HOUSTON, June 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- "Something All Our Own: The Grant Hill Collection of African-American Art," featuring NBA Superstar Grant Hill's personal and unique collection of African-American art, will be on exhibit at the University Museum at Texas Southern University, June 27 to Aug. 31, 2004. Recognizing the power of the modern young athlete to positively influence others, Hill has offered to exhibit his impressive collection in leading museums and venues across the United States.
Texas Southern University (TSU) is the only historically black college (HBCU) in Texas to exhibit this collection, and is one of two HBCU campuses included in the national tour. The tour makes its way to The James E. Lewis Museum of Art at the Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State University Sept. 15 to Nov. 30, 2004.
The organizing curator of "Something All Our Own" is Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, director/curator of the University Museum. Dr. Wardlaw is recognized as one of the leading African-American art historians and is also associate professor of art history at TSU. A 20-minute video including conversations between the Hill family and artist Elizabeth Catlett, as well as commentary from Dr. Wardlaw, will accompany the exhibition.
Hill has developed what is considered to be one of the foremost personal collections of African-American art in the country, and the exhibition includes 46 works of art by both highly established as well as emerging artists. Viewing art as an enlightening influence in society, Hill enthusiastically believes in making his art available to the public for its education and enjoyment. He regards this exhibition and the national tour as a unique vehicle to educate the general public and inspire our youth.
"There are so many challenges facing today's youth," Hill says. "I believe that an appreciation of art can help provide the forum to help tackle some of these challenges."
This is the first time that a major American athlete has exhibited nationally a personal collection of art of this scale and magnitude. The collection includes major works by outstanding artists including John Biggers, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Hughie Lee Smith, John Coleman and Arthello Beck. A catalogue of the collection has been produced by Duke University Press.
The University Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and national holidays. A series of lectures, bilingual children's art activities, and films on African-American art will be presented at the museum to complement the exhibition. Admission to the museum is free. For public information about the tour contact the University Museum at 713-313-7120.
Editor's Note: JPEG photos and background information are available. For your convenience, a media tour will take place June 26 at 4 p.m. The 30-minute press tour is from 4-4:30 p.m. and will include a presentation and remarks by Grant Hill and exhibit organizing curator Dr. Alvia Wardlaw. A question and answer session will follow the press tour. Special requests, including phone interviews with Grant Hill may be accommodated. Contact Rochelle Rucker, TSU Office of Communications at 713-313-7865 for more information.
The Texas Southern University logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1078