Step into the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. Marvel at its rich history. This museum is unique. It’s the only museum in the nation dedicated to art by and about women of the African diaspora. Located on the Spelman College campus in Atlanta Georgia it occupies the first floor of the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Ed D Academic Center.
The museum’s story began in 1996. Arts faculty believed visual art was essential to a liberal arts education. They felt it played a crucial role in intellectual growth. The museum quickly became a vital resource for the Spelman community and the Atlanta University Center. It’s now internationally respected for its exhibitions and programs. The museum has a strong commitment to showcasing its permanent art collection.
Currently the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art proudly displays We Say What Black This Is. This exhibition features mixed media and watercolor paintings by MacArthur award-winning artist Amanda Williams. Opening February 7 2025 it runs until May 24 2025. This powerful exhibit challenges simplistic views of Blackness. It celebrates the diversity resilience and depth of Black identity. The works are primarily from Williams’ What Black is this You Say series. This series was inspired by the Blackout Tuesday social media movement in 2020. The exhibit includes a new abstract painting by Williams and student-written labels. Each piece delves into the cultural social and political aspects of Black identity. It particularly explores how Black spaces are created defined and erased.
The museum’s permanent collection is also impressive. It highlights contemporary African and African American art. It emphasizes women artists and the art of Central Africa. The collection which began before the museum opened in 1996 includes approximately 450 works. These include paintings sculptures prints and textiles. A significant strength of the collection is its twentieth-century paintings and sculptures by African American artists. Nationally renowned artists like Jacob Lawrence Faith Ringgold and Hale Woodruff are represented. Hale Woodruff was a prominent painter printmaker and Spelman professor. He established the art department at the Atlanta University Center in 1931.
The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art is more than just a collection of art. It’s a vibrant hub for cultural exchange. It actively supports the curriculum and enhances the academic lives of Spelman’s students faculty and staff. It’s a place where history art and education intertwine. The museum strives to be more than just a space to view art. It seeks to create a space where dialogue and exploration can thrive. It is a living testament to the power of art to inspire and transform.