Center for Inclusion and Diversity holds Black History Month Artist Reception
The Center for Inclusion and Diversity held an artist reception for the first day of events scheduled for Black History Month.
The exhibit, Creative Minds Inspired by African American Culture, featured poetry, paintings and sculptures by Central Michigan University students.
Students from ENG 329: African American Literature, created most of the artwork displayed. Assistant Professor of English Nicole Sparling, who teaches ENG 329, said she has wanted to hold an art exhibition for some time.
“A lot of the artwork was created out of a project for class, and I thought it was unfortunate for me to be the only one seeing them," she said.
Sparling said it was nice to finally have a venue and see how people respond to African American culture.
Several students who contributed to the exhibit said they were excited to showcase their art.
“I’m honored, excited and proud,” said Detroit sophomore Shelbie Moore, who donated a poem about Martin Luther King Jr. to the exhibit.
Moore said she performed this poem at the vigil on MLK Day and thought it would be nice to share for the exhibit.
Sanford senior Nathan Lefevour said his pencil sketch drawing of author Matt Johnson was a response to one of the works he read in class.
“I decided to do a portrait because I had never drawn anyone of African descent and I wanted to challenge myself," he said.
In addition to poetry and paintings, the reception included a Ghana-inspired drumming performance by music students.
Rapid City senior Sarah Riegler said she became interested in African music after studying abroad there.
“For the exhibit, I wanted to share a little bit of Ghana’s culture and bring some diversity into the area,” she said.
Sparling said she wants people to come away from the exhibit understanding there are many ways to acknowledge culture.
“Art is a great medium to do that," she said.
The exhibit will be featured all month in the Center for Inclusion and Diversity located in the Bovee University Center room 108.
