The Fine Art of HISTORY - African American Art - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, May 11, 2000 by Jamilah Evelyn

Collection on African American artist and heritage

GREENBORO, N.C -- African American artist Romare Bearden celebrates Black life -- a Southern rural morning, a Jazz Rhapsody -- with his bold use of color and inimitable focal points. Sculptor Elizabeth Catlett pays Homage to Black Women Poets with a fisted mahogany dedication of sinewy pride. Aaron Douglas illustrates Langston Hughes The Negro Speaks of Rivers with a visual presentation equally captivating as the penned version. And Charles White bears witness to Black women's classic combination of feminine strength in a vivid pictorial depiction.

Walter O. Evans, a renowned Detroit surgeon, has been collecting pieces from Bearden, Catlett, Douglas, White and many others "with a passion," since the 1970s.

"I have a broad spectrum of art by African American artists that can't be found in museums," Evans says. "I feel it is important that students and people in general know that there is a legacy out there where there are numbers of African American artists, past and present, who do quality work and can match that of the mainstream."

That's why he brought his collection -- more than 200 works spanning the years 1848 to 1997 -- to North Carolina A&T State University. On display through June 30 at the university's H.C. Taylor Art Gallery and the Mattye Reed African Heritage Center, the Walter O. Evans Collection will allow students, faculty and staff to take a journey through the rich history of African Americans as reflected through the work of acclaimed Black artists.

"The collection reflects different time periods, but also reflects life in African American communities through abstract work, realism and expressionism," says Dr. Conchita Ndege, co-curator for the exhibit. "It shows the dignity and pride of African Americans instead of negative stereotypes."

Students also will be involved with the exhibit. They will work closely with Evans' wife, Linda, who will train them to give tours to various groups.

Dr. James C. Renick, the university's newly installed chancellor, is enthusiastic about the event.

"Our students will be able to benefit and our community will benefit because we are making art available not only to them, but also to our schools," Renick says. "We are giving young people the opportunity to appreciate the cultural, historical and sociological aspects associated with African American art."