October 24, 2010 — Coral Gables — The University of Miami Lowe Art Museum’s fall/winter exhibition will feature selections from one of the premier collections of African American art. The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper will provide a rare opportunity for the public to view master graphics spanning three centuries. The works are to be on view from November 13, 2010 – January 16, 2011. A preview lecture and reception will be held on November 12th from 7-10 PM. The lecture will be presented by collector Harriet Kelley along with her daughter, art historian Jennifer Kelley.
The 69 works in the exhibition include drawings, etchings, lithographs, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, gouaches, and screen prints by such noted artists as Henry O. Tanner, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, and Alison Saar.
This Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection exhibition is one of the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibitions ever organized featuring African American artists from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The majority of the works in this exhibition were produced during the 1930s and 40s. This was the era of the Great Depression and the WPA/FAP (Works Progress Administration of the Federal Arts Project) that provided employment for many artists. The 1960s and early 70s gave birth to the politically-motivated and African-inspired civil rights period, which is another focus of this exhibition. The late 20th and early 21st centuries highlight works on paper from some of the brightest stars of the contemporary generation; Margo Humphrey, Dean Mitchell, Robert Colescott, Lionel Lofton, and Ike E. Morgan.
Dr. Harmon Kelley and his wife Harriet were inspired to begin collecting after viewing an exhibition of African American art at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Their art collection has become something of a museum’s dream and now travels to major venues all over the globe.
The Lowe will also feature a selection of works by African American Artists from it’s permanent collection, to complement the Kelley Collection exhibition.
This exhibition is organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA. The exhibition at the Lowe Art Museum is made possible by a grant from Funding Arts Network. Additional sponsorship provided by Northwestern Mutual.
The Lowe Art Museum is located at the University of Miami at 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables. Gallery and Museum Store hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10-4; Sunday: 12-4; Monday: Closed. Regular Admission (not including special events) is $10; $5 for Seniors and Non-UM Students; Free for Lowe Art Museum Members, University of Miami students, faculty and staff, and children under 12. For more information, call (305) 284-3535 or visit http://www.lowemuseum.org.
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