Figures of Freedom: USM Salutes Maryland's African-American Artists
"Frederick Douglass" by Kimberly Hunter, Student, CSU
"The Parade" by Joseph Sheppard, UMUC Maryland Artists Collection
"Harriet Tubman" by James Hill, Professor of Art, Salisbury University
"Chester" by Ernest Satchell, Professor of Art, UMES
Exhibition in the Miller Senate
Office Building through December 2007
ADELPHI, Md. (February 14, 2007) - In celebration of Maryland's diversity and history,
the University System of Maryland, in collaboration with the Department of
Business and Economic Development's Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts,
presents "Figures of Freedom," an exhibition showcasing the works of Maryland's
African-American visual artists. The exhibition will run through November 15,
2007, in the Second Floor Gallery of the Miller Senate Office Building, 11
Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD.
Throughout history, artists
have grappled with the universal question of freedom, whether through
individual experience or social struggles. African-American visual artists for the
most part, however, have not received the attention and popular acclaim that
African-American musicians and writers have garnered. "Figures of Freedom" brings Maryland's African-American visual
artists to the forefront and shares their perspectives on the personal and
communal meaning of freedom.
The exhibition showcases selected
works from the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland, College
Park (UMCP)-a national leader in the field of African-American art and culture-including
prints by David Driskell, noted artist and distinguished UMCP professor
emeritus of art. Other highlights include a specially commissioned installation
of sculpture by Coppin State University art students. The installation features
larger-than-life busts of African-American leaders from Maryland such as Frederick
Douglass and Clarence Mitchell.
The exhibition also includes
a bronze sculpture of Harriet Tubman by Salisbury University art professor
James Hill and "Chester," a sculpture by Ernest Satchell, professor of art at
the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. "The Parade," an oil on canvas by
Joseph Sheppard, is on loan from the University of Maryland University College
Maryland Artists Collection.
The free exhibition is open
to the public daily, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For driving directions to the
Miller Senate Office Building, http://www.dgs.maryland.gov/Facilities/Anne_Arundel/Managed/11_Bladen_St.html.
Contact: John Buettner
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: jbuettner@usmd.edu
