START AT HOME: Art from the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center Collection

START AT HOME: Art from the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center Collection

One of the largest Black art collections in the United States and recognized by the Association of Black Cultural Centers as one of the top collections in the country, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center's art collection features work by hundreds of artists – many from the Columbus and Central Ohio region – in a wide variety of media, offering an unparalleled look at the Black experience.

Painting of Balck women and men in colorful clothing

For the first time, much of this work was on public view through an unprecedented collaboration among the Hale Black Cultural Center, the King Arts Complex, The Ohio State University Libraries, and The Ohio State University's Arts Initiative. Selections from the Hale Center art collection were on view at these venues, giving visitors an unprecedented look at an extraordinary collection of art. With paintings, sculptures, photography, and more, the collection is a wide-ranging and compelling exploration of Black art that illustrates the connection to Columbus and the university.

WOSU’s Broad & High piece on Start at Home and the Hale Center’s art collection

The exhibition featured work by Ralph Bell, Smokey Brown, Elizabeth Catlett, Kojo Kamau, Aminah Robinson, Abdi Roble, and many more.

The exhibition ran from August 22 through November 4, 2017.