Wesley Clark, My Big Black America, 2015, stain, spray paint, latex, and salvaged wood, 192 × 120 × 14 inches. Museum purchase with major support from 2017 A.R.T. members Ron & Nancy Edgerton, Kevin Click, Butch & Kathy Patrick, Rick & Maggi Swanson, and Monty McCutchen & Terri Sigler, and additional contributions from 2017 A.R.T. members Miller & Constance Williams, 2017.39.01. © Wesley Clark, artist photo Lawrence M. Miner, Jr.
Since its installation as the first work in the new Museum, My Big Black America has made a deep impression on Members and visitors. The work has very personal meaning for DC-based artist Wesley Clark, who made it both in celebration of our country’s first African American president, Barack Obama, and to commemorate the hard work and sacrifices made by generations of African Americans. Clark returns to Asheville to discuss this key work in the Museum’s Collection, his background and artistic approach, as well as current and future projects with Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, and Carolyn Grosch, WCU’s curator of collections and special exhibitions.
Presented in conjunction with Many Become One and Intersections in American Art.
Hear from and interact with artists, experts, filmmakers, performing artists, poets, writers, and other special guests.