Telling A People’s Story is the first major museum exhibition devoted to the art found within the pages of African-American children’s picture books. The exhibition emphasizes the strength of the illustrations as visual narrative representations of the African-American experience. While aspects of social justice are found throughout the three main galleries, the exhibition goes beyond providing a look into the struggles of African Americans. This project celebrates the complex and diverse African-American experience through a lens intended for children and young readers. The exhibition offers something for all viewers through the representation of familiar and lesser-known people and the contributions of African Americans to an American identity.
More than 600 books, and over 14,000 illustrations were reviewed during the development of this exhibition in search of a strong representation of events and milestones in African-American history. Themes and time periods include African Origins, Middle Passage, Slavery, Emancipation, Reconstruction, Harlem Renaissance, Segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement. Other themes draw attention to historical figures in politics, music, sports, arts, and entertainment. The selection of approximately 130 works on display includes paintings, pastels, drawings and mixed media works. Featured are more than 30 artists, spanning nearly 50 years of creativity.
130 works by 33 artists from 95 books
Collectively, the many books created by authors and illustrators since the late 19th century contribute to an understanding of the African-American experience through two perspectives. First, is an internal look into the need for validation and the creation of positive self-images. Second, is to give an introduction to the African-American experience for those unfamiliar in order to better understand the cultural, historical and social makeup of African-American identity.
The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, completed in 1978 was designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Chicago, and is situated on three acres of scenic sculpture park grounds at the edge of Miami University’s Oxford, Ohio campus. We house five galleries of changing exhibitions and a growing permanent collection of over 17,000 artworks. MUAM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).