Exploring Art Museums & Galleries at HBCUs

Summer has unofficially begun and we are amazed at how quickly it arrived. If you're looking for some creative places to explore with your friends and family during the summer (or anytime of the year), then make sure to visit the art museums/galleries at the universities/colleges in your local area.

Recently, we were fortunate to visit the Black America Portraits Exhibit at Spelman College and it was spectacular. It was wonderful to see original works of art by some of the artists featured on our website. Moreover the exhibit reminded us of how important art galleries are at HBCUs (or Historically Black Colleges & Universities) and the local community they exist in.  These museums provide a great place for visitors to learn  about and explore black culture in positive, meaningful ways. Here are three ways that art museums at HBCUs enhance their local community:

1. They Commemorate Important Holidays

Amy Sherald, An Ocean Away, Oil on Canvas, 2020

HBCU museums are a great place  to celebrate important cultural milestones that are integral to the Black experience, such as Juneteenth, Kwanzaa and Black History Month. Visiting them during these important days can enhance your celebration activities.​​

2. You Can Meet Interesting People

Image from Spelman College Museum Website

HBCU art museums also serve as important social spaces in the African-American community. The museum staff and faculty often provide meaningful programs and discussions throughout the year in order to create an environment for learning,
​

3. You Can Engage in Creative Experiences

Click on the flier to learn more

HBCU art museums often curate interactive exhibitions which are both stimulating and engaging, allowing students to learn about African-American history and culture in an interactive, multimedia way. Through these exhibitions, visitors gain insight into Black history and learn about influential prolific artists who may have been overlooked within traditional art institutions. ​

Do you have a local museum or gallery that you enjoy visiting? Tell us about it by commenting below.