Black in Black on Black: Making the Invisible Visible is an exhibition about the lives and contributions of Black/African American communities in Western North Carolina (WNC). Presenting works of art alongside oral histories and research data, Black in Black on Black is a visual conversation about an often invisible history of our region. This exhibition features three WNC-based artists: Ann Miller Woodford, Viola Spells, and Ronda Birtha, as well as data from the Heart of Health: Race, Place, and Faith in Western North Carolina project, a three-year community-participatory research study that seeks to better understand the role and impact of race and racism on health.
The Heart of Health project is co-led by researchers and community partners. In WNC, the percentage of the population that is Black/African American ranges from 0.2% to 10% at the county level, and is about 4% overall. As Ann Miller Woodford states, “My emphasis has been on people who have dedicated their lives to humanity, but have been overlooked, ignored, and often forgotten.” Visitors to the exhibition are invited to learn, through both visual art and scientific data, about the ways in which African Americans and others in WNC are working to reduce racism and build community through grassroots and organizational efforts.
Organized by UNC Asheville’s Center for Craft Partner Gallery Faculty Advisory Committee: Suzanne Dittenber, Assistant Professor of Art; Lei Han, Professor of New Media; Jackson Martin Associate Professor of Art; Jonathan King Assistant Professor of Music; Dr. Leah Mathews, Professor of Economics; Lise Kloeppel, Associate Professor of Drama; Dr. Leisa Rundquist, Professor of Art History and University Curator; Brent Skidmore Associate Professor of Art and Public Arts & Humanities Chair
Acknowledgements
UNCA Undergraduate Researchers: Kate Adams, Desire Brown, Kailey Hackett, Dasia Jefferson, Amanda Morgan, Avery Parker, Miranda Poe, Khadiya Ross, Caitlin Tricomi, and William Walden.
Heart of Health Community Advisory Board: Brenda Blount, Dawn Colbert, Pastor Spencer Hardaway, Kimberly Hunter, Camden Johnson, Nicola Karesh, Pastor Charles Lee, Elder Euriel Turner, Ann Miller Woodford, Dr. Brandi Hinnant-Crawford, and Dr. Dana Patterson.
How To View
Opening Reception
Friday, Sep 10, 2021, 6-8 pm ET
Join us from 6-8 pm on Friday, September 10th for the opening reception of Black in Black on Black: Making the Invisible Visible. To encourage social distancing, the Center will be registering a limited number of attendees in 30 minute time slots. This event is free and open to all!
Virtual Tour & Discussion
Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021, 6-8 pm ET
Join Black in Black on Black curators, Ameena Batada, Dr.P.H., Professor of Health & Wellness, UNC Asheville; JéWana Grier McEachin, Executive Director of the Asheville Buncombe Institute of Parity Achievement (ABIPA); and Jill Fromewick, Sc.D., Executive Director of Sparrow Research Group will be joined by the exhibition's featured artists, Ann Miller Woodford, Viola Spells, and Ronda Birtha, for a virtual tour of the exhibition followed by a panel discussion.
In-Person
The Center is offering free, unguided visits and affordable tours of its exhibitions to the public. Guests can reserve a 30-minute visit to explore the current exhibitions, learn more about the Center’s national impact in their Craft Research Fund Study Collection, and enjoy interactive activities. The Center is open to the public Monday-Friday, 10 am - 6 pm. Hours of operation may be subject to change.
Center for Craft is monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on the community and following the instruction of federal, state, and local health departments. Our top priority is always the health and safety of our staff, coworkers, and visitors. At this time, the Center can only allow a maximum of five guests in its public space at once and will require the use of masks or face coverings by all visitors, including children. The Center reserves the right to refuse entry to any visitor that will not comply.
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