Irvin Jones Collection Arrives at Southern University

A reception marking the opening of the Irvin Jones Collection of African American Art was held on Wednesday, February 4, in the Southern University Visual Arts Gallery in Frank Hayden Hall. Jones is a 1967 Lab School graduate who received a degree in Psychology from Howard University and completed graduate studies in Industrial Psychology at the University of Detroit.
This major exhibition, curated by Associate Professor Randell Henry, features significant names in African American art from all over the world. The works featured includes pieces by Tamara Madden, Charlie Palmer, Emerson Bell, Malaika Favorite and Charles Criner.
Jones began collecting art after taking a class in art appreciation while a student at Howard University. Jones has amassed more than 400 works, all of which he’s purchased.
“I simply collect African American art, because I’m an African American man who enjoys the works of other African Americans,” said Jones. “Each art piece has a story behind it, which makes each piece special in its on way,” finished Jones.
Another exhibition artist is Willie Birch.
A native of New Orleans, Birch creates politically incisive and emotionally sensitive work that addresses issues related to African-American culture and survival. The artist has addressed New Orleans musical heritage and also the multi-layered life experiences of African-American males. Birch’s work has powerful political, sociological and spiritual meaning but is wonderfully anchored in the daily life and celebratory rituals and recently even the fauna of the artist’s 7th Ward New Orleans neighborhood. Birch spent 20 years making a reputation in New York City before moving back to New Orleans and being honored by the New Orleans Museum of Art with a community parade, welcoming Birch back as a celebrated artist. In 2014, he was chosen as a United States Artists Fellows winner with an unrestricted $50,000 award as one of America’s most accomplished and innovative artist.
“I was truly intrigued by Willie Birch,” said Frealise Errington, a 22-year-old junior nursing major from New Orleans, Louisiana. “He brings back memories of the things I grew up around and it makes me happy,” concluded Errington.
Other great artists represented in the exhibition are: Ellis Wilson, Henry O. Tanner, Tames Denmark, Sam Gilham, John Biggers, Lois Mailou Jones, Elizabeth Catlett, Robert Colescott, Artis Lane, Mo Bookner, Richard Mayhew, Herbert Gentry, and Bereny Andrews. The exhibition continues through March 5. Gallery hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment on Friday.