A Reading of The Hampton Years at Hampton University

Tomorrow, October 12th at 3:00pm, Hampton University Museum will present a student reading of my play, THE HAMPTON YEARS, as part of their Homecoming Festivities and in conjunction with the opening of The Diane Whitfield-Locke & Carnell Locke Collection: Building on Tradition. RSVP for both today by calling 757.727.5308. 

This will be my first time at Hampton University and I can hardly wait. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and share them here..

Hampton University Museum events for Saturday, October 12, 2013
3:00pm -THE HAMPTON YEARS: A READING written by Jacqueline E. Lawton, directed by Artisia Green at Little Theater, Armstrong Hall). Come hear the reading by HU students and meet the playwright!

About the Play
The Hampton Years explores the relationship between art professor Viktor Lowenfeld and his students, John Biggers and Samella Lewis. Lowenfeld joined the Hampton Institute in Virginia in 1939 as assistant professor of Industrial Arts and studio art teacher. He was later appointed as Chairman of the Art Department and in 1945, he was named curator of the distinguished collection of Black African Art at the Hampton Institute. Burgeoning artist John Biggers, who went on to become an internationally acclaimed painter, sculptor, teacher and philosopher, was his student. As was Samella Lewis, artist, printmaker and educator, with whom Lowenfeld had a contentious, but respectful relationship. The Hampton Years examines the impact of World War II on Jewish refugees living in the United States and their role in shaping the lives and careers of African American students in the segregated south.

Then, be sure to stop by the Hampton University Museum for the opening reception of the exhibit. More details below:

6:30pm - Opening Reception and Music by the Jason Jenkins Trio
7:30pm - Comments & Special Presentations
8:30pm - Opening Receptions Ends

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The Diane Whitfield-Locke & Carnell Locke Collection: Building on Tradition

The exhibition will include master artists from both the 19th Century including Henry O. Tanner, Robert Duncanson, and Grafton Tyler Brown; from the Harlem Renaissance period with pieces from Aaron Douglass, a rare work by William H. Johnson, as well as works by Palmer Hayden, Jacob Lawrence; and from the modern tradition like Benny Andrews, Gwen Knight and Faith Ringgold. Additionally, the exhibition will also reflect the Locke's move towards collecting contemporary artists such as Clarissa Sligh, Betye Saar and James Phillips and feature twenty sculptures including works by Richard Hunt, Augusta Savage, Beulah Woodward, Richmond Barthe, and art historian and artist, Dr. David Driskell have been selected.

Co-curator, Woodson Reid states, "The Dianne Whitfield-Locke and Carnell Locke collection of African American art can be seen as a product of these groundbreaking years of research and inventiveness," begun by the many art historians and institutions that have focused on collecting African American art.

Vanessa Thaxton-Ward is the curator of collections at the Hampton University Museum and Shirley Woodson- Reid is a noted artist, educator and curator. Woodson-Reid resides in Michigan.

Click here to learn more.

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