Art exhibit to extend Black History Month programming

Northwest Missouri State University is extending its commemoration of Black History Month into the month of March with the opening of an art exhibition and reception.

Northwest’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts will present “Bias in America,” an exhibition of artwork produced by students and Art Club members that explore different forms of bias in society – from race, ethnicity and national origins to gender, sexuality, religion and mental health.

“Visual art has the capacity to help us better understand ourselves and others,” Dr. Karen Britt, a Northwest assistant professor of art, said. “The exhibited work is intended to promote reflection and thoughtful dialogue on some of the most important issues of our time.” 

The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building with opening remarks at 5:30 p.m. by Dr. Justin Mallett, Northwest’s assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion, and by student artists. 

The exhibition, which is part of the University’s Black History Month program, will be displayed through March 17. In addition to the Olive DeLuce Art Gallery, the artwork will be displayed in the J.W. Jones Student Union Living Room and on the first floor of the B.D. Owens Library.

Support for the exhibit is provided by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

For more information, contact Britt at kbritt@nwmissouri.edu or Miranda Myles Jackson, assistant professor of art, at mjackson@nwmissouri.edu.