Canvas art, African artifacts and black history backpacks will be part of the African-American art show that opens Friday night at Wichita State University.
Danielle Johnson, assistant director of WSU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, says the "Art That Touches Your Heart" art show, in its eighth year, began as a partnership with Wichita artist Janice Thacker.
"It provides a way for the university and the community to partner and celebrate black art together," Johnson says.
Among the featured artists is Angela Prox, who will bring her creations from Dallas. Prox says one popular item is a black history backpack for young students adorned with images of African-American trailblazers.
"Children are forgetting who our ancestors are," she says, "and so history on the backpack will help them and remind them who we are and where we come from."
The show will also feature African artifacts from the New Mexico gallery of former WSU basketball standout Mohamed Sharif.
As part of the event, 12 teachers will be inducted into the Black Educators Hall of Fame.
The 8th annual "Art That Touches Your Heart" black art show will be held on the first floor of WSU's Rhatigan Student Center on Friday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Feb. 23, from noon to 6 p.m.
Carla Eckels is director of cultural diversity and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
