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Paul R Jones Museum Unveils Recent Acquisitions in August

Radcliffe Bailey, “Between Two Worlds,” 2003, mixed media. The Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at The University of Alabama, purchase with museum funds in honor of Lin and Robert Olin, PJ2019.0002 ©Radcliffe Bailey. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

The Paul R. Jones Museum announces the opening show of the fall exhibition season: Recent Acquisitions: Additions to the Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at The University of Alabama 2015 – 2022. The works, including paintings, prints and mixed media works, will be on view from First Friday, August 5 through September 23, 2022, with a reception on First Friday, September 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Curator Emily Bibb has selected a variety of works acquired during the past seven years, including works by artists such as Beverly Buchanan, Ukuu Tafari (Antjuan Oden), Clementine Hunter, and Radcliffe Bailey. Bibb noted in the introduction to the catalog that “these additions to the collection allow us to show work by influential artists like Willie Cole, Thornton Dial and Purvis Young, and to add more art by female artists, younger artists at the beginning of their careers, and artists working outside the mainstream. From its inception, Paul R. Jones’ collection has been known for its strong focus on art by Black artists. These additions continue Jones’ mission to support artists who have been historically excluded from museum collections across the board. Collecting these artworks ensures their long-term preservation. It also enshrines the work of these artists as worthy of preservation, continuing attention and scholarly investigation.”

Recent Acquisitions has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Image credit: Radcliffe Bailey, Between Two Worlds, 2003, mixed media, Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at The University of Alabama, purchase with museum funds in honor of Lin and Robert Olin, PJ2019.0002 ©Radcliffe Bailey. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

The Paul R. Jones Museum is an essential part of the education and development of UA students and our community. Admission to the gallery is free. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on the First Friday of the month, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Call the museum at (205) 345-3038 or email the director for more information. The Paul R. Jones Museum is located at 2308 Sixth Street, in downtown Tuscaloosa, one block from the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center.

For more information about The University of Alabama’s programs in art history and studio art, visit our Degree Programs page.