Southern University Museum in Shreveport preserves African art, culture
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – There is a unique place that is preserving African art and culture in downtown Shreveport.
With unique architecture and artifacts, visitors can find stories of the past that educate and inspire people toward the future inside the Southern University Museum of Art. It is the only museum in north Louisiana that focuses on African-American art, history, and culture.
More Black History stories
'Art represents the place and time it was represented in. So when you look at the art you get an idea of the struggles, but also their victories and their achievements. The art teaches you that can move forward and you can grow,' said Eric Francis, museum coordinator.
Francis provides free tours to the public where he will explain the works of art and their significance in history. Visitors of all ages are invited. During Black History Month, the museum offered a drum circle educational program for children.
'They will light up because it's a bunch of things they didn't know. It makes me realize how important and essential it is for their history,' Francis said.
The museum houses more than 300 African pieces. Displaying rituals, symbolism, and family traditions using passed down techniques.
'They've been passing down the techniques since the 13th century. It goes from father to son. They're teaching them how to cast with bronze. It's a real beautiful technique. I would love people to come here and see it,' Francis said.
The items were donated by the museum's founder, Dr. Leon Tarver and Dr. William Bertrand after travels to Africa and meeting with artists. Tarver brought back different pieces made by Nigerian artists and smaller tribal communities. The first floor features local and regional artists from northwest Louisiana. This month's feature artist is Hillary Frazier who incorporates digital designs.
'Her art is so beautiful. You can see the intricate details of the composition. It really speaks to her love of storytelling. Each painting tells a different story,' Francis said.
Francis's favorite piece is a life-sized statue of Harriet Tubman.
'You get an idea of her size. She wasn't that big of a woman but she did such amazing things. It's so intricate and details are so fine. I really love it,' Francis said.
The museum is meant to provide a calming, laid back experience as visitors absorb the artworkwhile learning about important figures in American history throughout turbulent eras of reconstruction and civil rights. With stark reminders of the slave trade, including letters written by slave holders and even chains worn by slaves.
'We preserve art through records that includes pictures, artifacts, and other treasure works. The reason why we do that is for future generations. They can learn from and they can honor what people did before them,' Francis said.
He said it is history is told through art.
The Southern University Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is located inside the Southern University Metro Center on Texas Street.
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