“When I Rise Up” Exhibition Elevates the Harlem Renaissance
By Vickie Oldham
It’s time to rise up! Harlem Renaissance visual artists, writers, musicians, and playwrights did. And they have much to teach us about resilience, creativity, and freedom in challenging times. “When I Rise Up: The Power of Black Artists” is an exhibition presented by the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition from Nov. 1 to Jan. 30, 2025 at the historic Leonard Reid House, 2529 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
Racial violence, low paying jobs and hardships in the south pushed six million African Americans to move north for higher salaries, better working conditions and educational opportunities. The population shift known as the Great Migration occurred between 1916 and 1970. A large concentration of African American artists moved to Harlem where a new movement of creative expression began.
Black artists of this era such as Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence commanded the spotlight. Their work is featured in the show with artists Faith Ringgold, Judy Bowman and Dawoud Bey. Pieces by contemporary African American artists Gale Fulton Ross, Lucy Campbell, and Sanford Biggers are showcased with a special section of African masks, instruments, and ceremonial items.
“Music and poetry of the period against the backdrop of visual art creates a cultural immersion experience. I hope residents who’re dealing with the impact of two storms will visit the show and venture to countries such as Mali, Ghana and Benin to receive a boost of inspiration from artists who handled setbacks and sparked a cultural rebirth and revolution,” said Dr. James Stewart,
professor Emeritus at Penn State University. Stewart and his wife Dr. Caryl Sheffield, co- curators of the exhibition are avid African American art collectors. Paintings from the couple’s collection are displayed.
SAACC’s collection of Harlem Renaissance prints in the exhibition were donated by cocurators Michael and Sherle Berger. “Why do we love the works?
They show the flowering of Black culture after years of Jim Crow segregation,” said Berger, a Pittsburgh gallery owner.
Reid House hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule group tours, contact Mydahlia Glover, mgloverssaacc@outlook.com or at (813) 419-0454.
