Fisk University Leadership Travels to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Most people who are familiar with the Fisk Jubilee Singers know about the famous tour they embarked on in October 1871. The group traveled through the northern United States to raise money to support Fisk University. This year, pieces of art from the university’s famous collection embarked on their own tour of sorts to New York City’s famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

The Fisk University collection — including works by Aaron Douglas, Malvin Gray Johnson and Winold Reiss — joined works from other historically Black colleges and universities to make up a significant portion of The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism exhibition. The multimedia exhibition included paintings, sculptures, photography and film from the 1920s to ’40s and explored the ways Black artists captured everyday life.

Toward the end of the exhibit’s run, university president Agenia Clark and other Fisk leaders and dignitaries attended a private VIP reception at The Met. “Fisk is proud of its uniquely rich collection of artworks by Harlem Renaissance artists who have made invaluable contributions to the development of international modern art,” said Agenia. “We are grateful to be stewards of such iconic pieces created by globally renowned artists and are honored to be a part of The Met’s Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism exhibition.”

As the reception began, guests enjoyed a private tour of the 160 works in the exhibit. After the tour, invitees attended a Champagne reception to celebrate the exhibition — which was the first art museum survey of the subject in New York City since 1987.