SC Arts Commission Press Releases
African-American Voice Exhibit Opens Jan. 15 in Clemson
Dec. 13, 2007
Media Contact:
Milly Hough
(803) 734-8698
COLUMBIA, S.C. – With works by African-American artists who are among the state's best-known and widely celebrated practitioners, "The African-American Voice” exhibition kicks off during a special 7 p.m. reception Jan. 15 at the Clemson Arts Center. Select exhibit pieces will also appear at Clemson University's Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.
Coordinated by Harriett Green, visual arts director at the South Carolina Arts Commission, the exhibition includes 37 pieces of artwork in all media from the State Art Collection. The pieces are by 24 African-American artists who range from self-taught, outsider artists like Sam Doyle, Leroy Marshall and Dan Robert Miller, to academically trained artists with established careers such as Leo Twiggs, Arthur Rose and Tarleton Blackwell.
"A number of these artists are legendary as arts educators as well as artists. Their influences and contributions extend beyond image and object making," said Green, who sees the show as an opportunity for area residents to learn more about the contribution of African-American artists in South Carolina.
In addition to the "African-American Voice" exhibit, the Brooks Center is presenting "The Princely Players" Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. The group, which has collaborated with a wide range of artists from Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Randy Travis and recorded for the Smithsonian and Time Life's Civil War recordings, will perform songs and poetry from various eras.
The Arts Center of Clemson and the Brooks Center agreed to host the exhibition in celebration of the Arts Commission's 40th anniversary. The "African-American Voice" traveling exhibition is a great addition to the activities we have planned to celebrate the agency's 40 years," said S.C. Arts Commission Executive Director Suzette Surkamer. "We are thrilled that the Arts Center and the Brooks Center have elected to provide this unique cultural opportunity to enrich the lives of the citizens in their community."
"African American Voice" continues at the Brooks Center and the Arts Center (212 Butler Street) through Friday, Feb. 29, and is free to the public. The Arts Center's hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets for the Princely Players performance are available at the Brooks Center Website and by calling the box office at (864) 656-7787, Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
About State Art Collection
The State Art Collection is considered the most comprehensive public collection of works by contemporary South Carolina artists. Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art Collection has grown to include 441 works in a variety of media and styles by 272 South Carolina contemporary artists. Small exhibitions featuring work from the collection are organized on a regular basis for rural and isolated areas inside and outside of the state. Works from the State Art Collection are available for loan to art museums, state agencies, and public and private organizations for the purpose of public exhibition or public display. The collection is supported in part by the South Carolina Arts Foundation and Kahn Development Company.
About SCAC
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission is celebrating 40 years of increasing public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina and by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
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