Dorothy Wilson’s long passion for learning and educating inspired the latest exhibition at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Collecting is a Legacy: The Thompson-Wilson Collection. The exhibition, co-curated by Dorothy Wilson’s son, Lamar Wilson, will showcase the family’s outstanding collection of 48 works including paintings, sculptures, and drawings from talented African American artists ranging from Romare Bearden, Joseph Holston, Paul Goodnight, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, John Riddle, and Louis Delesarte.

Wilson, a retired Howard University professor, began collecting African American art in the 1980s. Realizing that there were a small percentage of individuals across the U.S that collected African American artwork, she decided to develop an educational outreach focusing on collecting art. She personally met with many African American artists to learn about their art forms and influences. Once she acquired a diverse African American art collection, Ms. Wilson began hosting educational sessions in her home. Her sessions eventually outgrew her residence, so Ms. Wilson decided to expand her vision by opening art galleries in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

The exhibition, Collecting is a Legacy: The Thompson-Wilson Collection has traveled to more than 10 cities throughout the United States. Through this unique exhibition, Ms. Wilson hopes to both educate and inspire individuals to begin their own family legacy through collecting art.

“Collecting is a Legacy is quite unique as it is an exhibit within an exhibit,” explained Carmen Davis, Bessie Smith Cultural Center’s Curator and Director of Education. “This exhibit not only showcases the works of some amazing African American artists but it also tells a story about the collection. Visitors will learn how it started, hear stories behind some of the purchases, and also learn how they can start their own personal collection.”

The works of 21 African American artists will be on display at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center through September 24. Visitors can tour Collecting is a Legacy: The Thompson-Wilson Collection as well as other exhibits at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Monday through Friday between 10 am and 5 pm 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.