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MS01.05.00.B07.F12.0028
March 11, 1972 Prof. David C. Driskell Art Department Fisk University Nashville, TN 37203
Dear David Driskell, If I had received your letter of March 1 just one day earlier I would have insured my work for less than the [redacted] as this may have allowed less pressure on you when the shipment arrived in Nashville. Anyway you should have received it on campus by now. I've enclosed a list that should check with what you received, so let me know if there are any questions. I have a constant ritual with friends, artists, students, and myself as to what Black Art is. The following is how I try to put it in perspective: Black is beautiful but we must become more aware that Black today, above all is a way of thinking among folk of African descent. During the Negro Renaissance of the 1920's our Black image came sharply into focus. During the 1930's the African American Artist was engulfed in Social Realism - stating his case about racism - lynching, unemployment, and living condition. Today, he has reached the phase of Political Realism where his art becomes even more functional. He not only presents the condition but names the enemy, and directs us toward a plan of action in search of our identity, roots and eventual liberation. Best wishes.
Sincerely, Claude Clark
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April 9, 1972 Dear David Driskell: Just a note to let you know that I am looking forward to my visit to Fisk. I am not only very pleased that you are honoring such a great man but I am happy to be included in the inaguration of the James A. Porter (memorial) Distinguished Lecture Series in African-American Art. I have made a reservation for my ticket and I expect to leave Oakland on an American Airline flight on Friday April 21st, that should get me into Nashville (on time) at 6:39 P.M. I seldom leave my work during the year now (not since the years at Talladega) so I want to make the most of the milage in Nashville. I hope to gather information, as well as give something. Let me know what I am expected to do on campus, and I'd like to plan a couple of visits (research) on campuses in Nearby Nashville, perhaps after April 24th. Don't forget to put aside the glossy prints of my paintings. I would like also as many copies of the catalog as you can spare. Thanks again for everything. Sincerely, Claude Clark P.S. Thanks for the reproduction of Ba Kota Girl. I've heard raves about your show. C.G.
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May 2, 1972 Mr. David Driskell Fisk University Nashville, Tenn. 37203 Dear David Driskell: Just a note to let you and friends know that I arrived in Oakland O.K., and I wish to thank all who made my stay at Fisk so rewarding. My wife feels that you and your staff were so hospitable that I should be responsible for the rest of my bill at the King of the Road Motor Inn. I have paid it and I am satisfied. They were very confused at the desk. The final compromise was that Fisk would pay through Monday April 24th, I paid the rest and if Mr. Askew is satisfied then everything is O.K. with me. No one owes me anything. I would like for you to send the package of catalogues as soon as possible. I would also appreciate a few more copies of the program for the 43rd Annual Arts Festival. My colleagues here are very impressed with what you're doing. Thanks again to your cooperative staff and all praises to that beautiful family of yours. Thanks for everything. Sincerely, Claude Clark
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May 20, 1972 Mr. David Driskell Art Department Fisk University Nashville, University Dear David Driskell: I recieved [sic] your letter of May 15, 1972 and even though Alice had hinted (when she called) that someone had bought another painting I was still surprised to recieve [sic] Mrs. Benning's check for [redacted] as a payment on my painting [redacted] [redacted] dollars per month would be O.K., and as I recall that would be five such payments. I would like to have the name and address of the man who is scheduling lectures and demonstrations for Lamedi Fakeye. Some of us are interested in having him come here, especially if could arrange it at the time when he comes to L.A. I was happy to hear that you will get under way by June 13th. We would appreciate recieving [sic] a card from you from time to time. Are there any cards available of the W.H. Johnson paintings? In your absence if you feel that I could fill any requests for lectures on Black Visual Art on the circuit, please let me know. My main objective (over)
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would be to prevent some of the pollution spewed out by the "Johnny Come Latelys." Their number is growing--lying about our heritage and confusing any logical direction toward our artistic future. I could prepare slide lectures to fit most audiences and would ask only transportation and a modest honorarium. Tom Feelings was here in the Bay Area a few days ago, and he was on his way back to Guyana where he is applying his art to nation building. Niether [sic] the U.S. or Africa have a firtle [sic] climate for such an experiment at the moment. My wife and are anxious to get to Africa soon, but we must visit Guyana to observe a Black government using art to help build a Nation. Please let me know immediately when I can expect my paintings to arrive, as I want to arrange to get them from the airport. My wife reminds me that you and Fisk were more than fair about my visit. I agree. Thanks for my tie, the catalogues and programs. Regards to your family. If permitted--Darius could certainly help to ease tensions on your trip. Best wishes. Sincerely, Claude