National Alliance of Artists From Historically Black Colleges and Universities Unveil Exhibition at Bowie State University

Organization Celebrates 25 Years of Promoting and Preserving Black Art

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, [email protected], 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) - The National Alliance of Artists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBCU) was formed a quarter century ago and continued celebrating its 25-year milestone this week with the opening of an art exhibition at Bowie State University's Fine and Performing Arts Center's Gallery.

"Living the Legacy: Celebrating Twenty-Five Years Surging Forward"is the theme of the anniversary exhibition and will include thirty-two works of art ranging from paintings, printmaking, sculpture, digital media, video and mixed media art. Lee Ransaw, Peggy Blood and Dwight Smith along with BSU's Arthur Vidrine, Doreen Vernon, Tracy Barwick, Tewodross Williams and student Amora General, are among the twenty artists whose work will be on display.

"We are thrilled that the NAAHBCU art exhibition is at Bowie State, particularly during our Homecoming Week celebration," said BSU's Janell B. Pryor, assistant professor, visual culture and art history. "Our campus community, particularly students, need to learn about the outstanding artwork that is being created at HBCUs by professors and artists. It's all a part of our history and culture."

NAAHBCU's exhibition at BSU's Art Gallery in the Fine and Performing Arts Center will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Art programs at HBCUs have struggled to stay viable. NAAHBCU was founded on the principle that HBCU students, through the creative process, will learn how to flourish in today's ever-changing workplace.

"HBCU students must be critical thinkers in every aspect of life," said Dr. Peggy Blood, president of NAAHBCU. "Art is a problem-solving tool, and Fine Arts Studies teaches students to analyze, synthesize and evaluate, skills which are imperative for HBCU students to compete equally in society."

The NAAHBCU will close out the exhibit with its national conference at Bowie State from Nov. 8 - 9 and a meeting with the National Alliance of Student Artists from Historical Black Colleges and Universities (NASAHBCU) with a focus on having more BSU students join and participate in the organization.

"HBCUs have not been given the credit they are due," said art historian David C. Driskell, from the HBO documentary, "Black Art: In the Absence of Light". "When nobody else was out there championing these artists, HBCUs were there, claiming them, showcasing them, putting them up on walls and teaching about them."

Founded in 1999, the National Alliance of Artists from Historical Black Colleges and Universities mission is to bring art and art education to the forefront, provide expressive dialogue, opportunities to exhibit and educate the populous through the visual arts.

NAAHBCU member institutions include Bowie State University, Savannah State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Fort Valley State University, Norfolk State University, University of the District of Columbia, Tougaloo College, Winston-Salem State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Morris Brown College, Fayetteville State University, NC A & T University, Prairie View A & M University, Alabama State University, Johnson C, Smith University, Spelman College and Virginia State University.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

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