The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Art Museum turns the spotlight on the notable Day family of North Carolina and Virginia in a featured exhibit running through Nov. 7.
The exhibit, titled “Annie Day Shepard Ancestry and Art Exhibition,” explores works by renowned master artisan, craftsmen and furniture maker Thomas Day Sr. The pieces were donated by Carolyn Green Boone, J.D., great granddaughter of Dr. James E. and Annie Day Shepard.
Day, a Dinwiddie County, Va., native was the grandfather of Annie Day Robinson Shepard, wife of university founder Dr. James E. Shepard. Also, on display is artwork and contributions from other Day family descendants.
NCCU alumna Meghan Adeena Allen Wilder, ’10, ’20, a fourth-generation niece of Shepard, coordinated the exhibit in honor of the Day family ancestry.
Several rare family photographs illustrating the family linage, a family tree and two pieces of furniture created by Day are included in the exhibit. New articles and books featuring his work are also on display.
Pieces in the exhibit include drawings, paintings, photo collages, 3D models, photographs, as well as fabric and examples of sewing techniques. Artists include Marjorie Mathews, Floyd Allen Jr., Jason Hinsey, Adrianna Hinsey and Alexia Hinsey, all of whom were related to Day.
Matthews provides a collection of handmade dolls displayed on pedestals and placed in front of the interior pillars of the gallery.
Allen exhibits a diverse range of works, including paintings, architectural drawings, 3D models and gestural line drawings.
Hinsey, a carpenter with experience working on Broadway plays and live concerts, offers a look into the home-building process through photo documentation of a staircase and railing that were components of his home.
New York-based artist Adrianna Hinsey shows paintings that reflect her stance on social and cultural issues.
The work of Alexia Hinsey includes crocheted stuffed animals of various varieties, including the use of fabric and sewing techniques.
The North Carolina Central University Art Museum is on Lawson Street across from the Farrison-Newton Communications Building. The NCCU Art Museum is on one level with no steps at the entrance. Every effort is made to make all NCCU Art Museum exhibits accessible to those with physical challenges.
The museum is operating in accordance with health and safety guidelines and adheres to North Carolina State executive orders. All visitors are required to wear face coverings, practice proper social distancing and adhere to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
The museum’s current operating schedule is Sunday, 1-3 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the museum occupancy is limited. To schedule a visit, please call 919-530-6211.
The museum will also host a closing reception during the 2021 Ultimate Homecoming Experience, scheduled for Nov. 2.
