An exhibit by Crystal Cauley of the WNC Kwanzaa Collective is on display at the Henderson County Public Library.

The educational exhibit has three children’s literature books with illustrations explaining the significance of Kwanzaa. The second shelf holds two vintage Kenyan carvings made from Ebony wood along with fruits and vegetables representative of “the first harvest,” which is the Swahili meaning of Kwanzaa. The third shelf holds artwork by Diamond Cash titled “Praises” and a photo of the Kinara and the seven principles observed daily throughout the week of December 26 to January 1.

The exhibit can be viewed Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday & Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

WNC Kwanzaa Collective was created by Crystal Cauley to celebrate the entire month of December with proclamations, a public Kwanzaa exhibit, and a virtual event for Western North Carolina.

Kwanzaa Week Proclamations

Asheville: Mayor Esther Manheimer signed the Kwanzaa Week Proclamation on October 26, 2021.

Brevard: Mayor Maureen Coploff, signed on December 6, 2021 at the Brevard Municipal Building.

Hendersonville: Mayor Barbara Volk signed on December 2, 2021.

Fletcher: Mayor Preston Blakely will sign the proclamation Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 2 p.m. during the virtual Kwanzaa event. Viewers can watch via Facebook on Hands On! Children’s Museum-WNC page (www.facebook.com/HandsOnWNC) at 4 p.m. The event will have dance performances by Carolina Diva Diamonds, speakers, African drumming, the Kwanzaa proclamation presentation, and the art exhibit.