"The Legend of John Brown" is a work by Jacob Lawrence that is part of "The Gallery's Journey" exhibit at The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron's Black History and Culture through August.
The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron's Black History and Culture at The University of Akron will present "The Gallery's Journey," featuring the work of Jacob Lawrence, opening Friday, March 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Eight founding members of the McClain Gallery will be honored during a reception. Honorees include: Thelma Allen, Aria Campbell, Leona Farris, John Miller, Stephen Paschen and Grace Richardson. Dr. Shirla R. McClain and Janet Purnell will be honored posthumously.
The gallery program is free and open to the public. Immediately following the reception, attendees will receive half price admission to The University of Akron Jazz Festival nearby at the Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.
Acclaimed sculptor and painter Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) was living in Harlem during the 1930s when he brought the African-American experience to life in his work by using blacks and browns, juxtaposed with vivid colors. Developing his own style of modernism, Lawrence featured Black life in a way that instilled pride and hope for the future. He was awarded the U.S. National Medial of the Arts for his work and social commitment in 1990.
"The Gallery’s Journey" will be on display through August 2013. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information on the McClain Gallery, call 330-972-7030 or e-mail lbrando@uakron.edu.
About The Shirla R. McClain Gallery
The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron’s Black History and Culture was established to reflect and promote the African-American community in Greater Akron as an important part of the history and culture of the region. The gallery develops and displays exhibits and related programs that portray the history and culture of Akron’s African-American community. It is a community repository and a teaching vehicle of the African-American experience in Greater Akron. The gallery is located in the Buckingham Center for Continuing Education, 220 Wolf Ledges Parkway, on west side of The University of Akron campus.