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University Galleries to Host Art Exhibition, “Pieces of a Dream: Works by Andrena Stoddard Coleman”

By Markita C. Rowe / 01/18/2023 College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Jan. 18, 2023) – The University Galleries at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host a new art exhibition, “Pieces of a Dream: Works by Andrena Stoddard Coleman.” Highlighting Coleman’s fabric art, the show will open Thursday, Jan. 19, and run through Friday, Feb. 24.

The unique exhibition represents 16 colorfully designed works of fabric art, which consist of an array of emotional social commentary and spiritual themes ranging in sizes from centerpieces to bed quilts. Many of the works display African print fabrics as well as recycled T-shirts and wooden sculptures.

“This exhibition allows us to embrace our traditions while also engaging us in discussions about the serious contemporary challenges facing us today,” said Roy Carter, associate professor and director of the Visual Arts Program.

According to Coleman, owner and self-taught designer of Greensboro’s Drena’s Dream Quintessential Quilts, the eclectic collection of fabrics “ignites a sense of excitement with brilliant colors and designs. Each hand quilted design resonates memories of my great grandmother’s quilts, which allows the opportunity to reflect on the evolution of the piece.”

A native of Clinton, South Carolina, Coleman’s passion for fabrics developed as a child when she began sewing clothing for her dolls, which eventually turned into making clothing for herself and sisters. Her designs have been exhibited at the African American Atelier, the Delta Arts Center, and were featured among 100 quilters in the international quilt exhibit, “Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela.”

Several events open to the public will be held at the galleries in conjunction with the “Pieces of a Dream” exhibition, including:

Jan. 19: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (opening reception)
Guest Speaker: Deborah Barnes, Ph.D.
Quilting: Love Made Visible; Spirit Made Tangible - a brief talk on the impact of quilting in the African American community.

Jan. 26: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Guest Lecture: Gwendolyn Sneed O’Neal, Ph.D.
Conversation with the Artist: Artistic Practices, Cultural Significance and Social Influences

Feb 16: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Guest Lecture: James Mayes, Ph.D.
Sojourns: The Artistic Creations of Andrena Coleman and Writings of James P. Mayes

The University Galleries are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday by appointment. Exhibitions are free and open to the public and group tours are welcome. For more information, contact Roy Carter at 336-334-3209 or rcarter1@ncat.edu or visit the University Galleries website.

Media Contact Information: mcrowe@ncat.edu

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