The Taubman Museum of Art approached the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) about donating a large scale work to the City of Roanoke. The piece was created in 1995 during a workshop when local students worked with artist Benny Carter. “Big Al Carter” was an African-American painter based in Alexandria, Virginia, who had previously worked on many other mural projects before conducting one for the Art Museum of Western Virginia.
The week-long workshop for gifted art students from the surrounding area was held in conjunction with an exhibition at the museum of Mr. Carter’s work. Fifteen students were selected from four area high schools (North Cross, Cave Spring, Lord Botetourt, and Patrick Henry) based on their demonstrated artistic talents.
Using imagery symbolic of Roanoke’s history, Mr. Carter and the students planned and executed the 24-by-8 foot mural on six plywood panels, using exterior-grade paint. After completion, the mural was exhibited in Mr. Carter’s exhibition, and then was mounted on the outside of Center in the Square facing the City Market for several months.
The piece is currently in storage at the Taubman Museum. The Collections Committee of the RAC recommended that it be accepted into the City of Roanoke Art Collection and the Arts Commission concurred. The Collections Committee met with staff, including the General Manager of the Roanoke Civic Center and chose a location for the mural to be installed on the wall in the pre-function area immediately outside the special events center at the Roanoke Civic Center.
The work is currently valued at $6,125.
Thanks. I was one of the art students that painted this.
Funny! I clean out the garage and toss stuff like that but the Taubman “donates” it…..now, what will the city do with it??? Maybe they can find someone to accept it as a “donation”. Trash by any other name…a donation.