The Great Migration, Civil Rights Movement, the jitterbug and the Charleston, blues and jazz were all events, dances and music genres created by African Americans from the South. Beginning, June 16, Chattanoogans and tourists will have an opportunity to explore the southern history of African Americans through art forms at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center with the unveiling of Southern Journeys.
Southern Journeys, organized by the Stella Jones Gallery located in New Orleans, features 55 works of African American artists including Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Hughie Lee-Smith. These artists have chronicled history of the southern culture from the 1940s to 2009 and their artwork contains subject matter ranging from personnel experiences, music and folklore to southern traditions and religion. This captivating exhibition will be on display through August 11.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Stella Jones Gallery, Mid America Art Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts to bring this nationallyacclaimed exhibition to Chattanooga,” said Rose Martin, Executive Director of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “This exhibition promises to be a special opportunity to explore African American influences on modern art.”
Visitors can tour Southern Journeys as well as other exhibits at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Monday through Friday between 10 am and 5 pm or on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm. General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students, $3 for children ages 6-12. Members and children 5 and under are free. To learn about membership opportunities or to obtain additional information about this exhibit and others, call (423) 266-8658 or visit www.bessiesmithcc.org.
About Southern Journeys
Southern Journeys is curated by Eloise Johnson, Ph.D., independent curator, Zachary, Louisiana, and Stella Jones, M.D. of the Stella Jones Gallery in New Orleans. The exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 25 exhibitions on tour to more than 100 small- and mid-sized communities every year. Mid-America is the oldest nonprofit regional arts organization in the United States. More information is available at www.maaa.org and www.eusa.org.
