The Westmoreland's African American art exhibition features array of genres

The 45 pieces of work by 34 black artists at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s newest exhibition, part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s traveling exhibition, represent seven decades of art.

“African American Art in the 20th Century” runs Feb. 16 through May 10 at the museum at 221 N. Main St., Greensburg.

Featured are works from painters, sculptors and print makers from the 1930s through the 1990s.

Visitors will find diverse subjects and a variety of genres, from representational, to modern abstraction, to the postmodern assemblage of found objects, the museum states.

“This exhibition introduces an array of artists who made important contributions to the artistic narrative of the 20th century. The art reflects the American experience through the eyes of these artists, and we are excited to offer our visitors the opportunity to learn more about them,” says Barbara L. Jones, museum chief curator.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring one of the most significant national collections of African American art to the region,” adds Anne Kraybille, Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO.

The Westmoreland has twice before hosted exhibitions from the Smithsonian, in 2002 with “Scenes of American Life” and in 2011 with “Modern Masters,” Jones says. “More and more museums are embracing African American art, and we are one of them.”

“We have been trying to add more artists of color. Bringing this collection here is one of those thoughts,” she adds.

According to The Westmoreland, the Harlem Renaissance, World War II, the Civil Rights movement, and forces for freedom around the world shaped these artists’ lives and world views. Family and personal history are subtexts for some. Others interpret the syncopations of jazz in visual form, while some translate observation into powerful emotional statements.

The works of Benny Andrews, Ellis Wilson and William H. Johnson speak to the dignity and resilience of people who work the land. Artists Jacob Lawrence and Thornton Dial, Sr., acknowledge the struggle for economic and civil rights. Sargent Johnson, Loïs Mailou Jones, and Melvin Edwards address the heritage of Africa, and images by Romare Bearden celebrate jazz musicians. Sam Gilliam, Felrath Hines and Bob Thompson conduct innovative experiments with color and form.

Making art, making statements

“The bulk of these artists are not well known,” Jones says. Some showed their work in Europe, due to the racism artists encountered in the U.S. “They were not embraced here. I think the sheer prejudice was very hard.”

One artist, LoïsMailou Jones, secretly sent her work to galleries that prohibited African Americans from entering competitions.

“They all dealt with their heritage in different ways,” Jones says. “Many roamed cities they lived in and painted every day life.”

Others addressed racism and discrimination, often not overtly, while others were more aesthetic, producing beautiful paintings, Jones says. At first glance, artist Norman Lewis’ painting “Evening Rendezvous” looks like an abstract impressionist painting. “It’s really about the KKK and the fires that they burned.”

Related programming

As part of the exhibition, The Westmoreland is planning special events, including its first film series, “Pioneers of African American Cinema.”

Free screenings are planned from 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27,“The Bronze Buckaroo;” March 26, “The Flying Ace;” and April 23, “Dirty Gertie From Harlem U.S.A.”

Guests are invited to stay after each film and participate in a facilitated discussion with Ken Nicholson, Seton Hill University film studies and art instructor.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

Details: 888-718-4253 or showclix.com

From 7-8 p.m. April 29, the museum will host “In Conversation: Renée Stout and Alisha B. Wormsley.”

Stout’s work is part of the exhibition, and guests will learn more about her painting, drawing, mixed media sculpture, photography and installation. Wormsley is a Pittsburgh artist and cultural producer.

Tickets are $10, free to students with valid ID.

Details: 888-718-4253 or showclix.com

History-themed enrichment tours are being offered for those interested in learning history through art. Each session features an in-depth tour on a different topic of African American history and will include a hands-on art making project.

Sessions are planned from 5-6:30 p.m. March 5, “Reconstruction in America;” April 2 and April 30, topics to be announced.

Light refreshments are included with admission. Tickets are $10.

Details: 888-718-4253 or thewestmoreland.org