Hale Center’s Art Collection
One of the largest Black art collections in the United States and recognized by the Association of Black Culture Centers as one of the top five in the country, the Hale Center's artwork illustrates the Black experience through nationally-recognized artists. The art exposes visitors to a variety of Black art, and many of the artists, such as Smokey Brown and Ralph Bell, are from the Columbus area. Traditional artifacts from various tribal groups within Africa, South Africa, and the Caribbean are also represented.
Most of the artwork has been donated by the artists or is on loan to the Hale Center. Below are just a few of the hundreds of paintings and sculptures in the collection, which can be viewed in the Hale Center on the first floor of Hale Hall.
Apartheid Series for Steven
The Apartheid Series for Steven was donated by artist Ed Colston as a special tribute to Steven Biko. Ed Colston (November 20, 1936 – February 21, 2006), a local artist and former professor at the Columbus College of Art and Design, was known for his bold colors and abstraction in his works of art.
Ashanti #11
Home and Liberated Land with Water
In Unity There is Strength
King's Life
The “King's Life” painting was the first piece of artwork donated to the Hale Center. Created specifically for the Office of Minority Affairs' annual MLK exhibition in 1988, Mr. Collins donated the art to the Hale Center in 1989 prior to its opening on October 11, 1989.
The “King's Life” art piece identifies the transitions and influences in MLK's life: his religious affiliation, Mahatma Gandhi, Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks and the “I have a Dream Speech.”
Mother African
NKONDE
Prelude
Rise Up - Jimmy Jackson
The Emancipation Series
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
We The People
