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[Newsletter Logo: friends of the arts]
Spring No. 1 1987
Welcome to the very first edition of the Friends Of The Arts newsletter! We found that there is a real need to keep collectors and visual art enthusiasts informed of current events pertaining to certain Afro-American artists. Many of us are missing out on important information - shows and exhibits, as well as the accomplishments of our artists. While we will not attempt to cover everything happening, we will periodically circulate this brief publication as an artist update. Tell another "Friend"!
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In January, 1987 the local Washington Urban League commissioned JOSEPH HOLSTON to create an original painting on the theme of education of our youth. This painting entitled "Short Stories" was completed, and unveiled at the annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. dinner on March 25th 1987. During the dinner and reception, Joseph exhibited a selection of significant original oil paintings, such as "Miz Emily" and "Boy in Red Cap". It was a wonderul evening, and all works received high acclaim. ROBERT PARKER, author of "Capitol Hill in Black and White", sat as a model for the painting, and was on hand to greet the guests. The commissioned painting has been donated to the Superintendent of the DC Public School System, Mrs. Florette McKenzie. Special thanks to Betti S. Whaley, Pres. and the Washington Urban League staff for their continued support of Joseph Holston's work.
Art lovers enjoyed another pleasant evening attending the wine and cheese opening of the HOLSTON show at GALLERY PETALOUTH in Alexandria, VA. Conveniently located in Landmark Mall, this marks the 2nd year of a successful HOLSTON show at this little gallery. The reception got underway by a visit from deejay MELVIN LINDSEY, whom the artist was thrilled to meet! Show ends April 11th, but Holston's work is available all year 'round.
A special exhibit entitled "Small Masterpieces" by JOSEPH HOLSTON opened on April 6, 1987 to an enthusiastic crowd at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies in Silver Spring. This show features small to medium size works, and introduces the new HOLSTON monoprints. This is the 3rd year for a successful HOLSTON show at George Meany Center, which features area artists on a regular basis. If yo did not make it to the show opening, please do join in for a special reception being hosted by DELTA SIGMA THETA Potomac Valley Alumni Chapter. It will be held on April 26, 1987 at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies from 2:00 - 6:00. "Small Masterpieces" will be the last HOLSON exhibit in the DC area until late fall 1987! For further info./directions call: Leslie Pelzer 593-8409
DID YOU KNOW? The print "Merry-Go-Round" by Joseph Holston is prominently being featured each week on the television show "227" with Marla Gibbs...
Plans are being finalized for a major exhibition of HOLSTON work at the EVANS-TIBBS GALLER, Washington DC this October 1987. Details and dates will be announced.
The WASHINGTON URBAN LEAGUE will be hosting a recepetion to meet the artist, Joseph Holston on April 21, 1987 at the Sumner School, 17th and N Streets N. W. Custom framed limited edition prints of the painting "Short Stories" will be available for sale. Time is 4:00 - 8:00 pm.
[Handwritten note and signature, as follows: HELLO DR. DRISKELL! Leslie Pelzer]
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Ellen S. Collison [3-line address redacted] January 20, 1987
Professor David Driskell 4207 Decatur Street Hyattsville, MD
Dear Professor Driskell:
I am a Master's candidate in art history at George Washington University, and am currently researching the work of John N. Robinson for my thesis. Lynda Hartigan, Tritobia Benjamin, and Starmanda Bullock all suggested that I contact you in order to gain further understanding of the black art community in the District from the 1930's until the present.
Although Mr. Robinson has had some association with artists such as Alma Thomas, Lois Jones, and James Porter, he has pursued his career in relative isolation. In the last fifteen years he has not had much contact with other artists. This presents me with a dilemma as he has absented himself from the art "scene", while continuing to produce works which are highly evocative of contemporary life in the District from the 1940's through the late 1970's. (I have chosen to investigatehis portraiture, and in doing so have encountered numerous genre scenes of black family life over the course of three generations.)
I was familiar with ost of the good scholarly literature on Afro-American art, including your work, but feel that it would be very helpful if I could meet with you and discuss some of the basics pertaining to the visual arts in the District (and nationally), especially the contributions of Afro Americans.
It is easiest to reach me at home by phone or letter. My number is (703) 476-4035, and I am usually in on most evenings.
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[Image: Logo of University of Mississippi, followed by letterhead address as shown below]
The University of Mississippi Center for the Study of Southern Culture University, MS 38677 (601) 232-5993
3 February 1987
Dr. David Driskell Department of Art University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742
Dear Professor Driskell:
I am writing in regard to use of a photographic print of a painting in your collection. It would be used as an illustrations for the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture, a one-volume reference work to be published by the University of North Carolina Press. Information on the Encyclopedia is contained in the enclosed news story.
The painting we would like to reproduce is Aaron Douglas, Go Down, Death.
Please let us know any costs of duplication of prints, or other fees. We would need a black and white print in whatever size (the smaller the better) you have available. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[image: signature]
Charles Reagan Wilson Co-editor, Encyclopedia Associate Professor of History and Southern Studies
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