Art can be the most effective tool to use in order to relax and meditate. Considering how fast the world moves around us, it is often a luxury to be able to take the time to reflect. 


Whoosah is an exhibition that seeks to provide a space where the viewer can become engrossed in artwork that embody different rhythms. The exhibition showcases six contemporary artists working in their own styles of abstraction. The works, all from Hampton University Museum’s permanent collection, present an opportunity to actively engage and connect with the viewer. The audience is invited to envision what they feel, see, or hear through these unique compositions. From vivid geometric lines to smooth brush strokes, each work presented offers a different avenue of expression and reflection

Opening on Monday, October 3rd through December 4th 2022 at Six (6) HBCU Locations. The Bishop Gallery has partnered with Group Black, the largest collective of Black-owned media to bring the Our Friend Jean Exhibition to Hampton University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Tennessee State University, Dillard University, and Texas Southern University. This tour will be accompanied by gallery programming such as private tours, talks with curators and collectors, as well special immersive experiences designed for students at each school.

“Our Friend Jean” was first exhibited by The Bishop Gallery in 2019 in the artist’s hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. In conjunction with collector Alexis Adler, Founders & Curators Erwin John and Stevenson Dunn, Jr. developed this exhibition and tour in their continued mission to make the arts more accessible. This tour will allow the world to see Basquiat, personally and intimately like never before. During the week-long art exhibition of the legendary Neo-expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, students, faculty, staff, and local community members will have FREE access to the exhibition.

The exhibition will highlight some of the earliest artworks created by America’s Most Influential Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. His record-breaking sales continue to fascinate the world – and remain influential in the cultural sphere.

These artworks will be on loan from collectors who knew Jean-Michel as friends, including Alexis Adler, Basquiat’s friend, roommate and Al Diaz, Co-Creator of SAMO©. Their rare photographs collection shines a light on Basquiat’s personal life like never before. They will be sharing their remembrances and untold stories about their friendship with Basquiat throughout the week at each location.

During the immersive gallery experience, Our Friend Jean, there will be live discussions with Basquiat’s close friends and people who knew him personally. A total of 20 plus works will be displayed, including drawings, writings, apparel, and mixed media collages. The group of collectors consists of Jane Diaz, Hilary Jaeger, Katie Taylor, Lucy Sante, and photographer Alexis Adler who also served as co-curator. Through these works, each collector will be sharing uniquely intimate stories of their friend, Jean.

With the support of sponsors Hennessey and the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, starting Monday, October 3rd , 2022, the “Our Friend Jean” HBCU Tour will begin at Hampton University. Hennessey and Thurgood Marshall will also host an exclusive experience celebrating Black Excellence and the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat in each tour city.

Treasures of the Heart: Selections from the
William R. Harvey and Norma B. Harvey Collection

TO RSVP PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS

  • Patrons wanting to visit the exhibition and Museum can email a copy of their vaccination card via to the Museum Secretary, Deanna Brooks at deanna.brooks@hamptonu.edu
  • Show proof of vaccination card at the door along with a picture ID matching the name on the card.

PLEASE RESPOND BY JUNE 21, 2022

  • All guests will be required to wear a mask in the Museum, sign in, and complete a temperature check. 

2022 Virtual/In-Person Tree House Summer Camp!

Freedom Quilts Art Activity and Storytime

The Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American museum in the country and one of the oldest museums in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

Established the same year as the school in 1868, its founder, General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, believed the museum would strengthen the school’s academic program by connecting the student population to its cultural heritage. Click here to continue reading!

Click above image to download Hampton University Museum's History PDF (965 KB)
Click above image to download the Freedom Quilt Codes PDF (1.70 MB)
Click above image to download the Egungun and Freedom Quilts PDF (660 KB)
Click above image to download the Freedom Quilt Art Activity PDF (944 KB)

The Patchwork Path Storytime