Couple Shares African American Art Collection

We found this fantastic narrative video on black American
and arts .

SARASOTA – In honor of Black History Month, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is showcasing a unique art exhibit. Dr. Caryl Sheffield and Dr. James Stewart have been collecting art for over three decades.

“We’re really proud of our collection and it’s nice to have it on our home, because it’s what we like. But I think it’s nice to share it and let other people see it, nobodies sees when it’s in our home,” Sheffield says.

The married couple’s collection features art from African–American artists from all over the country. Unique and limited pieces can be found in their collection.

“The exhibit is not just for African-Americans, the exhibit is an exhibit for everybody who can appreciate this kind of art,” Sheffield shares.

Executive director of The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Jim Shirley, is thrilled to showcase this exhibit during Black History Month.

“So often things get stuck in expensive museums or galleries…where it’s difficult for people to get to. Our goal is to be able to make this art available to the general public,” Shirley says.

Shirley says one of the missions of the alliance is that the youth in the community are exposed to the arts.
Sheffield and Stewart just moved to Sarasota this past fall. Stewart says he hopes to inspire others in the Sun Coast community.

“First of all, the people will appreciate the culture and the artifacts and will want to learn more about African Americans,” he shares.

“I’m also hoping that others will decide to become collectors. I think it’s important to have those images around you. To give you a better quality of life.”

The Celebrating African American Life and History exhibit will run from February 3rd to February 26th.

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