Fallen Angel by Louis Delsarte from the NAAMCC Art Collection
2020
INTRODUCTION Welcome to the 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show! We are excited for you to see the beautiful pieces presented in this virtual catalog. Most of the artwork in this catalog is available for sale. See page 49 for the price list. The Art of Soul! Juried art exhibition is an adaptation of our original, stunning exhibit called Soul!, which opened in 2009. The Soul! exhibit highlighted a wide range of art from our collection. The art depicts many aspects of the African and African American experience, inspiring younger generations who had not been exposed to art that tells the history of their culture. The Art of Soul! Juried Art Show showcases the same level of diversity, skill, and perspective of all dimensions of Black history and culture, not only throughout the United States but also throughout the African Diaspora. Although the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC) is temporarily closed, we are so proud of our team’s work on Art of Soul! We persevered despite the pandemic, working from home, and opened the exhibit last October. When we had to close again due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, we worked with the artists and our partners to share the exhibit with audiences online. • We hosted a virtual program—Art of Soul! Juried Art Show—The Impact of Art on Social Change in November 2020. • We created a virtual tour of the exhibit 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show. • You can cast a vote for the Peoples Choice Award for your favorite piece on our Facebook page. • On Sat., February 27 at Noon, we will host the Art of Soul! Awards Ceremony and Exhibit closing event featuring an artist panel discussion and the awards ceremony. Register for this free program through this Zoom link.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
2020 ART OF SOUL! JUDGES • ED DIXON—owner of Edward A. Dixon Gallery, which is a commercial art gallery specializing in the exhibition, education, appreciation and sale of International Fine Art • KEY JO LEE—Assistant Director of Academic Affairs at The Cleveland Museum of Art • MICHAEL REESE—co-owner of Reese Brothers Productions, which offers a variety of services to national clients interested in purchasing quality works of art • ROSA ROJAS—NAAMCC Lead Curator
SPECIAL THANKS We want to thank all of the 2020 Art of Soul! artists and judges for their cooperation and patience through this challenging time. Special thanks to Ohio History Connection staff for their support in creating the exhibit’s digital resources and online programming. Thank you for taking the time to view this virtual catalog and your continuing support of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center.
The Ohio Arts Council provided partial support for the exhibit. The virtual tour is supported by the Ohio Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal CARES Act of 2020. 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show
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In Memoriam LOUIS DELSARTE Sept. 1, 1944–May 2, 2020
CURATORIAL STATEMENT IMPACT* 1. to have a direct effect or impact on 2. t o strike forcefully 3. the force of impression of one thing on another: a significant or major effect
The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center staff mourns the loss of artist and educator Louis Delsarte. We were honored to have Mr. Delsarte serve as a judge of our 2019 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show. He also allowed us to use the image of his seminal work, Fallen Angel, as the Art of Soul! logo. Fallen Angel is an integral part of NAAMCC’s extensive art collection. We dedicate our 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show to him. He was a prolific and influential artist who shared his passion with audiences and artists worldwide. We will pay tribute to Louis during the Art of Soul! Awards Ceremony and Exhibit closing event. We thank his wife, Jea Delsarte, for all she did to support Louis during his 2019 visit to Wilberforce and for her dedication to Louis throughout their 30-year marriage.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Art of Soul! is an annual juried exhibition. Artists from across the nation have submitted works in response to this year’s theme of IMPACT within the greater subject of the African American diaspora. We are all affected by both forces in our personal environment and those we may not always be aware of on the other side of the globe. Think about the events that affect us but we feel are out of our control. Now think about what is within our reach. What or who has left a strong enough impact to cause a significant change in your life?
2020 Art of Soul! Exhibition 45 PIECES OF ART | 23 ARTISTS Deb Baillieul, Columbus, Ohio Tom Baillieul, Columbus, Ohio Tasha Beckwith, Indianapolis, Indiana Lawrence Baker, Cleveland Heights, Ohio Louis Burroughs Jr., Chagrin Falls, Ohio Ora Clay, Oakland, California Darin Darby, Romulus, Michigan Rickie DuBurke, Brooklyn, New York Kendall Glover, Cincinnati, Ohio Veronica Halfacre, Dayton, Ohio Al Harden, Cincinnati, Ohio Morris Howard, Dayton, Ohio Jimi Jones, Forest Park, Ohio Gail Patrice Mallory, Houston, Texas Tony Malone, Dayton, Ohio Onzie DeAndre Norman, Wixom, Michigan Kay Onwukwe, Columbus, Ohio Lisa Shepherd, Columbus, Ohio Talitha Sydnei’a, Cincinnati, Ohio Maxine Thomas, Jamestown, Ohio Roderic Trabue, Indianapolis, Indiana Glenn Walker, Euclid, Ohio Brent Wiley, Peoria, Illinois
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Talking Drums Baillieul, Deb Cotton, beads, shells and buttons, quilted and embroidered PRICE: $1,250.00 How do we communicate and work together in today’s world? The many African cultures have given us rhythms, vocals, songs, and percussion. This music tells stories, expresses emotions, and celebrates phases of life. It is the origin of jazz, blues, swing, ragtime and more. During Apartheid in South Africa, Xosa and Zulu music warned Black people to “Beware—the man is coming to take you away to the mines”. We use music to move our messages to each other in love, warning, protesting, or proclamation. It can be coded or blatant in-your-face. Jazz is about the relation of one note, one phrase to another. How do we get our messages out? How are we understood? How do we listen? In this quilt, I use African fabrics, beads and buttons to express the rhythms, joy, and voice of a freer world, one where we all have a voice and listen. Deb Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Village Baillieul, Deb Cotton, African and hand-dyed; beads; buttons; shells; safety pins; hand-painted embroidery threads NOT FOR SALE
Botswana’s village of Sechele united tradition and current ideals of living—gathering young and old together, building community, sharing food and drink, and telling stories. Much time is spent sleeping inside but living outside—at the shabeen (bar), by the market, under the kgotla tree where court may be held, at schools and at games. There is joy in gathering together. While the cell phone and recorded music bring the world together, community strengthens identity and sense of belonging. This quilt combines modern and traditional African fabrics, hand-painted and stitched embroidery threads, with the traditional style of an Ndebele apron. Deb Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show
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Stall Baillieul, Deb Acrylic on canvas PRICE: $750.00
Outdoor markets in this country or in South Africa bring forth many traditional crafts: baskets, carvings and sculpture, clothing, and blankets. Working with our hands is a tradition throughout the world, through which we can communicate our feelings, desires, sensibilities, and appreciation of what the Earth gives to us. Markets are also gathering places, where we meet and share life stories, discuss world politics or compare the state of our gardens. These two men meet on this Saturday morning. We don’t know what they are talking about, but they give each other time and voice and an ear. Deb Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
1492 – Columbus, a Diversity of Views Baillieul, Tom Acrylic on canvas, with collaged paper PRICE: $2,500.00 This is where slavery in the Americas began. In 1455, Pope Nicholas V issued the Romanus Pontifex to King Alfonso V of Portugal (later amended to include the king of Spain). This Papal decree gave these kings the right to invade, vanquish, and subdue all non-Christians, to take their possessions, and to “reduce their persons to perpetual slavery.” Armed with this authority, Christopher Columbus was free to subjugate the native peoples on the Caribbean islands where he landed. When Columbus arrived on the island of Hispaniola, contemporary accounts place the population of Taino Indians living there at between 300,000 and 3 million. Within a decade there were none left, having been decimated by the white man’s diseases, war, and forced labor. In this painting, tributes made to Columbus over the centuries as the great explorer are juxtaposed with the reality— the inhuman acts of European conquerors in their pursuit of wealth, glory, and unbridled ambition. Tom Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
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Unbound Baillieul, Tom Hand-dyed and commercial cotton, pieced and appliqued, machine stitched, hand embroidered PRICE: $2,500.00 Joy on the wing is the only way to describe the beautiful lilac-breasted roller, a member of the corvid family found throughout Sub–Saharan Africa. An aerial acrobat, the roller loops and tumbles across the sky in a manner that can only be understood as sheer exuberance—an expression of the freedom all people seek. Did the memory of these birds help captured and enslaved Africans keep alive the idea of freedom and the joyous feeling of being “unbound?” Tom Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Beginnings Baillieul, Tom Acrylic on canvas, with collaged paper PRICE: $1,750.00 Modern humans, homo sapiens, arose in central southern Africa around 200,000 years ago. From caves near the Cape coast have come the earliest unequivocal evidences of artwork (ochre incised with geometric patterns, and shell beads used as jewelry). These artworks are evidence that by 70,000 years ago humans had developed the ability to think symbolically and to imagine—the abilities necessary to ask the great questions—”Why am I here?” What is my purpose in life?” and “What happens when I die?” This quilt explores our African origins and the transitions that led to the development of ever complex communities characterized by social hierarchies, moral codes, art, trade, rituals, and belief systems. The outer border of the quilt reflects how these values and abilities led to the first African Diaspora as our ancestors left their homeland to settle every corner of the planet. Tom Baillieul currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
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Serenity Baker, Lawrence Graphite on paper PRICE: $1,200.00
I am making an effort to demonstrate the mastery of my medium. In this case the medium is graphite on paper. A scene from a view of landscape become my subject matter. Mastery of the medium comes into play if the viewer becomes aware of how the rendering of the subject matter indicates forms having their own space. In any case this becomes evident with use of the medium (graphite). I am not making any kind of effort to render the landscape as seen. Believe me, I understand a large number of competent are rendering the particular scene. My efforts are directed toward rendering the work as I perceive it. This is where my soul and reflection come into play. In viewing my work I hope you are becoming aware of the humanistic quality of the work. The humanism is the surprise I want to pass on to you. Lawrence Baker currently lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Neo Nefertiti Beckwith, Tasha Oil paint PRICE: $800.00 Ancient Egyptian Art and innovation has always interested me. Ancient Egyptians’ impact on the world has been extraordinary— they invented the 24 alphabets, they were excellent astronomers, good at mathematics and geometry, and best known for architecture with the pyramids. My recent paintings have been inspired by the black pharaohs of Egypt. The Kushite kings who ruled as Egypt’s 25th Dynasty styled themselves as pharaohs. In Egyptian art, Kushites are depicted with darker skin and a cropped hairstyle. In my painting I wanted to convey a portrait of a modern-day Nefertiti with a stylized headdress. With the background I took inspiration from the Memphis Group’s colorful abstract asymmetrical stylings from the 80’s era. Tasha Beckwith currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Nubian Nefertiti Beckwith, Tasha Oil paint PRICE: $800.00 Ancient Egyptian Art and innovation has always interested me. Ancient Egyptians’ impact on the world has been extraordinary—they invented the 24 alphabets, they were excellent astronomers, good at mathematics and geometry, and best known for architecture with the pyramids. My recent paintings have been inspired by the black pharaohs of Egypt. The Kushite kings who ruled as Egypt’s 25th Dynasty styled themselves as pharaohs. In Egyptian art, Kushites are depicted with darker skin and a cropped hairstyle. In my painting I wanted to convey a portrait of a modern-day Nefertiti with a stylized headdress. With the background I took inspiration from the Memphis Group’s colorful abstract asymmetrical stylings from the 80’s era. Tasha Beckwith currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Geo Nefertiti Beckwith, Tasha Oil paint PRICE: $300.00 Ancient Egyptian Art and innovation has always interested me. Ancient Egyptians’ impact on the world has been extraordinary—they invented the 24 alphabets, they were excellent astronomers, good at mathematics and geometry, and best known for architecture with the pyramids. My recent paintings have been inspired by the black pharaohs of Egypt. The Kushite kings who ruled as Egypt’s 25th Dynasty styled themselves as pharaohs. In Egyptian art, Kushites are depicted with darker skin and a cropped hairstyle. In my painting I wanted to convey a portrait of a modern-day Nefertiti with a stylized headdress. With the background I took inspiration from the Memphis Group’s colorful abstract asymmetrical stylings from the 80’s era. Tasha Beckwith currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Born 2 Breathe 2 Burroughs, Jr., Louis Acrylic and oil on canvas NOT FOR SALE This is a prose painting that borrows from images of the genocide of Jews in Nazi Germany. Limited by principles of the plastic arts, the challenge was to make an artistic, impactful painting that represents death. The prose fragments ask why any person is choked to death by an arm, foot, boot, knee, or denied breath by mere accusation. The painting emerged from memories of my great uncle’s death certificate—“death by gun, rope, knife, and strangulation.” His lynching occurred in 1935, but I found these words of annihilation as relevant today, as they were then. The painting bears witness to a racially corrupt white society and encompasses the lynching of black life. Its main elements are a man’s primal cry, a mother figure as giver of breath, and racism as a mutant authority choking breath out of life. Louis Burroughs, Jr. currently lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Fire N Black Church Burroughs, Jr., Louis Oil on canvas NOT FOR SALE This painting was inspired by the “Mother� Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church Massacre in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015. The broken glass is a device to tame an awkward eight-foot canvas and focus the mind. It relates to the German Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, and Jewish genocide. The fractured plate glass is symbolic of racist cultures that create Nazi-like individuals in America, capable of exterminating others. It is symbolic of shattered black lives, families, communities, and sacred institutions, fractured, and burned by white xenophobia, wrapped in racist confederate ideology. Art can easily reimagine a better future, but both art and life are, and must be, altered amidst fire and flames. Louis Burroughs, Jr. currently lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
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Mickey Mouse Justice Burroughs, Jr., Louis Oil on canvas NOT FOR SALE Craft-wise, the painting was arranged as a fifteenth century “Pieta.” Recently, a twelve-year-old black boy was murdered by two white policemen, in a city park, in the shadows of a nearby gazebo, in the city where I have lived my entire life. The bond that existed between mother, the giver of life, and her child was taken. The policemen took a life, without thinking about the mother, the father, or society’s loss or grief. They were found “not guilty” by a court of law. The painting’s “pieta funerary scene” is suspended between a mickey mouse character and an oriental haiku offered on a Bayer pill box. The painting is a mockery of the justice system; it is about a life unlived as are the painting’s many inferences that are left unresolved. Louis Burroughs, Jr. currently lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
They Called it Necktie Party Clay, Ora Fiber art NOT FOR SALE
The inspiration for this quilt was a collection of silk designer neckties. I saved the labels and I imagined all the fancy parties these neckties may have attended. As I worked on this quilt I was reminded of what “necktie” and “party” meant for my ancestors. I was reminded that under the initial beauty of the silk fabric lies the impact of a painful history. In this quilt you see the beauty of the pattern and looking closer you feel the pain in the thread outlining a hanging man in the same color as the background fabric. When I finished and turned the quilt to the backside, I received a chilling message. The hanging man is the only stitching visible on the back of the quilt! I did not plan it that way but he is there, very visible like the reminder: “never forget, and always remember.” Ora Clay currently lives in Oakland, California.
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Ira Aldridge Darby, Darin and Norman, Onzie DeAndre Acrylic Paint, mat board, and wood on canvas PRICE: $12,450.00 This artwork is inspired by an image of Ira Aldridge who was the first African American to play the role of Othello in a Shakespeare play. Ira opened the door to many other African American actors to follow in his footsteps to play the role of Othello. Darin Darby currently lives in Romulus, Michigan. Onzie DeAndre Norman currently lives in Wixom, Michigan.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Natural Woman Barbara Cheeseborough Darby, Darin and Norman, Onzie DeAndre Acrylic paint, sand, and stained wood on wood PRICE: $6,250.00 This artwork is inspired by the first African American model to grace the cover of Essence magazine. She was known for promoting an Afrocentric Style. Her natural beauty impacted other African American women to embrace their own natural beauty. Darin Darby currently lives in Romulus, Michigan. Onzie DeAndre Norman currently lives in Wixom, Michigan.
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Ulwazi Edule Knowledge From The Past Darby, Darin and Norman, Onzie DeAndre Acrylic paint, resin, wood, and paper on wood PRICE: $6,450.00 This art piece is a combination of traditional and futuristic African masks. The traditional mask represents the spirit of ancestry, culture, dance, wisdom and rituals. The future mask represents modern technology that incorporates the wisdom from the past. The wisdom of our African ancestry has propelled us to a New Age future. Darin Darby currently lives in Romulus, Michigan. Onzie DeAndre Norman currently lives in Wixom, Michigan.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Strange Days Kanye DuBurke, Rickie Acrylic on canvas PRICE: $10,000.00 From music to fashion, Kanye West’s impact on pop culture is undeniable but his comments at times have left some puzzled. This piece is no attempt to provide answers but touches on the enigma that is Kanye. No stranger to controversy, his bold statements reverberate throughout the world— lauded by some, vilified by others. His direct admonition of Bush for the Katrina debacle was in one moment shocking and for many in the Black community spoke the truth. Then fast forward a few years and here is this same person supporting Agent Orange and the MAGA campaign. Strange days indeed. Rickie DuBurke currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Monk, Underground. JB4 Glover, Kendall Bass – Walnut and Wenge Sax – Yellowheart Drum – Holly Piano – Dyed Red Oak Knobs – Zebrawood Boxes – Birch Plywood NOT FOR SALE Jazz has been the soundtrack of my life. My first concert at 16 was Grover Washington. Miles in Denver at 21. Then 14 months in NYC! Deejayed everywhere I was stationed, even drove an hour each way to work PT at a jazz club in Indy. By 26, I was smart Airman, but angry, no direction, and on my way to becoming a drunken mess. Then this old dude is billeted in my dorm. Chief Master Sargent Williams, 20 years my senior, 60 days before his discharge. He was the epitome of jazz: cool, dapper, comported, (with the most beautiful girlfriend). The impact he had in those 60 days was immense. Through jazz, he became my mentor. Out with smooth jazz, in with Bebop. Out with surface conversations, in with books. Out with drinking at the “Blacktop,” in with night school. Out with loose women, in with smart women. His albums were gold to him, but he left me with Monk’s Underground. Kendall Glover currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. 24
National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Don’t Touch My Crown Halfacre, Veronica Wood, hair, fabric PRICE: $300.00 Don’t Touch My Crown is a series of crowns with the use of Kanekalon hair which is predominately consumed by Black women. The “crown” is one of the oldest symbols of royalty and the word “crown” is used by many Black women to describe their hair; however Black women are not often portrayed as royalty. Society has taught Black women that their hair is not beautiful so while they call their hair a crown they do not see it as regal. Don’t Touch My Crown is the continuation of my own exploration of Black self-esteem and identity. Veronica Halfacre currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.
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Warning: Not to be Used for Cultural Appropriation Shadow box, resin, found object
Hair is never just hair. For Black women, hair is a representation of self-esteem. Hair impacts our lives daily. To convey pride in our appearance, we may lay our edges. This emergency kit is for the days when you need to have your baby hair perfectly laid. Historically, Black women are ridiculed for their hairstyles while the same style may benefit white women. Therefore this kit is NOT to be used for cultural appropriation.
PRICE: $150.00
Veronica Halfacre currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.
Halfacre, Veronica
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Liberation Halfacre, Veronica Wood, hair, fabric PRICE: $300.00 The senseless killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have greatly impacted our country. Liberation represents Black Americans breaking free of America’s history of systemic oppression represented by the distressed flag. In my work, hair represents the Black experience. The tension of the hair parallels the same tension in our country that will eventually bring us justice. Liberation calls for the end of police brutality and inequality. Veronica Halfacre currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.
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We Are One IV Harden, Al Photographic giclĂŠe print on metal NOT FOR SALE
From We Are One, to We Are One II, and We Are One III. We now have We Are One IV, which displays the iconic hand with the colors of man. Is the hand positioned to strike at the heart of racism and is his brother going to restrain his anger? Or has he withdrawn his hand out of reflex because America is not ready to embrace him. Al Harden currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
We Are One V Harden, Al Photographic giclée print on metal PRICE: $300.00 “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Curious what indivisible means, and when you say “justice for all” am I included? Al Harden currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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SonScape Harden, Al Hardcover book, 71 pages PRICE: $45.00
To highlight the cycle of black men being killed or marginalized, I had three photographic shots in mind to submit to the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center’s nationally juried art show in Wilberforce Ohio. “Legacy,” “Survivor,” and “Brother’s Keeper” were the three photographs submitted. During the photo shoot, I explained to my sons the reasons I had them pose for those photographs and what they implied. At the grand opening I found myself explaining how and why I developed the concept, and how I used it to explain to my sons the current state of affairs that is firmly rooted in the past. People started corralling their sons and daughters to my exhibit so I could explain the photographs to them. This project grew out of my contribution to the exhibit. I expanded it into a book for all to share, inspire and save lives. Al Harden currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Socially Distant Howard, Morris Oil on canvas PRICE: $2,000.00
Created in 2020, Socially Distant depicts a homeless African American man going about his daily life in obscurity. In the past four months we have become very familiar with the term: Social Distancing. This pandemic has definitely had a major impact on our world especially if you’re poor and black. We’ve been asked by health care officials to create distance between ourselves and other human beings to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus. However, people like this gentleman are not in most of our social circles to begin with; he is amongst the poorest of the poor. They are often lonely and ostracized in our society. Pandemic or no pandemic, someone homeless and black already has a head start on social distancing. Morris Howard currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.
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The Baptism Howard, Morris Oil on canvas PRICE: $1,800.00
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Created in 2018, The Baptism depicts the Christian ritual of baptism. Here, the pastor–assisted by two deacons–is in the process of putting the young lady under water. What impact this will have on her life, only time will tell. The “black church” and its impact on the black community, in my opinion, cannot be measured. Morris Howard currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.
National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Self Portrait (Getting Older) Oil on canvas
Created in 2019 when I was 60, Self Portrait (Getting Older) definitely shows the impact of aging and my own mortality. When I was young, I never envisioned getting old or how I would look when it happened. Here I broke with vanity and painted my moles, my scars (from shaving), and on this particular day: a need for a haircut! All in all, I’m grateful to be alive doing what I love.
PRICE: $2,000.00
Morris Howard currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.
Howard, Morris
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How Long Jones, Jimi Oil on canvas NOT FOR SALE Your pandemic started the end of 2019. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. It ravages its victims, leaving them isolated, helpless, breathless, dead. You have suffered for months. My pandemic started with my birth. It does discriminate. It ravages its victims, leaving them isolated, helpless, breathless, dead. I have suffered for years. How long until we find a cure? Jimi Jones currently lives in Forest Park, Ohio.
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Three Wisemen Mallory, Gail Patrice Embroidery thread on canvas PRICE: $2,520.00
Three Wisemen explores the Art of Soul! theme of Impact because it was inspired by my first pilgrimage to Africa. Upon our arrival in Ghana we attended a homecoming celebration presented by the people in the community. This event was filled with traditional music, storytelling through figurative dancing and a naming ceremony. During the traditional Akan naming ceremony, the Chief spoke about the meaning and importance behind the name we were given. The Chiefs blessed us and poured libations for each person who had received their African names. As a young girl, I wasn’t raised by my biological father and was also an only child. Unfortunately, I did not have the protective covering of a father. Three Wisemen may represent a father grandfather or brother in your life. I believe the impact of having wise men in our lives will affect the decisions we make and paths we choose to take. Gail Patrice Mallory currently lives in Houston, Texas.
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Women in Our Village Mallory, Gail Patrice Embroidery thread on canvas PRICE: $4,900.00
Women in Our Village symbolizes the impact of women in our society. When I moved from Indiana to New Mexico, then to Georgia and finally to Texas, I remember feeling disconnected. I struggled building relationships and maintaining them, therefore I returned to art where I began to create what was missing in my life: my mom, aunts, and cousins. In an effort to build a community of women that I could trust and lean on in the absence of my family, I incorporated my experiences from Africa, the beautiful Kente cloth and wax fabrics and the many hues of our complexions. I chose to give these women only lips to allow the viewer to replace the faces with the women in their lives. Women in our Village represents the women who have impacted my life, some of whom have since passed away. Gail Patrice Mallory currently lives in Houston, Texas.
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National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Don’t Cry Mallory, Gail Patrice Embroidery thread on canvas PRICE: $1,700.00
This piece symbolizes the struggle of black women desiring to be accepted for who they are in a world that ignores their existence. Don’t Cry is a visual representation of myself, desperately searching for the beauty within. I suffered many years from insecurities, long before I realized I was an artist. My insecurities revolved around my appearance, which is one of the reasons that lips and noses are exaggerated in this piece. As a child I was also teased and humiliated because of the color of my skin and the texture of my hair. Therefore, I decided to use art as my escape, my therapist and my unconditional friend. I began to realize that I was no longer looking for myself in my artwork, but my art had become an instrument to uplift my culture, community, and other women with similar challenges. Gail Patrice Mallory currently lives in Houston, Texas. 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show
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Fantastic Malone, Tony Gold Leaf Under Acrylic PRICE: $500.00
Fantastic is a piece about belonging, being part of and sharing in the glory of the team. A passionate secure connection that “impacts” and informs his dress, associations and actions. Just one look at our “Cowboy Fan” generally makes you feel some kind of way. Either you agree or disagree with his association but you understand his devotion. This piece was commissioned as a present from his loving devoted wife. Tony Malone currently lives in Dayton, Ohio.
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SAD (aka CV-19) Onwukwe, Kay Water Color PRICE: $5,500.00 The African American’s experience is captured in the American saying “that when Caucasian Americans catch cold, African Americans get the pneumonia.” The novel virus COVID-19 has exposed the inadequacy and inequity of the much acclaimed “world class American medical system.” Furthermore, it unmasked the racial disparities in the socio-economic fabrique of the country. Though a minority population, African Americans disproportionately accounted for the majority of the CV-19 deaths. This adverse impact on African Americans has been attributed to many factors such as 1) pre-existing health conditions, 2) employment in low wage “essential work” force, 3) endemic structural unequal socio-economic distribution of resources. It also brought into limelight the need to revisit restructuring the health care system. African Americans have long been subjected to structural endemic racism. For the minority population the CV19 manifested this bias to the majority population. CV-19 is described as a novel virus. But to African Americans, there is nothing novel about it. CV-19 just simply exposed the continuum of the African Americans long saga. Kay Onwukwe currently lives in Gahanna, Ohio. 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show
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Despite the inglorious United States of America’s history of “man’s inhumanity to man,” its impact is global. Then, Barack Hussein Obama was elected the first Black President. American citizens concurred and joined with POTUS 44 to echo “Yes We Can.” At the end of his second term they sang the last line of this historic stanza by saying, “Yes We Did”...
Lest We Forget: Make America Great Again Onwukwe, Kay Mixed Media PRICE: $4,500
The racial trajectory was arcing towards the fulfillment of Martin Luther King’s dream where he envisioned that “no man will be judged by the colour of his skin but by the content of his character.” Then there was a paradigm shift, which broke the racial trajectory with history likely to repeat itself. The cry “Make America Great Again” was birthed. It is a dog whistle to us, but to others it is a horn blowing. This slogan threatens to unveil yet again, the ugly under belly of the United States of America and its past racial history. It beckons an era of racial white supremacy and ethnocentrism. It is a slogan that sees “good people” on both sides instead of denouncing evil when and where it raises its ugly head; “injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere” proclaimed ML King. This art piece, then, is to raise in the consciousness of man that we should not just reminisce on America’s glorious past but remember the history of African Americans being hung, lynched, and burnt at the stakes. Kay Onwukwe currently lives in Gahanna, Ohio.
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8:46 Onwukwe, Kay Water Color PRICE: $5,500.00 The African American’s experience with the police is legendary. Police today are the offshoot of the slave patrol. An effective tool used to enforce compliance of African American slaves. The slave patrol eventually morphed into institutionalized police force; still retaining its modus operandi. Under its new clothing, police continue to mete out flagrant brutality with impunity, sometimes resulting in murder. In the name of “Law and Order,” police have brutalized demonstrators from Civil Rights marches to Black Lives Matter. What the television did in the 1960s to expose police brutality of African Americans is being done today by the ubiquitous presence of phone cameras. The veracity of police brutality was no longer left to conjectures. To African Americans, the operational code of police is simply a mirror of government policies. The killing of George Floyd became the cause cèlébre for the demands for police restructuring. The nationwide demonstrations were not to loot or burn, rather, a cry to break the chain of injustice and oppression. It’s to stop the “shoot first and ask questions later” mindset. A cry that asks America, in the Rev. Al Sharpton’s words, to “Get your knee off our necks!” Kay Onwukwe currently lives in Gahanna, Ohio.
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HEART Above All Else Shepherd, Lisa Mixed Media PRICE: $350 Mixed media is my preference when I create. I have a love for acrylics and COPIC markers with a combination of things that add texture, such as newspapers. For this piece, I wanted a feeling of an assault on our reality, with negative words around Yeshua’s head and His heart repelling it with an outpouring of love and good things. I also painted Yeshua wrapped in an American flag to tie in the impact of the dramas that surround us every day in America. It’s an overwhelming fight against the weight of all that is bad in the world. It is not enough that life has its trials. This same life has greater complexities for people of color. We are bombarded by the real world and the tribulations that come with blackness. A pain that is exclusively our own. Yet, we remain faithful calling to a God, not knowing what we called him before America. Many different people will never come close to experiencing half the daily stressors we as African Americans deal with in our life time. For people of color, many things are inevitable. Still we endure, not wanting pity but understanding and equality. Lisa Shepherd currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. 42
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This Is Why We March Sydnei’a, Talitha Polymer clay, Earthenware, Peach tree bark
My ancestors were tortured, humiliated, set on fire, separated from their family, skinned, raped, dismembered, sold, mutilated, and lynched. To know that I carry the same burden of oppression, is the reason I march. Talitha Sydnei’a currently lives in Cincinnati, OH.
PRICE: $1,700.00
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When They Go Low, We Go High Thomas, Maxine Textile Art PRICE: $6,000.00
When I first saw Michelle Obama’s official portrait, I knew it had to be an art quilt. She was dressed in a piece with traditional quilt patterns strewn across a white background. As an African American mother of two girls I was so proud of Michelle Obama and her work while in the white house. She was a role model for mothers, and women and wives but most especially for black women. She had a major impact on us all. In this piece she is holding a book based on a little girl’s visit to see the portrait. Little Parker was photographed in the gallery and her image looking up at the painting went viral. That lead to a children’s book, news stories, interviews and TV appearances for Parker. I couldn’t do the art quilt without the book. Maxine Thomas currently lives in Jamestown, Ohio.
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Spreading the Gospel Thomas, Maxine Textile Art PRICE: $5,000.00
An important part of African American history resided in the black church. In our community, church was where we learned not only about the possibility of a better life, but about what it meant to be African American. Gospel singing was one of the ways these lessons were taught. They were the good news story. Gospel music has deep roots in the southern black church. It was a precursor to jazz which is the quintessential black music form. The soulful singing of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and a long line of famous soul singers got their start singing in the church in gospel choirs. This piece honors the impact of that tradition. Maxine Thomas currently lives in Jamestown, Ohio.
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Vivian’s Hat Closet Thomas, Maxine Textile Art PRICE: $6,000.00
Many in the African American community in the 60’s and 70’s worked jobs that required uniforms or were unskilled labor. For women, wearing a dress or suit during the work week was not part of the equation. Church was the place where black women were able to show their style, and style they did! Vivian was a milliner. She loved hat making and the hats she made were made with love and style. She made hats for herself and anyone who asked. Each Sunday she arrived at church with a new hat and her closet was bursting at the seams. This piece celebrates the impact of stylish black women. Maxine Thomas currently lives in Jamestown, Ohio.
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Enough
My statement on the negative conditions and plight of black males in the burning U.S.
Trabue, Roderic
Roderic Trabue currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Oil on canvas PRICE: $1,800.00
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Passage of Grace
The middle passage voyage that inspired the ship captain to write “Amazing Grace.�
Trabue, Roderic
Roderic Trabue currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Oil on canvas PRICE: $2,500.00
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HERITAGE Walker, Glenn Gold Leaf Under Acrylic PRICE: $15,000.00
“HERITAGE” painting in relevancy of the “Art of Soul“ 2020 theme “Impact” captures the essence of the true identity of African Americans. Throughout history our identity as a people has been depicted and illustrated in negative imagery which caused generations of African Americans to question their own self identity. This painting speaks boldly loud and clear to those that are listening that we are powerful as a people. Glenn Walker currently lives in Euclid, OH.
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Agoo Wiley, Brent Plaster and Polyester Plastic PRICE: $2,500.00 Agoo is a commentary on my recent visit to Ghana for the Year of Return. This monumental event contributed to an impactful shift in consciousness for some African Americans, as they more firmly began to realize their cultural heritage started on the African continent instead of within America. With the advent of genetic DNA admixture tests, more African Americans now view themselves as proximal relatives to indigenous Africans. As an African American diasporan, I was amazed at the warm hospitality of the Ghanaian people, their self-reliance, as well as the beauty of the country. Agoo is reflective of Ghana’s continued kindred outreach to the Diaspora and the immense cultural wealth and history the country is willing to share. “Agoo” is a term often used in the marketplace in Ghana. It is part of the Akan and Ewe languages and can mean “Excuse me” or “Give me your attention.” Brent Wiley currently lives in Peoria, Illinois.
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2020 Art of Soul! ART PURCHASING GUIDELINES • All art purchases must be completed by Wednesday, March 3, 2021. All sales are final. • All purchased art will remain at the National AfroAmerican Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC) until the art pick-up day on Saturday, March 6, 2021. • Full sale price must be received prior to the art being considered sold. • Separate shipping & handling fees apply for requests to have art shipped to buyer, please make arrangements at time of purchase. • To purchase artwork or to request additional information about the purchasing guidelines, please contact: Linda Collins (NAAMCC Collections Manager) at 800.752.2603 ext. 2124 or lcollins@ohiohistory.org.
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ohiohistory.org/naamcc 1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce 45384 Museum Hours: Wed.–Sat. • 9 a.m.–4 p.m. infoNAAMCC@ohiohistory.org