Tracyes & Tributes: Celebrating Black Identity
Schedule
Fri, 23 Jan, 2026 at 05:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
9 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, NB, Canada, New Brunswick E3B 5A3 | Fredericton, NB
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The UNB Art Centre, in partnership with the UNB Human Rights and Equity Office, is proud to present two powerful exhibitions that invite our community to reflect, engage, and celebrate Black identity and heritage.Trayces, an exhibition by Gary Weekes, is a striking visual narrative exploring Black skin, memory, and cultural lineage. Through portraits crafted with transparent vinyl and aluminum baking trays, the exhibition draws inspiration from West African scarification traditions to examine identity, beauty, and the marks we carry. This exhibition will include ambient electronic music by Mike Lukaszuk (Department of Culture and Media Studies).
Alongside Trayces, the UNB Art Centre continues its annual Black History Month project: Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers, honouring notable Black New Brunswickers who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality in the face of prejudice and discrimination. This ongoing research initiative adds new faces and stories each year, bringing their portraits to the streets of Fredericton throughout February. Banners along Westmorland and Regent Streets stand as a public tribute to their achievements and enduring contributions to shaping contemporary New Brunswick.
Three special events will accompany these exhibitions, creating opportunities for deeper reflection and dialogue:
Opening Reception
Date: January 23, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Snow date: January 30, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
Location: UNB Art Centre, East & West Galleries, Memorial Hall
Description:
Join us for the opening of Trayces, an exhibition by Gary Weekes, that explores Black skin, memory, and cultural lineage through 14 stunning photographic portraits. These works celebrate the tones, textures, and stories of Black skin across the diaspora. Meet the creative team behind the exhibition and experience this powerful visual narrative together.
Alongside Trayces, the UNB Art Centre continues its annual Black History Month project, honoring notable Black New Brunswickers who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality in the face of prejudice and discrimination.
Artist Talk with Gary Weekes
Date: February 5, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Snow date: February 6, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
Location: UNB Art Centre, East & West Galleries, Memorial Hall
Description:
Join artist Gary Weekes for an in-depth conversation about the making of Trayces. Discover the creative inspirations behind the work, the photographic and sculptural processes involved, and the cultural influences that shaped this series. This session creates space for dialogue about representation, artistry, and the stories carried through Black skin.
About the Artist:
Fredericton-based photographer Gary Weekes works across genres with a focus on quality and sensitivity, shaped by years in London and New York. His Fine Art practice centers on collaborative storytelling, leading to a historic 2022 solo exhibition at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, which later acquired his work. He has been recognized as a byblacks.com People’s Choice Visual Artist of the Year and a CBC 2023 Black Changemaker.
Expanding into short documentary film, Gary is developing Still Here: Preserving Our Legacy, a multi-year project culminating in a book and major exhibition in July 2026. Guided by the belief that everything carries a resonant “pulse,” he works to reveal beauty often overlooked.
Panel Discussion: The Art of Belonging
Date: March 21, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Snow date: March 28, 2:30-4:30 p.m.)
Location: UNB Art Centre, East & West Galleries, Memorial Hall
Register
Description:
In recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, this community-centred conversation explores belonging, identity, and cultural histories. Rooted in the themes of Trayces, the panel reflects on how our stories shape who we are and what it takes to build dignity and belonging across difference.
Trayces and Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers will be on display at the UNB Art Centre from January 23 – March 27, 2026. The UNB Art Centre is located at Memorial Hall, 9 Bailey Drive, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. The Galleries are open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. weekdays and during special events.
Admission is Free for all events. Everyone is Welcome!
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Where is it happening?
9 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, NB, Canada, New Brunswick E3B 5A3Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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