Bridging Art and Cultural History
Photo by Dan Loh.
Trout Gallery interns amplify African American art
Ella Layton ’26 and Kiersten Khan ’26 are double majors in Africana studies and English who are passionate about cultural history, social justice, communication and the arts. And as interns at The Trout Gallery, Dickinson’s on-campus art museum, they’ve played a part in an exhibition that brings a pivotal moment in African American art history to life.
The exhibition, Two Centuries of African American Art, illuminates works from a landmark exhibition curated by African American trailblazer David Driscoll. That 1976 show was the first major joint exhibition of African American artists, and it helped redefine African American and modern American art. “We really want to just honor [Driscoll’s] legacy for putting Black artists in the American art canon,” says Khan.
The interns' valuable perspectives inform the exhibition. They're also contributing to public events and programs that help local community members and fellow Dickinsonians fully appreciate, enjoy and engage with the exhibition.
Layton says they’re thrilled, as undergraduates, to work on an exhibition that’s so powerful and personally meaningful. She’s also delighted by the chance to help share a slice of African American arts with Dickinsonians and with the surrounding community.
“This experience is very unique, because it’s something that maybe someone would expect [to see] in Philadelphia or New York City,” Layton says. “I think it's really special that we have this here in Carlisle at Dickinson.”
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Published August 12, 2024