Perspectives In African American Art

Ten years ago, Seagram's Gin established its support of contemporary African American art and culture by introducing a program to foster African American artistic expression. In celebration of the tenth anniversary of that program, Seagram's Gin is proud to present Perspectives in African American Art 1996.

Over the years the program has grown, reaching six cultural institutions in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York. In 1995, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. presented each institution with a grant for the development of a Community Artist-in-Residence Program. This annual funding benefits new artists by providing year-long residencies in which they may gain creative insights and generate ideas by working in the institution and the community.

Seagram's Gin also understands the need for emerging artists to gain exposure on a national level. Each year, an emerging African American artist from each of the six regions is commissioned to create a work of art that celebrates the African American experience. During the Black History Month celebration at each institution, the artist's work is unveiled. Continuing in its ten-year tradition of helping to foster a new generation of African American artistic expression, Seagram's Gin is pleased to present the Emerging Artist Commissions of 1995.

California Afro-American Museum Los Angeles

Richard Wyatt creates paintings and murals that provide insight to human emotions and experiences. Through his work, Wyatt has "always felt an obligation to create art that relates to the African American community and its concerns."

Museum of African American History Detroit

Shirley Woodson is a painter whose vibrant images tell the story of the African American experience. A supervisor of fine arts for Detroit's public school system, Woodson uses her art to "teach of the great place Black people hold in the history of the universe."

Hammonds House Galleries Atlanta

Eddie Granderson is a painter who utilizes powerful imagery to reflect the social and political issues facing African American people across the nation. Granderson maintains a local private studio and serves as a gallery director in his community.

The Studio Museum in Harlem New York

James Andrew Brown creates large-scale installations. An associate professor at William Paterson College in Wayne, New Jersey, Brown describes his art as "visual experiences," reflecting his personal experience as an African American.

The Chicago Cultural Center Chicago

Stephen Marc is a photographically-based artist. His moving photographs document African, African American and Caribbean experiences around the world. Marc has published a photo-documentary and is a professor of photography.

The African American Museum Dallas

Eddie McAnthony specializes in large-scale papier-mache sculpture of animals and expressionistic portraits. A professor of art, and the founder/ owner of a ten-year-old gallery, he utilizes art to "explore the fundamental essence of truth, honesty and purity."