Historic Black Artistry on Display 

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are currently displaying “I made this...”: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans, the first-ever exhibition of a wide range of works from their decorative arts and folk arts collections made exclusively by Black artists and artisans from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The exhibition includes nearly 30 examples of paintings, furniture, textiles, decorative sculptures, quilts, ceramics, tools, metals and more, including new acquisitions, and will focus on the makers and their stories. It will remain on view through December 31, 2025. 

Among the objects in this exhibition are works by noted Black artists and artisans including David Drake, Bill Traylor, Thornton Dial, Sr., Cesar Chelor, Clementine Hunter, William Edmondson, members of the Gee’s Bend, Alabama, quilting community, as well as those less known or anonymous. 

Senior Vice President of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Ronald L. Hurst, says, “The documented works of gifted Black artists and artisans have long been included in our exhibitions, but we have rarely had the opportunity to mount an exhibition that looks solely at this rich body of material.” 

For more information visit ColonialWilliamsburg.org.