The National Black Art Competition and Exhibition launches careers, showcases genius.
For black artists who truly want to make their mark in the world through painting, sculpture, photography and other media—this is the ticket. Few shows like the Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition offer such a chance at greatness. In its 22nd year, the biennial event, held by the African American Museum, is the premier exposure opportunity for African American artists residing in the U.S. It runs March 16-June 24, 2007.
Competing with the very best.
“Where else can aspiring adult artists be selected to exhibit their work in the same show as noted artists?” asks Phillip Collins, Chief Curator for the Museum. “Not only do they have the chance to win a Purchase Prize award in such categories as Printmaking, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Painting and Mixed Media, but if an artist wins Best of Show, he or she will also be offered a one-person exhibition at the African American Museum as well as a $500 prize. This could instantly propel them to major heights.” A blue ribbon panel of judges decides who the next bright stars are. Past judges have included art magazine publisher J. Burke Conley, visual artist Floyd E. Newsome, Jr. and prominent sculptor and MacArthur Fellowship Award winner John Scott.
One example is Sedrick Huckaby, a young painter. After capturing Best of Show, Sedrick went on to win the prestigious Tiffany Award, valued at over $75,000, was shown at the esteemed annual Puck Arts Show in New York City, and is now represented by Valley House, a leading Dallas art gallery that has kept him constantly busy.
Source of works, pride for African American Museum.
Another important objective of the competition is to collect pieces for the Museum’s permanent
collection. “When the competition began in 1988, we didn’t have funds designated for purchasing art,” explains Phillip Collins. “Now it is our main way of acquiring new works.” This year’s display of winners will dovetail a showing of all pieces ever acquired by the Museum through the competition.
In 1999, the Biennial Southwest Black Art Competition was officially renamed the Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition to honor Mr. Simms, Professor of Art at Texas Southern University, because of his contributions to art and art education. A modest collection of Simms’ ceramic vessels and important papers are part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
The Museum sponsors another competition for young artists in college and graduate school called “Fresh Beginnings.” It has also been a huge success and given new artists incredible visibility. “I believe we have the responsibility to nurture the talents of emerging black artists of all ages,” says Phillip Collins. “By encouraging entrants that there is a future for them in art, we have become a turning point in many lives.”
The Museum also hosts First Friday Nights, from 7-10 p.m. It’s a chance to visit the Museum galleries, meet exciting people and enjoy good food and drink while listening to local bands. For more information on the African American Museum and the Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition, visit www.aamdallas.org or call 214-565-9026.
