Until May 29, 2009, the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland at College Park presents a remarkable opportunity to see a developing major collection, the Larry and Brenda Thompson Collection of African American Art, that takes fresh approaches in documenting the many expressions of African American art.

Larry and Brenda Thompson have amassed a remarkable collection of art by African Americans from around the nation. The strength of the Thompson’s collecting process is their considered attention to artists who have typically not been recognized in the traditional narratives of African American art. In addition to the acknowledged “masters,” the Thompsons have collected works by artists who have been labeled “emerging,” “unknown,” “outsider,” “eccentric,” “vernacular,” “regional” and more. The result is a collection that redefines the landscape of American art, offering a more in-depth, inclusive understanding of African American artists and their aesthetic and social concerns.

The guiding narrative is the history of Spelman College itself. Works are centered around key milestones in the college’s history and the story of Spelman is relayed through artists, alumnae and administrators.

This exhibit ends on 5/16/2009.

“Let Your Motto Be Resistance” was organized by the National Museum of African American History and Culture in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery and the International Center of Photography in New York and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

More information on this exhibit.

Includes works by: Lorraine Bonner, Ed and Linda Calhoun, Christopher Carter, Lalla Essaydi, John Yoyogi Fortes, Chaz Guest, David Huffman, Clint Imboden, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Annette Lawrence, Kelly Marshall, Wardell Milan, Ramekon O’Arwisters, Adrienne Pao, Jefferson Pinder, Dario Posada, Danny Ramirez, Manuel Rios, Blue Wade, and David Yun

Decoding Identity runs from 1/22/2009 – 3/22/2009