The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Art Museum will present a tribute exhibition celebrating the legacy of Elizabeth Catlett – marking the 90th anniversary of her pioneering teaching career in Durham. This exhibition, open to both the NCCU community and the public through Sunday, March 16, 2025, showcases a curated selection of her works, including one of the few known paintings she created.
Renowned for her powerful depictions of African American life, Catlett’s work has influenced generations of artists, particularly those connected with the Black Arts movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Visitors will experience a compelling display of pieces that reflect her commitment to social justice, cultural identity and women’s empowerment.
The Legacy of Art and Activism
Catlett (1915–2012) was a groundbreaking artist and educator whose sculptures, prints, and paintings shed light on the lives, struggles and triumphs of African American communities. After initially being accepted to what is now Carnegie Mellon University but denied due to her race, she pursued her education at Howard University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Art. She later became the first African American woman to earn a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa.
Catlett’s career began in Durham, where she supervised elementary art programs, before teaching at Hillside High School. Her time in the city was pivotal – not only in launching her teaching career but also in shaping her philosophy of using “art for the service of people, struggling people, to whom only realism is meaningful.”
The NCCU Art Museum has preserved and celebrated Catlett’s work for years, recognizing her as an enduring symbol of artistic innovation and hope. In a full-circle moment, Carnegie Mellon University, which once denied her entry, awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree in 2008.
Plan Your Visit
The NCCU Art Museum is located at 580 East Lawson Street, across from the Farrison-Newton Communications Building on the campus of NCCU. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and admission is free.
Hours of operation:
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Sunday: 2-4 p.m.
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Tuesday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information or to schedule a group visit, call 919-530-6211.