Black Cowboys, Family Land, and Art | Virginia Beach News

Local artist Christopher Dionte is rewriting history through art, becoming the first artist-in-residence at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center—and uncovering his roots in Virginia’s Black cowboy legacy. His family name, Callis, traces back to Ira Callis, who with his brother Ruffin, purchased 1500 acres after emancipation, naming it Freeman—a land Diont’e now owns. Walking those ancestral grounds sparked a spiritual awakening that fuels his powerful new exhibition, “Ancestral Soil: 1865 – The Foundation of Freeman, Virginia.” With his young son Hovah by his side—helping with chores, rodeos, and studio work—he’s not just honoring the past but building a future rooted in heritage. The public can experience this profound journey through August 15th, plus join him for open studio sessions and classes that turn history into community. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e24a4d80dc603f0d