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Anacostia Community Museum Archives
Barnett-Aden Collection Exhibition records, 1974
Summary
- Collection ID:
- ACMA.03-010
- Creators:
-
Barnett-Aden GallerySmithsonian Institution. Anacostia Community MuseumAden, Alonzo J., 1906-1963Herring, James V. (James Vernon)
- Dates:
-
1973-1975
- Languages:
-
English.
- Physical Description:
-
4.25 Linear feet3 boxes; 1 oversize box; 2 binders
- Repository:
This exhibition, organized by the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now the Anacostia Community Museum), was held from January 20 to May 6, 1974, and subsequently traveled to the Corcoran Gallery of Art from January 10 to February 1975. The catalog and associated exhibition provide a comprehensive view of the planning, organization, and promotion of them both. They include correspondence, research files, administrative records, press coverage, educational materials, and photographs. Collectively, these materials offer an in-depth look at the complexities and collaborative efforts involved in presenting the Barnett-Aden Collection of work.
Scope and Contents note
Scope and Contents note
This collection includes draft pages, revisions, and mockups that illustrate the iterative process of book creation, with Box 3 specifically featuring mockups for catalog publication accompanied by a memorandum. It also encompasses documentation related to exhibit planning, such as meeting notes, press releases, artifact lists, condition reports, and presentation notes for slide shows. Additionally, the series contains photographic materials, including prints of the artwork displayed in the exhibit, as well as images capturing the exhibition layouts and the opening reception.
Arrangement
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into three main categories:
Series 1: Catalog
Series 2: Exhibit Files
Series 3: Photographic Material
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
The Barnett-Aden exhibition included selected works from the Barnett-Aden Gallery which closed in 1969. The Barnett- Aden Gallery, suggested to be the first African American privately-owned gallery in the U.S., open its doors on October 16, 1943. The gallery was founded by artist and scholar James V. Herring alongside his partner, curator Alonzo Aden. The gallery was housed in a private home that they shared, located at 127 Randolph Street NW in Washington, DC. These men aimed to create an art gallery that provided a venue for underrepresented artists of all races and genres. It was this partnership that laid the foundation for the shift in African American representation in modern art. Aden stated that the gallery's aim was to help foster new talent while also bringing "art of superior quality" to the community. Throughout this history, the gallery held almost 200 exhibitions and showcased the work of over 400 artists. In 2015, selected works were donated from the gallery connection to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to preserve the legacy of the Barnett-Aden Gallery and the tireless work of James V. Herring and Alonzo Aden for generations to come.
Administration
Author
Carrie Gehrer created original finding aid. Revised finding aid created by Britney Crawford in 2024.
Processing Information
Collection level record created in 2022 by Carrie Gehrer. The collection was processed by Britney Crawford in August 2024.
Digital Content
Using the Collection
Preferred Citation note
Barnett-Aden Collection Exhibition Records, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Conditions Governing Use
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Preferred Citation
The Barnett-Aden Collection, Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Keywords
Anacostia Community Museum Archives
1901 Fort Place, SE
Washington, D.C. 20020
Business Number: Phone: 202-633-4853
ACMArchives@si.edu
