Submitted by Michelle Brown
DELRAY BEACH, FL — On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum will hold “Preserving Our Stories: The Life and Times of Dox Thrash,” a community heritage reception and presentation of a rare, oil-on-canvas painting by innovative painter Dox Thrash. Speaker Ron Rumford, an expert on the artist from the Harlem Renaissance period, will present.
Sponsored, in part, by The Nancy Chanin Foundation and Louis Haym, the event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at 170 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, in the museum’s Main Galleries and adjacent Williams Cottage.
The centerpiece of the festive program is “Still Life of Flowers”, a valued donation to the museum. Guests will discover the intriguing story behind this rare work by Thrash, who was most acclaimed for his work in a fine art printing technique, which he co-invented, called Opheliagraph mezzoprint.
The Spady Museum will harken in the style, artistry and creativity of the Harlem Renaissance period during an evening of engaging activities capturing local family histories, all in celebration of the historical artwork.
“This is a family-oriented event, all about storytelling. We invite everyone to discover how one man’s journey reflects the stories of millions, including families in our own community,” said Museum Director Charlene Farrington. “The museum is thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from leading experts about African American history and Florida’s migration heritage, as we preserve our shared stories for future generations. It is also a fantastic way to support the Spady Museum’s mission of ‘bringing community together about Black history’.”
Guests will share their family migration histories and compare experiences with Thrash’s journey from Georgia to Chicago to Philadelphia.
Part history-collecting, part art talk and part fundraiser, the community heritage reception will also feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle drawing and a museum membership drive. The Spady Museum is celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Spady House in 2026 with “The House Still Stands” fundraising campaign.
Proceeds raised at the “Preserving Our Stories: The Life and Times of Dox Thrash” reception will benefit the campaign and other programs.
ABOUT THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM:
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was established in July 2001 by the non-profit organization, EXPANDING AND PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, INC., a 501(c)3 Florida organization. Located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, the museum preserves and shares local Black history with Delray Beach Black archives, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; all other hours are by appointment. (561) 279-8883; wwwspadymuseum.com
IF YOU GO:
What: “Preserving Our Stories: The Life and Times of Dox Thrash,” a community heritage reception, featuring fun activities to capture local family histories and learn about an artist from the age of the Harlem Renaissance, Dox Thrash, whose painting is being gifted to The Spady. Suggested attire: Floral and Fabulous
Light refreshments will be served.
When: 6-8 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025
Where: The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and Williams Cottage, 170 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Cost: $25/adults; $15/students (Promo Code for students: Ten92025)
Purchase tickets at (https://spadymuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/24561 or at the door. For more information, visit www.spadymuseum.com or call (561) 279-8883.
