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April 3, 2020
IN HONOR OF
David Driskell, the Celebrated Painter and Scholar Who Championed the Long History of Black Art in America, Has Died at 88

by Sarah Cascone | artnet News
As a curator, Driskell organized a groundbreaking survey of art by African Americans in 1976.
REFLECTIONS
Image: David Driskell, The Bassist , Print, 2008, The Amistad Center for Art & Culture

"David Driskell filled a space in the art world which will not be forgotten. His art and essay perspectives made an indelible mark – subject matter so broad and varied matched only by his choice of artistic medium. David Driskell’s death is a stern reminder to always look for and celebrate the endless diversity in the African American art experience. The Amistad Center will treasure his legacy."

~Kimberly Kersey, Executive Director
Image: David Driskell, Plate 15, The Cook , 1967, Woodcut, AP, Collection of the artist

“More than as a scholar, artist, and teacher, I experienced David as a generous and caring friend, to The Amistad Center and to me personally. He answered every call to speak, lend work, open his doors and his heart. Many of you reading this have met him, own one of his great books or even own a signed print of “The Cook” he so generously made available during his exhibition at The Amistad Center. My print hangs over my stove so I think of David every day, thank goodness; but never more than today, with sadness and love.”

~Olivia White, Friend and Former Interim Development Director and Executive Director
SUMMER PROGRAM
UPDATE: COVID-19 RESPONSE
Dear Friends,

To support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 The Amistad Center and the Wadsworth Atheneum will remain temporarily closed. All programs, tours, and films are canceled during this time. We hope to reschedule programs and events when possible. 

We look forward to welcoming visitors to our museum soon, but until then, we encourage you to check our website  and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter

Be safe and well.
MEMBERSHIP
Are You a 1987 Society Member? 
Members are an enthusiastic group of art and culture lovers who provide financial support to The Amistad Center. They attend Amistad and Wadsworth events and exhibits, and together explore cultural experiences in New York City and beyond. Join Today!
JUNETEENTH GALA 2020
Juneteenth Gala 2020 | Friday, June 19 |
7 pm-Midnight | The Amistad Center |
Buy Early Bird Tickets!

Early Bird Rate
Juneteenth Gala 2020 ticket sales are available now! Buy tickets at the Early Bird rate through April 30. We look forward to celebrating with you on this historic day with music, performances, dinner, dancing and an award presentation!

Members! Maximize your savings by taking advantage of the early bird rate coupled with discounted ticket prices for members!
IN THE KNOW
Asked to Name an Artwork She’d Want to Live With, Curator Zoé Whitley Immediately Thought of a 1973 Alma Thomas Painting

by Victoria L. Valentine
Culture Type
Museum curators are constantly immersed in art, which might make it a challenge to choose one single work to which they are particularly drawn. When asked to name an artwork she’d want to live with, Zoé Whitley thought about the spring tones of a stunning abstract painting made half a century ago.
What is the name of the artwork that you would want to live with?

What Does It Mean to Exhibit “Black Excellence”?

by Seph Rodney
Hyperallergic
Two shows in New York City take profoundly different approaches to the idea, but are worth comparing for how they represent being Black and talented or accomplished.
Tyler Mitchell, a Rising Star of Photography, Steps Into His Own

by Taylor Bryant
Hyperallergic
With  I Can Make You Feel Good , Mitchell goes beyond his commercial photography to revisit his roots, documenting Black youths enjoying simple pleasures.
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