It’s week eight of our Kansas sesquicentennial series. As we continue to highlight African-American artists in our collection for Black History Month, this week we’re taking a closer look at one of our own: native Topekan, Harlem Renaissance artist and founder of the Fisk University Art Department, Aaron Douglas.
Philosopher and educator Alain Locke called Douglas the “pioneering Africanist”, and he is often referred to as the “Father of African-American art”.
About 52 for 150
Every object has a story, and stories build history. To celebrate 150 years of Kansas statehood we’re featuring 52 objects (or collections of related objects)—something new each week throughout the year—from the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library’s 130-year-old special, and permanent collections, that represent our collective state history and cultural diversity.
Our collections are available for teachers, students, researchers and general interest, and we hope this online video program will provide insight into what’s so “special” about Special Collections. Your library’s commitment to collecting art and preserving local history makes it possible for users today and in the future to have immediate access to invaluable research material and cultural artifacts.
If you would like to see the yearbooks Aaron Douglas designed, or want help finding books and videos about his life, call or stop by the Topeka Room (785-580-4510) on the Library’s second floor. We’re located at the top of the stairs on your left.