1619 / 2019

November 6, 2019 - January 26, 2020
Muscarelle Museum of Art, Sheridan and Spigel Galleries

This exhibition marked the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first documented African slaves in Colonial Virginia that, while part of the greater narrative of slavery in the Americas, helped to set into motion the ongoing repercussions of this historical event.  As a contemporary response to the 1619 commemoration in Virginia, 1619 / 2019  featured art works from African American and Native American emergent and established artists in a variety of media expressing a complexity of experience, addressing the past and present.

Participating artists included Sonya Clark, Nell Painter, Katrina Andry, Sedrick Huckaby, Preston Jackson, Delita Martin, Jerushia Graham, Letitia Huckaby, Richard Ward, Elmer Yazzie, Steve Prince, Dayon Royster, Kimberly Dummons, Bear Allison and Donald Wilson. Works from the Museum’s permanent collection augmented the exhibition including Charlie Pratt, Rose Powhatan, Bunky Echo-Hawk, Willie Cole, Elizabeth Catlett, John Biggers and Charles White.  Recently acquired works from Cara Romero and Danny Simmons along with original poems by Hermine Pinson, William & Mary Professor of English & Africana Studies, offered additional opportunities for reflection on the powerful subject matter of this exhibition.

Due to continued community support, the Muscarelle is pleased to announce that we have extended the exhibition through January 26, 2020.