NCCU DEPARTMENT OF ART CELEBRATES
ITS 75th ANNIVERSARY
By Sherri Holmes
this must continue.”
Over the years, NCCU Department
of Art has published more
than 40 educational pieces and
exhibition catalogs. In 2002, a
publication was named “Catalog
of the Year” by the NC Museum’s
Council. Notable alumni include
artists Ernie Barnes, Willie Nash,
Ivey Hayes, Beverly McIver and
Stephen Hayes. Alumni have
Today the NCCU Department of
Art is headed by Connie Floyd.
Visual communications and
digital art are strengths of the
department. Former Department
Chair, Melvin Carver began
a study-abroad program with
the University of Science and
Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.
The NCCU Department of Art’s
anniversary events will highlight
the accomplishments of alumni
and faculty. The celebration
will begin in September with the
opening of the Isabel Chicquor
Tribute exhibition. The late
Chicquor, a former NCCU
professor, was a nationally
recognized artist of photography,
drawing and sculpture. In
November, the NCCU Art Museum
will present an exhibition of
artwork by alumni. Additional
anniversary events will include
a wine and painting workshop
as well as a series of lectures and
receptions. The final event will be
a banquet with a silent auction of
art donated by current and retired
faculty as well as local artists.
DURHAM, NC - This year marks
the 75th anniversary of the
Department of Art at North
Carolina Central University. To
recognize this milestone, the
University has planned a year of
celebration. Melvin Carver, Art
Professor and former Department
Chair and chair of the anniversary
committee affirms, “The
Department of Art faculty and
NCCU administrators are proud
of their talented alumni that are
thriving in the art and design
communities throughout the
nation.”
The anniversary events will bring
together alumni, students and
the local community to engage
in educational, artistic and
social activities. In addition to
showcasing the accomplishments
of alumni and faculty, the events
will help to increase foundation
support and build a more secure
financial base for the Department.
The anniversary events will
provide the department with funds
to increase student scholarships,
expand the Art Museum and
grow its staff. Kenneth Rodgers
noted that the NCCU Department
of Art and Museum “should
continue to play a significant
education role in the university
community and beyond, teaching
African American art history and
providing exhibitions to introduce
students to the best examples of
African American artist’s work”.
Support from alumni and the
community is critical to ensuring
this institution can continue to
thrive for another 75 years.
Almost 20 years after North
Carolina Central University was
founded, Dr. James Shepard
appointed Marion Parham Cordice
as the Director of Art Studies. In
1977, NCCU opened an art museum
that has become well known for
its significant art exhibitions and
extensive collection which includes
masterpieces from artists such
as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth
Catlett and Barkley Hendricks.
According to the current Museum
Director Kenneth Rodgers, “The
act of collecting and preserving
objects is at the center of the
NCCU Art Museum’s domain and
20
also become successful educators,
graphic designers, photographers,
art consultants and gallery
owners.
For more information about
anniversary events, visit www.
nccu.edu/artmuseum.
Sherri Holmes is the Director of the
Triangle Friends of African American
Arts. She can be reached at sholmes@
trianglefaaa.com.
SPECTACULAR MAGAZINE | September 2014 | www.spectacularmag.com