HBCU students have proven themselves to be exceptionally talented in the arts. Whether it’s music or murals, they make headlines with ease! And now, aspiring career artists studying at Fisk University will have a new building to work out of! Get the full story from Fisk in the release below!

The booming Fisk University Art Department is getting a new home on campus. The Art Department which is currently housed in the bottom of Jubilee Hall will be relocated to the Charles O. Hadley Home or the old Race Relations building on campus once renovations are completed.

The building was originally constructed between 1913 and 1915, and was the residence of Dr. Charles O. Hadley, who graduated from Fisk University in 1896 and Meharry Medical College in 1899. Hadley was a local African American physician, surgeon, and assistant professor of anatomy at Meharry. After his death, Hadley’s nephew, Dr. William Hadley Faulkner, lived in residence until 1965, and Highly Regarded Artist and Fisk Art professor.

“The renovation of the Charles O. Hadley Home is exciting itself, but the building’s new role as the home of the Art program at Fisk adds to the significant history of this building,” said Holly Hamby, Chair of the Department of Arts and Languages. “Our Art program seeks to honor the legacy of art at Fisk while also focusing on innovation and technologies, which moves art and art instruction forward for our students. This new home for Art centers the program as key to the vision Fisk has for the future.”

The exterior in currently being restored to its historical standards with new roofing, windows, and siding. The next steps will include a completely updated inside to support the Art Department showcasing student’s work and classes. The project is set to be completed in 6-8 weeks and will hopefully be ready for students for the Spring Semester.