Kennesaw State will present exhibition of black folk art
The School of the Arts at Kennesaw State University will launch the New Year with a unique…
Georgia (Jan 9, 2003) — Kennesaw State will present exhibition of black folk art
Cheryl Anderson Brown
Abstract
The School of the Arts at Kennesaw State University will launch the New Year with
a unique exhibition of black folk art from the private collection of Ann and Ted Oliver.
The exhibition opens with a reception beginning at 7 p.m. and a gallery talk by Mr.
Oliver at 8 p.m. on Jan. 9 in the Wilson Building Fine Arts Gallery on the Kennesaw
campus.
Although many of the 21 artists included in "The Collectors' Vision: Black Folk Art
of the American South from the Collection of Ann and Ted Oliver" are featured in the
National Gallery of Folk Art‚ most of the works have never been shown publically.
The exhibition will feature about 60 works by 21 artists including Lorenzo Scott‚
Mose Tolliver‚ Jimmy Lee Sudduth‚ Leroy Almon‚ Purvis Young‚ Mary Proctor and Sultan
Rogers.
The Olivers‚ who live in Marietta‚ have quietly collected these colorful works over
the last several years in order to help protect and preserve these traditional forms.
"These artists are mostly self−taught‚" says Suzanne Talbott‚ KSU Curator and Gallery
Manager. "Many of these artists and their traditions are dying out. This exhibition
is designed to highlight their very personal and unique styles."
Two special appearances‚ in addition to Mr. Oliver's Jan. 9 gallery talk‚ are scheduled
in conjunction with the exhibition. Featured artist Lorenzo Scott‚ who was recently
named "folk artist of the year‚" will speak in the gallery at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22. On
Feb. 4‚ renowned black folk artist and folk art expert Yvonne Wells will speak in
Stillwell Theater on the KSU campus as part of the events surrounding this exhibition.
She will share her insights on the featured artists and many colorful stories about
the quilts she has exhibited at the Museum of American Folk Art‚ the Birmingham and
Montgomery Museums of Art‚ The Rosa Parks Library and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Both visits are sponsored by the KSU African American Student Association.
The exhibition is part of the KSU Black History Celebration. It continues through
Feb. 12. Gallery admission is free. For more information‚ call 770−499−3223.
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Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive‚ residential institution with a growing
student population of 15‚600 from 118 countries. The fifth largest out of 34 institutions
in the University System of Georgia‚ KSU offers 55 undergraduate and graduate degree
programs.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 35,000 students. With 13 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. A Carnegie-designated doctoral institution, it is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
