"Art of Africa," a culturally enlightening exhibit, opens at the Huntington Museum of Art on Saturday.
The exhibition is a collection that represents the diversity of 30 cultures in the sub-Saharan Africa.
Warren Robbins, the founder and director for the Center for Cross Cultural Communications in Washington, D.C., loaned the collection to the Huntington Museum of Art.
The exhibition was organized by International Art and Artists in Washington, D.C. and includes sculptures, textiles, beaded clothing and jewelry. The exhibit is also accompanied by video.
Project Manager for International Art and Artists, Amisha Motitara said there are also masks and headdresses included in the exhibition, and the video shows dance ceremonies from the tribes in Africa.
"They believe that they are connecting with their ancestors through the dance itself," Motitara said. "They are also for controlling the good and bad things within their community."
Marshall University Department of multicultural affairs was one of several sponsors for the "Art of Africa" exhibition.
Dr. Shari Clarke, vice president for Multicultural Affairs, said more than financial support is offered to these sponsored events.
"We like to be a partner to community and campus programs and events that will help broaden education to diversity," Clarke said. "We offer not only financial support, but support by attending the events and encouraging students to learn."
Clarke said by sponsoring events such as "Art of Africa," the number of available events are higher.
"We try to broaden our events and what is being offered," Clarke said.
Motitara and Clarke said "Art of Africa" is meant to bring more interest and education of African culture to viewers.
"I think it's going to educate us about something that's not necessarily at our fingertips," Clarke said.
The exhibition includes a variety of different pieces to represent the range of the separate groups and how they are connected to one another.
Motitara said exhibits bring education through their pieces of artwork and tell the story of various backgrounds.
"Art has so many different cultures and each group
has its own practices," Motitara said.
"I like the rich textiles. They are just beautiful patterns. You can see the different range of work that's gone into it. It's a wonderful exhibit."
Clarke said the members of Multicultural Affairs are eager
to open up the community to this exhibit.
The "Art of Africa" exhibition is set to run at the Huntington Museum of Art through Jan. 4, 2009.
An opening reception will be held Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. and will feature African food and drumming.
Kayla Queen can be contacted at queen53@marshall.edu.
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