February 23, 2024
Harlem-based artist Beau McCall, known as The Button Man, has been inspired by Harlem since his early days growing up in Philadelphia. Referring to some of Harlem's cultural greats, like Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, and Dizzy Gillespie, McCall, who has lived in Harlem since the late '80s, recalls, “Most of the people my parents listened to had some kind of connection to Harlem, whether they lived there or played at mainstays like the Savoy or the Apollo where jazz musicians honed their craft.” Learn more about artist Beau McCall, whose art centers around buttons as time capsules, cherished memories, and life lessons, in this Columbia Neighbors' interview.
Photo of the Week is a feature of Columbia News that captures moments from around the University and New York City.
See all the photos from the series here.