Hampton University Museum will be showcasing a new exhibit in honor of the 100th birthday of the late African-American artist Elizabeth Catlett. The school has acquired more than 125 examples of the artist’s famous prints making it one of the largest and most complete collections in the country.
Curator Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, who was responsible for the selection of images, tells The Daily Press “It was fun – and difficult.” Thaxton-Ward has chosen 50 images that touch on Catlett’s lengthy career along with ones the museum has never seen before.
Growing up in Washington, DC, Catlett would spend hours cutting out paper dolls as child as well as making animals figures carved from soap in high school. Although she was denied admission to the Carnegie Institute due to the color of her skin, Catlett was still accepted into Howard University.
In 1943 Catlett came to Hampton and taught sculpture. Even after her leaving the university to study in Mexico City the artist still worked closely with Thaxton-Ward before her death in 2012.
“And because she to tried to make sure than Hampton had most of her prints, that makes her special to us,” said Thaxton-Ward.
The “Elizabeth Catlett: A Celebration of 100 Years” exhibit will open on November 14.
For more information contact the museum here.
