The Sculpture Center is pleased to host Seeing the Unseen, a panel discussion highlighting the equity issues relevant to the seenUNseen exhibition. seenUNseen, held in partnership with the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve and presented by the Cleveland Foundation, combines work from the Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art with a curated response of Northeast Ohio creators. The show, which closes November 16, features over 100 paintings, sculptures, textiles and mixed media pieces, and includes some of the nation’s most significant emerging and established African American artists.

Seeing the Unseen– a panel discussion moderated by Charles Peterson, is hosted by The Sculpture Center in partnership with Artists Archives of the Western Reserve and presented by the Cleveland Foundation.

What factors inhibit African American artists from obtaining the same visibility as their white peers? What are some ways to collectively overcome these barriers?  This enlightening panel discussion will be moderated by Charles Peterson, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Oberlin College and address some of the educational, financial, and cultural obstacles that challenge African American artists as they seek recognition in the art world.

The panel will include Cleveland emerging artist and social activist Kristi Copez and established artist Johnny Coleman. Copez, who works primarily in ceramics, is an artist-in-residence at the Artcraft Building and holds an A.A. in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution, a B.A. in Studio Art, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Theology & Pastoral Studies. Copez is a self-described “advocate-artist, blogger, chronic-illness-warrior, poetic-essayist, veteran and all-around Brazen woman!” Johnny Coleman, nationally known for his interdisciplinary sculpture and immersive sound installations, is an associate professor of studio art and Africana studies at Oberlin College.

Dr. Sonya Harris-Haywood, Senior Associate Dean & Clinical Associate Professor of NEOMED, will also be on the panel, providing a unique perspective which connects factors that inhibit African Americans from advancing in the medical field, to those in the art world.