The walls of the Sordoni Art Gallery are prepared for revamped exhibits, lectures and events. Patrons can look forward to eclectic collections of art reflecting the African Diaspora in the upcoming exhibit and opening reception, opportunities for families to craft activities, a guided tour of the exhibit, art screenings and more.
The next exhibit will display Memories and Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art from September 14, 2024 – January 6, 2025. This traveling exhibition comprises 67 works of art amassed over 35 years by Kerry and C. Betty Davis. Kerry is a retired mailman and Betty is a former television news producer.
Over the years, the Davis Collection has expanded from direct artist donations and gifts, auctions, estate sales and more. The mediums of these pieces reflect the uniqueness of how they were collected with a multitude of mediums, subjects and styles by artists of the African Diaspora. The featured artists–in terms of training, experience, and expression—are singularly diverse but unified in their use of cultural and historical narratives. As their collection has grown, so has the Davises’ storehouse of memories made while discovering new works of art, building friendships with artists and conversing with museum professionals and other collectors in their home.
Join us for the exhibit’s opening reception on Friday, September 20, at 5 p.m.
Next year, exhibitions will feature Gregg Deal (February 4 – March 22, 2025), an artist whose provocative artwork engages with the entanglement of art history, stereotypes, racism and popular culture and Family Tree (April 22 – June 1, 2025), which brings together the work of four sisters to portray trees in conditions in and outside of human care and conflict. More information to come.
“As we begin our 51st year, we are looking at the next chapter for the Sordoni Gallery. We are excited to delve into themes that artist’s are tackling in their creative practice as they reflect on current events and lived human experiences. We pride ourselves on inclusive programming so that people of all ages and backgrounds take away an appreciation of art when they visit us,” said Heather Sincavage, Director of the Sordoni Art Gallery.
In addition to the exhibits, the Sordoni Art Gallery will also host the following events:
- Art in Context Artist Lecture with Charles Edward Williams – Thursday, September 16
- Second Saturday Family Hour – Saturday, October 12
- Art in Context Director’s Tour: The Women Artists of Memories & Inspirations – Wednesday, October 23
- Cocktails & Culture co-hosted with Diamond City Partnership – Thursday, November 7. Please visit our website for ticket information.
- Second Saturday Family Hour – Saturday, November 9
- Art in Context Screening: I am not your Negro by James Baldwin; Talkback with Helen Davis, PhD, Dept. of English – Wednesday, November 13. Space is limited; please register for this free event on our website.
Click here to learn more about our exhibits and register for upcoming events.
Located in the Karambelas Media & Communication Center on campus, the Sordoni Art Gallery is open to students, faculty, staff and to the public community.