Artist Reception for Stacey S. Hamilton

Boston portrait photographer, Stacey S. Hamilton, who is exhibiting her series of portraits “DAT MLNN THO: A Representation of Black Women of Massachusetts” at the Needham Free Public Library from June 1-30, will host a public reception, to be held in the Library Community Room on June 11, from 2:30-4:00 pm.

Born and raised in Boston, Ms. Hamilton is a self-taught professional portrait photographer living in West Roxbury. Her portraits encourage viewers to see the beauty and essence of the Black woman. The phrase “That melanin though” is a phrase widely used within the Black community as a sign of appreciation and honor for brown skin and is the inspiration for this exhibit’s title.

Ms. Hamilton’s series showcases women who have darker skin, natural curly hair and African features, like those of the artist herself. The beauty of these qualities, she says, is often overlooked or disregarded in American culture in favor of beauty standards that embrace Eurocentric features and hair.

 Ms. Hamilton explains that the goal of her exhibit is to help viewers to “see strength in spite of struggle, potential,” and for black women and girls to see themselves.

Registration for the free June 11th reception is required below.