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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Opening Jan. 24: Major Exhibition of Rarely Seen Works by African-American Artists


During a period when African-American artists were overlooked in the mostly white art world, five black artists followed their vision and passion and paved the way for generations to follow.

Now, the MCC community and Greater Rochester residents will have an opportunity to enjoy the rarely seen works of Benny Andrews, Romare Bearden, Robert Freeman, Alma Thomas and Richard Yarde. Known as The Freedom Place Collection, the exhibition will be displayed at MCC’s Mercer Gallery from Jan. 24 to Feb. 27, with a slate of events open to the public in celebration of Black History Month.

Upcoming exhibit-related events:

Gallery talk by Robert Freeman – 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2
Opening reception – 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2
First Friday – 7-9 p.m. Feb. 4
“A Reading of the Harlem Renaissance and Beyond” -- 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7
“In the Spirit of Romare Bearden” collage art workshop – Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9
Original performance by Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble -- 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11
Panel discussion on the art collection – 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 (Check the Trib regularly for details of this event)

For more information about the exhibit and events, go to: "https://www.monroecc.edu/go/mercer" or contact Kathleen Farrell, director of Mercer Gallery, at (585) 292-3121 or "mailto:kfarrell@monroecc.edu". While this special collection is on loan to MCC, Mercer Gallery will extend its hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

The exhibition and related events are sponsored by MCC’s Diversity Council, Mercer Gallery and the Creative Arts Committee.


Links to each artist's profile:
Benny Andrews "https://bennyandrews.com/"

Romare Bearden "https://www.beardenfoundation.org/artlife/biography/biography.shtml" (below is one of his pieces, "Morning of the Red Bird")
Robert Freeman "https://robertfreemanart.com/"
Alma Thomas "https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1040"
Richard Yarde "https://www.richardyarde.com/"

Diane Cecero, Chief Diversity Officer,
and Charlotte Downing, Diversity Council co-chair
01/10/2011