Exhibitions
THE HBCU COLLOQUIUM AND ART EXHIBITION
Hiram Van Gordon Gallery (Tennessee State University) / 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. August 25 - September 11th
The HBCU Colloquium and Art Exhibition represents a dynamic intersection of artistic expression, academic collaboration, and cultural legacy. This convening between North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) and Tennessee State University (TSU) is more than a showcase of visual art—it is a dialogue between creative minds, a bridge between institutions, and a proclamation of the rich artistic traditions embedded within Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Through this initiative, students and faculty exchange ideas, methodologies, and artistic practices, fostering an environment of mentorship, critical discourse, and shared innovation. This exhibition serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, demonstrating how art can transcend institutional boundaries to cultivate a network of creative scholars dedicated to advancing the field. By forging this strategic partnership, NCAT and TSU reaffirm their commitment to fostering artistic excellence, expanding educational opportunities, and preserving the cultural legacies that shape our future. In this exhibition and colloquium, we celebrate the transformative power of art and education, ensuring that the voices of emerging and established artists within our institutions continue to inspire, challenge, and uplift communities beyond the gallery walls.
On Friday, August 29, NCAT Day will offer a dynamic series of events fostering collaboration between NCAT and TSU faculty. The day begins with a tour of the TSU Department of Art and Design, a student-led talk in the gallery, which provides networking opportunities and lays the groundwork for future partnerships. Next, Space for New Media will host an Artist Panel and a Q&A Session featuring faculty and students from NCAT discussing their academic initiatives, along with special guest NC A&T Alum Herb Gray on African American art collections. The evening will culminate in a reception for The HBCU Colloquium and Art Exhibition from 4-6 pm in the Hiram Van Gordon Gallery. We will celebrate this showcase of NCAT's artwork highlighting their program, inviting alums from both universities and TSU Department Greats that are in town for the John A. Merritt Classic on Saturday, August 30.
Starting Saturday, TSU will present a curated art exhibition of TSU's students and faculty at Professor Michael McBride's Studio (283 Plus Park Blvd., Nashville, TN 37217), showcasing artwork that explores themes of Black representation, historical legacy, and storytelling. Complementing the exhibition, Micro Presentations + Q&A sessions will feature short-form presentations from students and faculty, offering insights into thesis projects, class research, and art/design scholarship. This engaging event will provide a platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge exchange, and a deeper appreciation of the artistic and academic pursuits shaping TSU's creative landscape. The day will end with a campus-wide cultural event—Football Game, which will provide a relaxed setting to connect further with the TSU community, deepen relationships, and experience the vibrant energy of Nashville.
A special thank you to TSU alum and A&T Professor of Art Dr. Willie Hooker for organizing the HBCU Colloquium and Art Exhibition in the Hiram Van Gordon Gallery. Along with the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Art Department for supporting students and faculty to engage with other HBCUs and expanding the narratives between communities.
