Tubman African American Museum

The Tubman African Art Museum is located in Macon, GA. I stumbled upon this museum when I went to Macon to visit one of my clients, Technicon Engineering. The vision for the museum was created by, Father Richard Keil, pastor of the Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church. He purchased a vacant warehouse with the hopes of building a museum that was dedicated the African American history and culture. Together the church members along with high school faculty and students and other supporters they were able to open their doors as the Harriet Tubman Center for Spiritual and Cultural Awareness in 1985. The center was named in honor of the late Harriet Tubman who was known for helping to free slaves during the Civil war by utilizing the Underground Railroad system. The center has grown tremendously over the years. Through its expansion they have also changed the name to “Tubman African American Museum to better reflect the organization’s mission to educate people about African American art, history and culture.” “http://www.tubmanmuseum.com/geninfo/history.htm. The Tubman center has a strong focus on teaching. They have after school programs, workshops and outreach programs. The Center truly appears to be living up to its name. The history is unbelievable.
What is most impressive is the fact they display exhibitions for the world renown as local talent.

Their current exhibit is called Folk Art. The exhibit displays artwork that is created by individuals that do not have a formal art education. All of the artists are African American and the southeast part of the country. You would not believe what they see as art and use to create their designs, sculptures or paintings. I am looking at artwork made from tree trunks and branches, aluminum pieces, wall paper and other every day items that they used to express themselves.

The piece that I found most enlightening is by an artists name Jeffery Daniels; the sculpture is called “Vision”. I am not sure what to make of the sculpture. The center of the sculpture is a tree trunk. The trunk is flanked by a yellow light bulb, a crushed can, several toothpicks and some small purple things. Not exactly sure that they are. I know this doesn’t sound attractive, but based on the name it is truly a vision. When you look at the sculpture it reminds you of a colorful summer day. It is a very playful piece that is full of life.

I am glad that I stopped to view their current exhibition. They current quarters are very cramped so they don’t have many exhibits on display. Their workshops and art classes are held offsite, but the good news is that they have a 49,000 square foot building in process. I checked it out on their website and the building is fantastic. I will make it a point to come back and visit the new location. Unfortunately, i don't have any pictures as this was an impropmtu visit, however, i strongly encourage you to visit their website at http://www.tubmanmuseum.com/newbuilding/