N.C. A&T Students, Faculty Join HBCU Colloquium and Art Exhibition with Tennessee State

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 28, 2025) – This fall, 15 students and five faculty from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) will step outside the classroom to take part in a collaborative exchange of art and culture.

Partnering with the Tennessee State University (TSU) Department of Art and Design, the two historically Black universities will host the HBCU Colloquium and Art Exhibition from Monday, Aug. 18, to Thursday, Sept. 11, at TSU’s Hiram Van Gordon Gallery.

The HBCU Colloquium and Art Exhibition creates a shared space for exploration, expression and academic discussion among HBCU art departments. It brings together students, artists and educators to engage in meaningful conversations through curated artwork that reflects the HBCU experience, current social issues and cultural identity.

This year’s initiative allows N.C. A&T’s visual and performing arts students to experience art “on-the-go,” exposing them to new perspectives while helping them shape their creative voices. Students will collaborate with peers from other institutions, observe curatorial practices firsthand and engage in conversations with working professionals.

As part of the exhibition’s programming, A&T will host a series of interactive events Friday, Aug. 29. The day will include a student-led talk and an artist panel discussion at the Hiram Van Gordon Gallery featuring special guest, A&T alumnus Herb Gray ‘90 philanthropist and owner of Life Enhancement Services, mental and behavioral healthcare agency.

Gray will share insights about his African American art collections and their role in preserving cultural identity. The evening will conclude with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m., celebrating A&T’s contributions to the exhibition and highlighting the strength of its visual arts program.

A&T’s visual arts program, housed in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the creative industries. The program provides students with a strong foundation in both traditional and modern art techniques, incorporating hands-on studio work, art history, media production and teaching methods.

“This experience helps our students to grow as artists, expand their ideas, and build meaningful connections with peers and faculty,” said John Henry Jr., DMA, VPA department chair. “It’s a valuable opportunity that strengthens our program and demonstrates the talent we cultivate.”

For more information about the HBCU Colloquium United and Art Exhibition, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/art or call (615) 963-5921.