FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

African American Artists and Artifacts Highlighted in Crocker Exhibit

January 21, 2005 – Sacramento, Calif. – A new exhibit at the Crocker celebrates African American heritage with Chris Webber’s personal collection of artifacts, art from the Crocker’s collection, and a public vote to choose a contemporary work of art that the Museum will acquire through the generous support of Chris Webber.

Chris Webber, Sacramento ’s All-Star forward, began collecting rare documents in 1994. His collection displays his passion for items that illuminate the leadership of the Civil Rights Movement. Included in the collection are the personal writings of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X; and first edition books of Booker T. Washington and Phillis Wheatley, the first African American author and the second American woman to be published. Among recent acquisitions to Webber’s collection is a handwritten account book kept by an unknown Virginian in 1809 that records the sale of a family.

“It is very important to me to share with kids of all races so they can see everyone has obstacles in their lives,” said Chris Webber. “Hopefully, these pieces will make an impact on the lives of everyone who sees them.”

Expanding upon the history showcased by Webber’s collection is the Crocker’s own collection of artworks by African American artists, which p rovide a visual counterpart to Webber’s documents and display a wide-range of extraordinary artistic developments by renowned artists such as Romare Bearden, Richard Hunt, Jacob Lawrence, Oliver Jackson and Joseph Yoakum, among others. Many of these works explore themes of social struggles, perseverance, and the importance of community, while others are entirely abstract, revealing the artist’s engagement with modern art movements.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to present our art alongside historical documents to tell a comprehensive story of achievements by African Americans,” said Lial Jones, Director, Crocker Art Museum. “For the first time at the Crocker, as part of this exhibition the public will have the opportunity to choose an artwork to be added to our collection. This is a perfect way to engage the public with art, and we are grateful to Mr. Webber for his generous support in acquiring the work chosen by our visitors.”

Representational pieces, such as Romare Bearden’s Mother and Child, explore the universal ideal of motherhood through the eyes of an African American well known for his perceptive probing of urban themes and African American traditions and cultures. Likewise, Jacob Lawrence’s insight into the everyday life of African Americans found expression in his moving depictions of the northern migration, the civil rights movement and World War II, as well as biographical writings on the lives of Harriet Tubman, John Brown and Frederick Douglass. In addition to being a painter, Lawrence was also a printmaker who worked in a series format, such as his series of prints titled Celebrations of Heritage (1992), an example of which is included in the exhibition.

Other works in the exhibition explore African American history and themes through a less literal viewpoint. Richard Hunt, a Chicago abstractionist, best known for his enormous welded-steel and bronze sculptures, is portrayed by lithographs which suggest elements of African American literature, music and history. Likewise, Raymond Saunders’ creations of collage and painting in his abstract mixed-media compositions, stemming from the urban experience, recall the improvisational qualities of jazz.

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The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday; Thursday until 9 p.m. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

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Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Media: (916) 264-1963
Mobile : (916) 213-9402
Public: (916) 264-5423
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org