“Afro-American Images 1971: The Vision of Percy Ricks” on view at the Delaware Art Museum with interactive programming through January 23
On view only through January 23, 2022, “Afro-American Images 1971: The Vision of Percy Ricks” honors the 50th anniversary of a groundbreaking exhibition of Black art that celebrates the legacy of Wilmington artist and educator Percy Ricks. Ricks founded the Wilmington-based artist collective Aesthetic Dynamics, Inc. and mounted “Afro-American Images 1971” to emphasize the influence of African American artists in Wilmington.
Presented by the Delaware Art Museum and Aesthetic Dynamics, Inc., the restaging of “Afro-American Images 1971″ brings back together nearly 100 works of art by nationally-known artists like Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Alma Thomas, and Faith Ringgold, as well as local luminaries Edward Loper, Sr. and Edward Loper, Jr.
To commemorate the last month of the show, Delaware Art Museum will present rich programming celebrating African American culture, including:
Virtual Inside Look Discussion of Ernest Crichlow’s Waiting
Friday, January 14, Noon & Saturday, January 15, 1 p.m., on Zoom. Free.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Kickoff
Monday, January 17, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Outdoors. Free.
Virtual Panel Discussion: The Vision of Percy Ricks, Presented by PNC Arts Alive
Sunday, January 23, 2 p.m., on Zoom. Free.
Pre-Registration is required for all programs, and full details are available at delart.org/whats-on.
On Monday, January 17, all are invited to a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Kickoff at the Museum. In the morning, remarks and performances will take place outdoors at the Museum. Volunteers will then embark to service projects in the community. The Museum and the special exhibition are open with free admission for all on MLK Day.
“One of the most significant shows in the state of Delaware was Percy Ricks’ Afro-American Images 1971,” says Dr. James E. Newton, University of Delaware Professor Emeritus and an Aesthetic Dynamics member. Contemporary Art Curator Margaret Winslow shares, “Aesthetic Dynamics Inc. and the Delaware Art Museum embarked on this project to ensure that Percy Ricks, his legacy, the work that he has done to support the art community in Wilmington is thoroughly documented.” Ricks’ lasting impact on Wilmington’s culture will be the subject of a virtual panel discussion by community leaders on Sunday, January 23, the closing day of the exhibition.
“I think it’s so important that 50 years later, there’s a whole new audience to see this wonderful work, to see this large exhibition that Percy Ricks brought to Wilmington,” shares Marilyn Whittington, Director Emerita of Delaware Humanities and advisor to the exhibition.
“Afro-American Images 1971: The Vision of Percy Ricks” represents a multi-year collaboration between the Delaware Art Museum and members of the community, signifying an important moment in the Museum’s ongoing process of re-establishing itself as an inclusive artistic hub for the city of Wilmington. The Advisory Committee for this exhibition consists of humanities scholars, community leaders, and members of Aesthetic Dynamics, Inc. with strong understanding of art history, American history, social justice, and the creativity of Black artists. Members include Beatrice (Bebe) Coker, James E. Newton, Jeanne Nutter, Marilyn Whittington, Arnold Hurtt, Julie McGee, Rita Volkens, Colette Gaiter, Kelli Morgan, Harmon Carey, and Raye Jones-Avery. Organizers and Sponsors: This exhibition was organized by the Delaware Art Museum and Aesthetic Dynamics, Inc. This exhibition is made possible by the Johannes R. and Betty P. Krahmer American Art Exhibition Fund and the Emily DuPont Exhibition Fund. This exhibition and its related programming are made possible through grants from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, PNC Arts Alive, DuPont, Corteva Agriscience, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and the TD Charitable Foundation. This exhibition is sponsored by AARP and M&T Bank. Additional support provided by The News Journal. This project is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
Press Contact: Amelia Wiggins, Director of Communications & Engagement, awiggins@delart.org or 302-351-8503.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org to for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.
Waiting, 1968. Ernest Crichlow (1914–2005). Lithograph, composition: 12 × 11 1/2 inches, sheet: 18 1/2 × 13 3/4 inches. Delaware Art Museum, Acquisition Fund, 2019. © Estate of Ernest Crichlow.