Preserve Shady Rest Project

Established in 1921, the Shady Rest Country Club located in Scotch Plains, NJ became the first black-owned country club in the US. After being acquired by the township, the Preserve Shady Rest Committee was created as a way to honor and protect the club’s historic and cultural value.

In 2024 Shady Rest commissioned 11 large-scale oil paintings commemorating a selection of the musicians that performed there in the 1920’s-30’s. Framed with wood pieces from the original flooring, this collection of portraits attempts to capture the energy and vibrancy that these performers brought to the country club 100 years ago.