'David C. Driskell and Friends' Opens at Wilkes University Before Traveling to Driskell Center

A traveling exhibition dedicated to David C. Driskell and his artist friends opens at Wilkes University before it travels to the Driskell Center.

By David C. Driskell Center Staff

A Dr. Roy E. Morgan Memorial Exhibition, "David C. Driskell and Friends: Creativity, Collaboration, and Friendship," highlights the artistic legacy of David C. Driskell and the importance of his relationships with fellow artist friends—many of which have a significant place in the art canon. It opens November 1, 2022, at the Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University and closes February 26, 2023. 

The exhibition explores the work and Driskell’s relationships with such figures as Hale Woodruff, James Porter, Elizabeth Catlett, Kara Walker, Romare Beardon, Keith Morrison, Jacob Lawrence and many more. Original works of art created by Driskell will also be featured, as well as ephemera from the Driskell Papers that exemplify the artists’ unique friendship. It is curated by Sheila Bergman (Ph.D.), University of California, Riverside; Curlee Raven Holton, executive director of the David C. Driskell Center; and Heather Sincavage, Wilkes University. 

There are several events planned in association with the exhibition. All events require registration.

• A curator panel discussion will take place Wednesday, November 2 at 5 p.m. at the Sordoni Art Gallery. It is free and open to the public. The panel will consist of the three curators—Sheila Bergman (Ph.D.), Curlee Raven Holton and Heather Sincavage—as well as Tamara Schlossenberg, Driskell Center Collections Manager.
• On Wednesday, November 9, the film Black Art: In the Absence of Light will be screened at 5 p.m. The event will be moderated by Dan Kimbrough, owner and founder of Park MultiMedia.
• On Saturday, November 12 at 12 p.m., join the gallery for Second Saturday Family Hour featuring Kara Walker silhouettes. Make your own cut paper silhouette while viewing one of Walker's masterpieces in the gallery. Materials will be provided and all experience levels and ages are welcome! Storytime, presented by the Osterhout Free Library, is at 1 p.m. that day.
• The gallery is hosting Cocktails & Culture on Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. with African-inspired cuisine. Guests will enjoy African-inspired appetizers and cocktails, live music and a tour of the exhibit by gallery director Heather Sincavage at 6 p.m. 

After it closes at Wilkes University, "David C. Driskell and Friends" will travel to the University of California, Riverside, followed by the Driskell Center and then the University of Pennsylvania.

Photo credit: Driskell, David C. (1931-2020); Five Blue Notes, 1980; Painting; 22.50 x 29.50 in. Gift of Nene Humphrey from the Benny Andrews and Nene Humphrey Collection, 2010.06.020. © David C. Driskell/David C. Driskell Center, 2017. Photography by Greg Staley, 2018.