Established in 1867 by seven African-American men who sought to provide higher education for their community, Fayetteville State University is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It is home to the Rosenthal Gallery, named after Emil Rosenthal, an FSU trustee who served the university for over 30 years. The Rosenthal offers both national and international exhibits that travel throughout the country. The gallery is easily accessed, with a spiral design that allows the viewer to enjoy the works in elegant surroundings. You can preview its exhibitions and learn more about the art housed in the gallery through the college's website.
A small state university in North Carolina, Elizabeth City hosts a modest student body of about 2,500 students with almost 40 different majors. Established in 1891, Elizabeth City was founded with the education of black teachers in mind. Elizabeth City hosts an annual Spring Arts Festival hosted by the department of humanities, with a permanent exhibition hall in the Micky Burnim Fine Arts Center, where you can view any number of works by the students and faculty. Elizabeth City also hosts shows in various local art galleries, including the Red Rabbit Gallery in downtown Elizabeth City.
Coppin State University was established in 1900 as a teacher's college for the African-American population of Baltimore, Maryland. It was named for a pioneer in teacher education, Fanny Jackson Coppin. A four-year program was established in 1938. Photographer and renowned lecturer Cary Beth Cryor is the namesake of Coppin State's art gallery, the Cary Beth Cryor Gallery. Ms. Cryor was a renowned photographer who dedicated her time and effort to building Cryor's art department, as well as managing an international career as a photographer. The gallery is free to the public and displays artwork by both faculty, students and talented local artists.
Located in historic New Orleans, Dillard University is a private, traditionally black liberal arts college that was founded in 1869. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. The Dillard University Art Gallery, located in the Cook Communications Center, presents student and faculty exhibitions that are free to the public. Private viewings are available by appointment.