening reception is from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 10 and is free and open to the public. M&M Hospitality Group provides the delicious treats for the opening reception.

The “Takin’ Care of Business” exhibit honors leaders and members of the Suffolk community as they appear in the business world, according to a press release from the Suffolk Center.

Visitors will be able to see portraits of these brave people and what they bring to the city. Works include 30 portraits of Allyn Brown from the O’Neal studio as well as local artists who have captured the essence of the Suffolk business community. The art galleries will also feature a collection of artwork on loan from private collectors and photos archived by the Suffolk News Herald newspaper.

Curatorial research for this unique exhibition was carried out in partnership with the Suffolk Department of Economic Development, the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society and Annette Montgomery, author of “Suffolk’s Black America Series”.

Visitors will be able to step back in time and see how Suffolk was a bustling city with a plethora of cinemas, places to shop and restaurants to dine in, making Suffolk town center the place to be.

Guests will also be able to take selfies with the Peanut People of Suffolk provided by Suffolk Tourism.