University Galleries to Host In-Person Exhibition, “Freedom Ship: The Works of Curtis James”

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 19, 2021) – The University Galleries at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will open its in-person exhibition, “Freedom Ship: The Works of Curtis James” on April 1, 2021 to run until June 30, 2021. The exhibition features 18 works by James that illustrate the 2006 children’s book, “Freedom Ship” by Doreen Rappaport. The story is based on the life of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who piloted the slave ship, Planter, carrying other escaped slaves to freedom past the confederate battleships in Charleston, South Carolina. The exhibition was made possible through the generous art donation by Texas businessman Arthur Primas, who donated 35 works of art, including works by James and Bryan Collier. 

James is originally from Albany, Georgia and moved to New York in 1985 to attend Pratt Institute, where he received his B.F.A. and M.F.A. in fine arts. He has garnered several honors and awards including the Albany Georgia Museum Purchase Award, the Gold Key Award from Savannah College of Art and the Gold Medal for Outstanding Artist from the Georgia's State Board of Education.

James has exhibited at the Historical Museum Alabama, Albany Museum of Art (Georgia), Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Cathedral of St. John Divine and Siena College (New York), Chicago Black Fine Arts Show (hosted by Oprah Winfrey) and The Black Alumni of Pratt Institute's '30/30' exhibition (selected by Jacob Lawrence).

James’ credits span across numerous programming and platforms including:

Media credits
E Entertainment TV, CNN, CBS, FOX, Showtime's Soul Food television series, and WJIZ Radio

Magazine credits
His magazine credits include Essence, Ebony, American Legacy, Upscale and People Magazine

Movie credits
Disney's Step Up 2

Book illustrations
“Vampire Bugs”
“Linda Brown You Are Not Alone”
“The School Is Not White”

Tyler Perry, the late Johnny Cochran, Susan Taylor, Holly Robinson-Pete and other public figures have James’ work in their collections.

The public can visit the University Galleries website for other virtual opportunities, including the virtual exhibit, “Black Art Matters." The University Galleries is hosting the in-person exhibition, “Behind the Veil: Portraiture in African American Art.” Social distancing and groups of 10 or less will be observed.

The University Galleries are located in the Dudley Building, 202 University Circle, off East Market Street on the A&T campus. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and Saturday by appointment only.