=The 24th annual Black Student Art Show gives students the opportunity to explore and celebrate black history through art.

A large crowd came to Sunday’s opening night, and about thirty people attended the reception afterwards. Milissa McClaire, this year’s curator for the Holmes Student Center Gallery Lounge show, said the turnout was higher than in previous years.

McClaire, a sophomore art education major, believes art holds a strong place in African-American history.

“In African societies, art is essential and prominent in everything they do,” McClaire said. “This show is important because it gives black students on this campus exposure in terms of their art and exposes others to the culture.”

Van Amos, program coordinator at the Center of Black Studies, has followed this event closely for many years.

“There was a time when black people couldn’t express themselves in DeKalb, not politically nor artistically,” Amos said.

This event fosters a creative environment, said local artist Algenoy Alexander. His acrylic on canvas piece, “African American?” reflects on the mind-slaughter of Africans in America while reminding blacks of who they really are, Alexander said.

“This show has been a catalyst for the creative process,” said Alexander, an NIU alum and former Student Association vice-president. “The public was pleased and impressed, while artists like myself felt inspired to explore their artistic capabilities.”

“My favorite portraiture piece, ‘The Philosopher,’ was inspired by the look on the face of the person,” said Roosevelt Nunn Jr., a senior fine arts major.” It was something I had seen. I decided to draw it with the emotion that I felt; in the hopes to convey those feelings to my audience.”

Art speaks to many people and challenges them to not only look at normal things from a different perspective, but to look within and try something new, said Meosha Singleton, a senior corporate communication major.

“Deidra Avery, who was also in the show, pushed me to paint,” Singleton said. “I saw her doing it and intrigued natural ability it made me say ‘Maybe I should try’.”

Singleton enjoys the opportunity this gallery has given her and the other artists.

“A lot of people don’t have an appreciation for the arts,” she said. “But the idea that this is art done by people you see on campus every day may make the idea more appealing.”

The Black Student Art Show will be open until Feb. 17.

“I am looking forward to being a part of next year’s show, considering it is the 25th anniversary,” McClaire said.nate whinnery photo

Algenoy Alexander stands next to his acrylic piece, “African American?”, which is on display at the Holmes Student Center’s

Gallery Lounge. Alexander is one of several local artists showing their work to celebrate Black Heritage Month. The Black Student

Art Show will be open until Feb. 17.