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| Groovin High by Faith Ringgold (1986) |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) will kick off a week of activities leading up to the official inauguration of FAMU’s President James H. Ammons with the unveiling of an exhibit that highlights the work of acclaimed fiber artists Faith Ringgold and Aminah Robinson. The exhibit, “The Art of Resonating Fiber,” will open at the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Center on Sunday, October 26, at 4 p.m. located at 1630 Pinder Drive.
“These are two extraordinary artists whose work spans more than three decades,” said Professor Harris Wiltsher, an associate professor in the FAMU Visual Arts Department and director of the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery. “Faith’s work, in particular, has been exhibited worldwide which makes this a rare opportunity for us to be able to bring her pieces to the FAMU campus.”
Professor Wiltsher explained that in addition to Ringgold’s work, Aminah Robinson is also an internationally acclaimed artist whose work is quite diversified in application. Valerie Goodwin, a professor in FAMU’s School of Architecture, is a welcomed addition to the texture of the exhibition.
Professor Wiltsher is the curator of this exhibition, which will remain at the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery through January 9, 2009.
The exhibit includes more than 20 works including several story quilts by Ringgold accompanied by several pieces by Goodwin and Robinson. Individually and collectively these pieces tell the rare and interesting stories in the lives of the artists.
Representatives on the Presidential Inauguration Steering Committee received many requests from individual artists and art promotion groups seeking an opportunity to showcase their work during this important week. However, it was Ringgold’s quilt exhibit that most closely reflected the tone and sentiment of the FAMU community.
“It was important to us that all of the activities during inaugural week involve FAMU students, faculty, administrators and staff as well as the local community and our alumni,” said Sharon P. Saunders, FAMU’s chief communications officer and chair of the Presidential Inauguration Steering Committee. “This quilt provides various perspectives from history to art to culture and education.”
The exhibit will open on Sunday, October 26 with a reception beginning at 4 p.m. and an official program with remarks from President Ammons scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The general public is invited. The exhibit will remain at the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Center through January 9, 2009.
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