☞ SEE: The James Van Der Zee Exhibit

James Van Der Zee: Harlem Photographer, February 10th-24th at the Museum of the City of New York. Beginning in 1916, James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) photographed the people of Harlem for more than six decades, depicting the life of one of the most celebrated black communities in the world. Althrough he gained fame for his portrayal of African-American celebrities who passed through Harlem, Van Der Zee made his daily living by taking thousands of photographs of Harlem's residents, including family groups, weddings, athletic teams, and social clubs. Today, this portrait studio work, made by a remarkable photographer, provides an exceptional document of an emerging black middle class in New York City.

This exhibit is only running for two weeks and will close February 24th so come out and see one of the greatest photographers of the early 19th century and a great historian of Harlem. The Museum of the City of New York is at 1220 Fifth Avenue, between 103rd and 104th Street. Nearest subway is the 6 train at 103rd Street or 2,3 at 110th Street. There's also a special Valentine's Day card making workshop this Sunday from 1:00-3:00 PM. For more information, go to the MCNY website: LINK. Read our past post on one of Harlem's most amazing artistic icons: LINK