AFRICAN AMERICAN ART TO BE SHOWCASED IN EXHIBIT AT A&M-KINGSVILLE

(KINGSVILLE, February 14, 1997) -- "Hidden Treasures: African American Art and Artists in San Antonio," a collection of more than 50 creative works by San Antonio African American artists, will be on display Feb. 3 through Feb. 26 in the Bailey Art Gallery at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in celebration of Black History Month.

The opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, in the gallery.

The collection from San Antonio's Carver Gallery-Carver Community Cultural Center contains pencil drawings, water colors, oil and acrylic paintings, sculpture, photography, fashion design and a "gamut of creative works," said Carver Center Curator Charles R. Valentine, a 1995 graduate of A&M-Kingsville. The subject matter, he added, is as various as the styles used by the artists.

Following Kingsville, the exhibition will travel to San Antonio for a March engagement at the Carver Gallery-Carver Community Cultural Center. Dates for the San Antonio show and a possible third venue will be announced at a later date.

Valentine said generating exposure for African American art has been difficult.

"It has been a fight just to have a show, to be seen," he said. "It was my desire to put together a non-definitive survey of artists so we could see their works from a wide spectrum. If you read the title -- 'Hidden Treasure' -- that's exactly what it is."

The exhibit, he added, is the first time that "a non-definitive survey of African American art" from the San Antonio area has been put together in one large exhibition.

"I hope this exhibition will create an awareness and an appreciation by patrons and art communities for these artists who have sought so diligently to have their work exhibited."

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (512) 593-2619 for more information.

-TAMUK-
- Mary McAdam