V.U. unveils new art exhibit that promotes representation, diversity

VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– After conversations that lasted over a year, a new art exhibit has opened its doors at Vincennes University.

Titled “In Blackest Light, In Darkest Shade,” seven Black artists are featured at the gallery. It was curated by Patrick Earl Hammie, an Illinois artist who also contributed several pieces.

The Shircliff Gallery of Art is hosting the work, and director Christopher Schneberger said he was happy to showcase this in the community.

“We have Black students on campus who I think often might not feel represented in the art world, or might feel disconnected or excluded from fine arts spaces,” he said. “I thought this was a great way to get them to connect with it, but mostly, it was just the art was really good.”

Three artists– Hammie, Stacey Robinson and William Downs– completed site-specific pieces, and spoke to students during a reception on the opening day, Feb. 16. Schneberger said it was a wonderful opportunity for his peers to dissect the minds of accomplished, professional artists.

“More than any other show we’ve had in the past, the students were really engaged talking to these artists and hearing what they had to say, connecting with them on that kind of level, and just appreciating the lack of hierarchy I think that they felt between the artist’s work, they felt they could relate to this a lot,” he said.

Schneberger also believes this is a great opportunity to see the unique pieces that can only be found in Vincennes.

“This is your only chance to see these works,” he said. “When the show is over on March 15th, they will eventually be painted over completely. In some ways, they will permanently reside here a the gallery, but under layers of paint.”

The exhibit will be on display until March 15 and is free to the public. The gallery is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends by appointment.

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