Elmhurst College exhibit celebrates works by black artists

An exhibition of works from the personal art collection of Patric McCoy will play a key role in Elmhurst College’s annual Celebration of Black History, school officials said.

McCoy’s collection features hundreds of works of art by contemporary black artists. He will exhibit nearly 50 pieces in many media beginning this month — the first time any portion of his collection has been displayed for the general public.

The show, titled “A Diaspora Rhythm,” will run through Friday, Feb. 18, in the Founders Lounge of the college’s Frick Center, 190 Prospect Ave.

A reception will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, including a gallery talk given by McCoy at 5 p.m.

Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

McCoy is a founding member and president of Diasporal Rhythms, a Chicago-based organization of collectors of contemporary works by artists of the “African Diaspora.”

“This exhibition looks at the role of the collector and the importance of his/her capacity to encourage and support the development of artists,” said Suellen Rocca, curator and director of art exhibits at Elmhurst College.

“Patric McCoy and the other members of Diasporal Rhythms are truly passionate in their goal of sustaining and validating contemporary artists of African descent.”

This exhibit is one of a dozen shows Elmhurst College will present this academic year in three different on-campus venues.

“A Diaspora Rhythm” will feature the work of many artists, including: Sherman Beck, Greg Bray, Stacey Brow, Dalton Brown, Kay Campbell, Keithen Carter, Susan Clinard, Jerecho Delaney, Marc Du Bose, Alonza Evans, Lawrence Finney, Bernard Goss, Daryl Harris, Preston Jackson, Salome Jaffe, Maderia King, Yashua Klos, Tim Lemming, Tom Lucas, Geraldine McCullough, Joyce Owens, Michael Qualls, Mary Quian, Maty Sherod, Nelson Stevens, Al Tyler, Tony Wade, Dale Washington, Julian Williams and Maurice Wilson.

For details, visit elmhurst.edu or call (630) 617-3390.