Works by S.C. African-American artists tour the Pee Dee

Pee Dee citizens have the opportunity to view works by African-American artists who are among the state’s best-known and widely celebrated practitioners. The African-American Voice exhibition runs February 7 through March 28 at the Black Creek Arts Center, 116 West College Avenue in Hartsville. The public is invited to the opening reception February 7 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Coordinated by Harriett Green, visual arts director at the South Carolina Arts Commission, the exhibition includes 40 pieces of artwork in all media from the State Art Collection. The pieces are by 25 African-American artists who range from self-taught, outsider artists such as Richard Burnside, 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. 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.

A preview of The African-American Voice artwork is available online.

The exhibition is free to the public. The gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m and from 2 to 5 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Black Creek Arts Council.

Via: South Carolina Arts Commission

Pictured: “Going Home” by Joseph Gandy

Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art Collection is composed of 448 works in a variety of media and styles produced by 277 artists. Want to bring the State Art Collection to your community? Contact Harriett Green at (803) 734-8696. In addition to The African-American Voice, two additional traveling exhibitions are available: Contemporary Conversations and Points of Departure: Vessel Forms from the State Art Collection.