DES MOINES, IOWA – As a local custom frame retailer and art gallery, The Great Frame Up in West Des Moines enjoys supporting the visual arts. This month we encourage readers to visit the Des Moines Art Center and experience the impactful exhibit: “BLACK STORIES” currently on display until January 17, 2021. Black Stories is the first-ever exhibition of its kind featuring Black, African American and African artwork to be held in Des Moines, Iowa. Featured in the collection are more than two dozen sculptures, works on paper and originals by celebrated and world renowned fine artists— all donated to or acquired by the Des Moines Art Center. Significantly, artists Mitchell Squire and Jordan Weber co-curated the “BLACK STORIES” exhibition. Throughout the exhibition, quotes by Squire and Weber encourage reflection, inter-generational engagement and discussion. I viewed the “BLACK STORIES” exhibition when it opened on Saturday, October 3, 2020. There are four sections of the exhibition: In Black and White, In Living Color, In Wakanda, and the shrine room of traditional African objects, such as masks, palace doors and ceramic vessels. Located in this room with examples of traditional African objects is a bench for those who visit. There is an opportunity to sit and pause. A necessary and essential part of the experience to allow you to close your eyes and exhale. A powerful, peaceful moment in time where our community can “just breathe”. I encourage you to take a deep breath. It reminded me of my time in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire such a rich heritage we have from the Motherland. Additional works are also hung throughout the Des Moines Art Center’s galleries. For example, for the first time in recent history all four of the permanent collection of Henry Osswa Tanner’s oils are majestically displayed in a grouping for greater impact. The Des Moines Art Center has made diversity and inclusion a priority and invites the community to share their personal stories and experiences in response to the artwork in this exhibition. Community stories may be submitted in English or Spanish by completing a form available at the Des Moines Art Center, via mail, through their website desmoinesartcenter.org/exhibitions/black-stories or by phone in English at 515-428-1240 or in Spanish at 515-216-4190.
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