Youngstown, OH - During Black History Month, the Butler Institute of American Art is hosting an exhibit called  The Art of African Americans: Greatness Revealed." 
 
You can find the artists works at the Butler Institute of American Art in the Mesaros Print Gallery.  
 
The opening reception took place Sunday.
 

Executive Director Louis Zona tells us the art was selected from works of African American Art the museum collected over the years including Romare Beardon, who grew up in poverty in New York City and became a star, Portrait Artist Bill Dotson born in Youngstown, and Nationally recognized artist, and YSU professor Al Bright All left behind a legacy of talents for us to enjoy.

 

 

"Dr. Banks helped us select works from the Butler's permanent selection. We surprised ourselves from all the ownderful works by African Americans are in this collection," Zona said. 

 

The African American artists in the exhibit co curated by Virginia Banks, Lou Zona, and also co sponsored by The Links Incorporated,  for kids and  families to enjoy.

 
The late Al Bright created this painting called, "Love lettters to Dee," his former wife who is a nationally known Virologist, who believes in keeping the talents of African American Artists such as the late Sam Gillam alive.  She is also shining a light on artists who are still creating such as billy Gerard Frank and Maple Turner III.
 
"This is my opportunity for those who are not living, to carry on their legacy and say hey you might now about Picasso, and Michaelangelo, but we have Al Bright, we have Bill Dotson, we have Maple Turner. 

 

The exhibit which runs through March first at the Bulter Institute of American Art could be extended, due to demand.

The racism Al Bright experienced is portrayed in a portion of the movie Origin which is playing now in theaters in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York City, Miami and other larger cities.