The Escalette Collection of Art stands with the Black community and all those who are demanding an end to racial injustice. We mourn the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the countless other known and unknown victims of racial violence. Black Lives Matter.
We are committed to building a collection of art that is inclusive and furthers our goals of achieving racial and gender equity. As a “museum without walls,” we believe that art – especially when displayed in public spaces – can provide new ways of thinking and promote critical dialogue. Through our acquisitions, exhibitions, events, and programming, we commit to continuing to elevate Black artists and histories which are systematically underrepresented.
ACQUISITION ANNOUNCEMENT
The Escalette Collection has recently purchased a photograph entitled A. Freeman by artist and Chapman Professor Julie Shafer. Shafer auctioned this work from their recent series “Parting of the Ways” on Instagram with the intention of donating all the proceeds to an organization benefiting the Black community. We feel truly grateful to Julie for their generosity, and are thrilled that $710 will be donated to Summaeverthang Community Center, a center founded by artist Lauren Halsey based in South Central Los Angeles that is “dedicated to the empowerment and transcendence of black and brown folks socio-politically and economically, intellectually and artistically.” In 2020, they donated over 300 boxes of organic produce boxes to folks in Watts, CA.
Julie Shafer, A. Freeman, Silver gelatin fiber print, 2020. Purchased with funds from the Escalette Endowment. Proceeds donated to Summaeverthang Community Center.
EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENT
In conjunction with Wilkinson College’s interdisciplinary initiative “Engaging the World: Leading the Conversation on the Significance of Race,” the Escalette Collection is organizing a showcase of Black artists in Roosevelt Hall during Fall 2020.
More information to come.
- Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Untitled, gelatin silver print, 1985/2018. Purchased with funds from the Escalette Endowment.
- Rotimi Fani-Kayode, In Gods We Trust, gelatin silver print, c. 1980s/2018. Purchased with funds from the Escalette Endowment.
FOR FURTHER READING
“Letter from the Dean of Wilkinson”
“Celebrating Black History Month: Black Artists in the Escalette Collection”
“Art Collections Forges Lead in Representation”
We invite you to explore all the works in the Escalette Collection by visiting our eMuseum.
Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is the proud home of the Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art. The Escalette Collection exists to inspire critical thinking, foster interdisciplinary discovery, and strengthen bonds with the community. Beyond its role in curating art in public spaces, the Escalette is a learning laboratory that offers diverse opportunities for student and engagement and research, and involvement with the wider community. The collection is free and open to the public to view.
