Artist Tony M. Bingham has created a stunning work of art on the site of the former Scott’s Grove Baptist Church. Entitled “The Praise House,” this monumental installation pays tribute to the history of the location and the communities that once worshiped there.
The Praise House features two wood-paneled walls standing parallel in a serene clearing. The installation includes stained glass windows, a Sylacauga marble floor, and a steel cutout depicting members who once gathered at the church. The name of the artwork is inspired by the vernacular structures known as praise houses, which were built by enslaved individuals on plantations in the Southern U.S. as spaces for prayer.
In a new short documentary, viewers can follow Bingham as he visits The Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation to install The Praise House. Located in Harpersville, Alabama, this center is dedicated to healing and reconciliation and is run by descendants of both the enslaved and enslavers.
Bingham, who is also a professor at Miles College in Birmingham, used organic, repurposed, and cast-off materials to create The Praise House. His intention was to honor the legacy of the enslaved communities that once lived in the area. The artist reflects on the history of the location and the importance of his work, asking fundamental questions about the role of the artist in preserving and sharing stories.
The documentary, directed by Tyler Jones of 1504, provides a poignant look at the process behind The Praise House and Bingham’s artistic practice. Through his work, Bingham aims to shed light on the history of the enslaved people and inspire reflection on their experiences.
“The Praise House” is a powerful and thought-provoking artwork that invites viewers to contemplate the past and consider the lasting impact of history on our present. Through his creative expression, Bingham brings attention to the stories and experiences of those who may have been overlooked or forgotten.
