Jonathan Edouard
Florida A&M University Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery’s “Home is Where the Art is” exhibition, featuring the personal art collections of faculty and staff, will be on display through April 24.
The show includes pieces from the art collections of College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Dean Valencia Matthews, Ph.D., FAMU theatre professor Evelyn Tyler, art professor Harris Wiltsher, Gallery Director Aja Roache, and Tallahassee Community College professor Joshua Johnson.
The purpose of the exhibit is to underline the value of Black art and what opportunities comes from supporting artists and their work, Roache said. The idea was born during the days spent indoors due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It was something that came to mind kind of when the pandemic started. I was inspired by being at home and I have a small art collection – nothing so much to where I would call myself a collector,” said Roache. “I hope this exhibition underlines the importance of collecting art and supporting Black artists while also shedding light on the practice of purchasing art, that was my goal with this.”
One piece from Matthews’ collection came from a Jacksonville Harambe festival 30 years ago.
“There was this artwork that just captured my imagination because it was a piece that had Jazz artists in it,” she said. “I looked at it, and it just captured my imagination. It was music and it was beautiful, and it was representative of Black culture and so I purchased. It has been in my home ever since.”
Meanwhile, Tyler is thrilled to share her art collection with the public.
“A private home collection isn’t open to the public and doesn’t get much exposure; however, several select personal collections will, through this exhibition,” Tyler said. “I believe these art objects will capture the attention of many by telling diverse stories, engaging the imagination and fostering a greater appreciation for black artists and their works.”
The Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, 1630 Pinder St., is open Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. To enter, visitors must wear a mask. For information call (850) 599-8755.
