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Recent Acquisitions Releases Press Release Archive |
Special Lecture and Choir Performance Offered in Conjunction with Jordan Photography Exhibition Tyler, TX—Tyler Museum of Art will present a variety of activities Sunday, February 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. as part of its ongoing celebration of Black History Month. Alan Govenar, co-founder with Kaleta Doolin of the Texas African American Photography Archive in Dallas, will present a special lecture on “Images of Community: African American Photographers in East Texas.” A current exhibition at the TMA, The Photography of Alonzo Jordan: Images of Jasper, 1943–1983 was organized by the TAAP Archive. The Jordan exhibition has attracted regional and national attention for its focus on the works of this unrecognized photographer who captured the essence of the small-town segregated lives of African Americans. In addition to attending the lecture, the public is invited to hear a performance by Greater Saint Mary’s Baptist Church Choir, and a reading of Eloise Greenfield’s poem “Harriet Tubman.” A reception with light refreshments will also be provided. There is no charge for attending any of the events, which are open to the public, but reservations are requested by calling 903-595-1001. Many of the photographs in the TMA exhibition depict the everyday occurrences and events of family life throughout Jordan’s 41-year career: weddings, anniversaries, homecoming dances and parades, club meetings, church events, funerals, spiritual quartets and singing groups. Largely self-taught, Jordan took great care insuring his photographs showed his subjects in their best light. “In his photographs, Jordan emphasized the dignity and self-esteem of African-American day-to-day life,” Govenar said. In his lecture Govenar will also discuss the works of Tyler photographer and photography instructor Curtis Humphrey (1907–1996). Govenar hopes to create a permanent and more extensive exhibition of Humphrey’s work for the TAAP Archive. Participating in the special TMA events will be members of the Mothers Reaching for Excellence, a provisional group of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. After a 10-year hiatus, this local group is re-activating and plans to become an active chapter of Jack & Jill in July 2006. Jack & Jill of America, Inc., founded in Philadelphia in 1938, is dedicated to improving quality of life, particularly of African American children ages 2-19, through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, social and service programs for children. The group also provides support for mothers in learning more about their children, and supports national legislation aimed at improving living conditions for all children. A member of the group will present the “Harriet Tubman” poetry reading at the TMA event. To learn more about the Mothers Reaching for Excellence organization contact Dorothy Hubbard at 903-595-3616 or Jeanette Calhoun at 903-565-5422. “We are always eager to collaborate with other groups who support the arts and are committed to improving our communities by improving our quality of life,” said Kimberley Tomio, Tyler Museum of Art director. “We hope the public will come out to enjoy an exciting day of the visual and performance arts.” The Photography of Alonzo Jordan: Images of Jasper 1943–1983 will be on display in the Carmichael Gallery of the TMA through February 28. Exhibition hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about this and other exhibitions call 903-595-1001. |