African American Folk Art in Dallas

Housed in a beautiful ivory building, the Dallas AfricanAmong the permanently housed exhibits in the
American Museum is a culturally important destinationmuseums are African American art works by
on your holiday in South Western United States. Forcontemporary African American artists. Exhibits
more than a quarter of a century the museum hasdepicting African art a small, but rich collection of
represented one of the areas minorities and theirAfrican art objects such as masks, sculpture, and
cultural heritage to visitors and residents alike and hastextiles. Texas African American history, artifacts
been a beacon of cultural exchange and integrationrelated to African American history in Texas. It also
between communities. Started in 1974 as a part of thehouses one of the largest African American folk art
Bishop College Special Collection, the Museum hascollections in the U. S., the collection includes works by
operated independently since 1979.Clementine Hunter, David Butler, and George White. A
The significance of the museum in Dallas oversmall collection of African American inspired musical
numerous others that also represent the culture ofstyles such as jazz and information pertaining to its
African Americans through out the USA is that it is thedevelopment.
only such institution in South Western United StatesAn archival section is also on display by the museum
that is devoted to the preservation and display ofthat can be accessed after permission is obtained by
African American artistic, cultural and historicalresearchers from the museum. Archives include
materials. It is also one of the largest African Americanpapers of prominent African American citizens from
folk art collections in the country.Dallas and Texas; records depository for Bishop
The main objective behind the establishment of theCollege; Sepia Magazine collection, 1945-1983; photo
museum was the meaningful dispensation ofarchives of 43,000 images; archives from Freedman's
information pertaining to African American culture toCemetery Collection; Texas Black Women's archives;
adults and children. The rich heritage of black art andand Dallas County Black Political Archives.
history is housed in four vaulted galleries, and is furtherThe museum which is located at Fair Park just across
enhanced by a research library. Living Africanfrom the Music Hall is in the vicinity of a number of
American culture is experienced through entertainingDallas hotels. Hotels in Dallas varying in quality can be
and educational programs presented in the theater,found in the area and some offer guided tours of the
studio arts area and classrooms.museum.