Atlanta – Spelman College will welcome two of the nation’s most celebrated Black artists for a special Distinguished Lecture Series event on Thursday, Sept. 1. The evening, hosted by the Atlanta University Center’s Art and Curatorial Studies program, will feature a conversation between portraitist Amy Sherald, best known for her iconic painting of former First Lady Michelle Obama, and painter Calida Rawles.
Event details
The discussion, moderated by art historian Dr. Cheryl Finley, will begin at 6 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m. in Sisters Chapel on Spelman’s historic campus. Attendees can expect an in‑depth dialogue about the artists’ creative processes, the role of Black experience in contemporary visual culture, and the ways their work engages both historic and modern narratives.
Artists in focus
Calida Rawles’ recent exhibition, “Away with the Tides,” is on view at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art through Sept. 5. The museum’s website describes Rawles’ work as a bridge between past and present, delving into the lived experience of Black people in America. For this project, Rawles collaborated with the Pérez Art Museum Miami and members of the historically Black Overtown community, integrating local stories into a broader artistic conversation.
Amy Sherald’s retrospective, “American Sublime,” is currently on display at the High Museum of Art and will remain there until Sept. 27. The show surveys more than a decade of Sherald’s paintings, from 2007 to 2024, and includes the celebrated portrait of Michelle Obama. Sherald’s achievements include the 2018 David C. Driskell Prize from the High Museum, recognizing her contributions to African American art, and the historic 2016 grand prize in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition – the first woman ever to receive that honor.
Why the lecture matters
Both artists are at the forefront of a vibrant Atlanta art scene that continues to attract national attention. Their presence on campus underscores Spelman’s commitment to fostering dialogue around cultural identity, artistic expression, and community engagement. For students, faculty, and the broader public, the conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from creators whose work shapes contemporary understandings of Black life in America.
The event is open to the public, and tickets can be obtained through Spelman’s Office of Cultural Affairs. As the city’s cultural calendar fills with exhibitions, performances, and lectures, this lecture series stands out as a meaningful intersection of education, artistry, and community pride.
Looking ahead
Following the Sept. 1 conversation, both artists will continue to showcase their work throughout the region. Rawles’ exhibition will close on Sept. 5, while Sherald’s retrospective runs at the High Museum through the end of the month, giving Atlantans ample time to experience her celebrated portraits and vibrant compositions.
Spelman College’s Distinguished Lecture Series continues to bring nationally recognized voices to the campus, reinforcing the institution’s role as a cultural hub in the heart of Atlanta.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
