Grant continues Black History exhibit at 20 North Gallery
Written by Toledo Free Press Staff Writers | | news@toledofreepress.comThe annual Black History Month exhibit is now running at 20 North Gallery until March 10.
Art Director Peggy Grant started the tradition in 1977. The gallery will feature 15 artists and offer school visits and workshops conducted by artists. Poetry readings, story-telling and live musical performances have also been staples for the exhibit throughout the years.
“Growing up in America’s South, the way of life I witnessed was greatly divided by the social and racial barriers that were in place at the time,” Grant said in a news release. “When I came to the Toledo area pursuing my art career, I was astounded by the opportunities to make friends with people of all races and cultures. My mission since arriving in the Midwest has been to support black artists in the Toledo area who had not been previously recognized by the mainstream art culture.”
Since the mid-1950s, Grant has promoted the work and professional careers of such noted artists as LeMaxie Glover, Marvin Vines and Wil Clay. Her corporate curatorial work at Owens-Illinois provided a platform for many regional artists to exhibit their work in an international venue.
Displayed in Black History Month 2012: Legacy – Peggy Grant’s 35th Annual Exhibit is the work of many celebrated Toledo-area artists, including: Aaron S. Bivins; Charles T. Gabriel Jr.; Alice Grace; Ronald Jamison; Elizabeth V. Jordan; Marcus Nunn; Ahavalyn Pitts; Brenda Price; Robert E. Shorter; Mack Walton; Warren and Yolanda Woodberry; as well as works by Wade Harrison of Atlanta, Ga.; John Wade III from Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and paintings and original book illustrations by the late Wil Clay of Toledo.
20 North Gallery is located at 18 N. St. Clair St. and the exhibit is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday until March 10. For further information, visit www.20northgallery.net.
Tags: 20 North Gallery, Black History Month, Peggy Grant, Warren Woodberry, Wil Clay
