Remembering Not To Forget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2008
Contact: Marta Reid Stewart
202-716-1440
e-mail: mrs89us@yahoo.com

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ Museum Studies Department is proud to present the exhibition entitled Remembering Not To Forget, a collection of works that chronicles both the triumphs and tragedies -- the personal and political events of life’s experiences as depicted by a group of local artists.

The Black Artists of DC (BADC) was founded nine years ago to establish a network for working artists, curators and art enthusiasts. BADC members critique one another’s work, share information about residencies and grants and discuss participation in upcoming exhibits.

“Never before have we had an exhibition that could generate such compelling dialogue about the social hurdles that Americans grapple with in the United States. It is certain to generate conversations that originated in the headlines, continue in our classrooms and are visually documented in the Ellington Gallery,” said Marta Reid Stewart, Chair of the Museum Studies Department and Director of the Ellington Gallery.

“This exhibit is designed to engage and stimulate student’s learning about history and culture,” Stewart said.

The exhibit opens September 11th and runs through November 7, 2008 at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, 3500 R Street, NW 20007. An opening reception kicks-off this memorable exhibition at 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to meet such noted artists as Michael B. Platt and Claudia “ Aziza” Gibson-Hunter, a founding member of BADC. An intimate evening with the participating artists is scheduled on October 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Ellington Gallery. Visitors will be able to ask questions about the artists’ work and processes.

"Since the restoration of our fine art gallery here Ellington, we have been excited about showcasing, not only the works of our students, but the amazing work from those
in our community. We can think of no better group to showcase than the Black Artists of DC. Their cultural and artistic expressions serve as a motivation to our students and as a reminder to all of our rich culture and heritage. This is truly an exhibit that you should remember not to forget! We hope that the broader DC community supports this exhibit and stops by."

During this historic year of firsts, Remembering Not To Forget, features the work of 35 artists and showcases more than 60 art pieces that include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, assemblage and fabric collage. This will be the first time that the prestigious Black Artists of the District of Columbia has exhibited in the Ellington Gallery.Remembering Not To Forget, documents the art, history and esthetic culture of the 21st Century. A must see.




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