AN EXQUISITE COLLECTION

Samella Lewis: Field, 1968 Michael Ellison: Micky Dees, 1987

Sedrick Huckaby: She Wore Her Family’s Quilt, 2015 Charles Wilbert White: Lilly C, 1973

Marion County has the extraordinary opportunity to experience a collection of work by unparalleled African-American artists.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

Made up of over 60 works of art, including paintings, prints and sculpture, from the private collection of Kerry and C. Betty Davis, Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art opened at the Appleton Museum of Art late last month.

The collection is organized and toured by International Arts and Artists of Washington, D.C., and features artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Radcli e Bailey, Stephanie Jackson, Larry Walker and many more. Curated themes include “Courage and Social Justice” and “Experience and Remembrance,” as well as several Harmon Foundation Award winners.

“When we were o ered the opportunity to host this exhibition back in 2018, we instantly could tell what a phenomenal experience it would be for visitors to see such extraordinary AfricanAmerican artists under one roof and in person,” says Victoria Billig, assistant director of the Appleton. “The opportunity for our community to enjoy artwork by the likes of Elizabeth Catlett— who remains one of the leading African-American political artists of her time—is fantastic. These works are treasures within the history of American art, and it’s an honor to share them with the members of our community. We think people will love the exhibition due to the fact that it is not only beautiful, but the messages are important to explore.”

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Kerry Davis—a former U.S. Air Force sergeant, retired carrier with the U.S. Postal Service and an ordained deacon— began collecting in the mid-1980s in partnership with his wife, Betty. Begun originally with the desire of enhancing the interior decor of their mid-century split-level home in suburban Atlanta, the Davises’ collection has grown to over 300 works by some of the most distinguished AfricanAmerican artists of the 20th century.

Inspired by previous generations of AfricanAmerican art collectors, who understood the importance of preserving cultural expression, memory and imagery, the Davises sought to contribute to this legacy and be a source of inspiration for others in the community. The Davis residence—dubbed an “in-home museum” by visiting neighbors, parishioners and friends— serves as a meeting place and cultural hub for artists, collectors and art enthusiasts.

Beyond the exhibit, the Appleton will host a free, online talk with collector Kerry Davis and artist/curator Kevin Sipp in order to add an important dimension to the experience of the exhibition by hearing from the collector himself. The online talk will also give attendees the chance to ask questions of the collector and curator. The talk will take place on February 28 at 2pm on Zoom.

“The art world re ects the world we live in— beautiful, diverse and an expression of emotions we all feel regardless of our background or life experiences,” says Victoria. “It is important for us to continually give our community the opportunity to connect with as many diverse art forms and artists as possible.”

Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American

Art // On display through March 28 // Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala // appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455

3111 S. PINE AVE SOUTH HWY 441 // 352.622.3241

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