On November 7, 2019, Director of Engagement and the artist in residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, Steve Prince, unveiled The Links Project for the William & Mary campus and the Williamsburg community at large. This project stems from the 400th anniversary of 1619 when African Americans were forcibly enslaved and brought over from Africa to the Jamestown colony. Through the involvement of around 500 people from over 20
different countries, the project represents the links between slavery and today.
Photos by Marriya Schwarz
Originally published in Dog Street Journal's November 2019 issue.
UPDATE: The Links Project original wooden carvings have been moved to Sadler Center.
The event was filled with dancing and traditional African music, creating a celebration of African culture.
Prior to printing, each block of wood had to be thoroughly covered in ink.
As Steve Prince explained, it was important for the event to be held at the Wren Building, since the College profited off of the labor of enslaved people.
Students and members of the community were given the opportunity to help in the printing
process.
A steamroller was driven over each of the four pieces to fully print it. “How often do you get to use a steamroller in art?” asks Steve Prince.
The Links Project is featured in the “1619 / 2019” exhibit at the Muscarelle Museum of Art. It will remain on display until January 12, and it is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.