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Department of Art
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075
Telephone 413 538-2245

November 16, 1971

Miss Barbara Chase-Riboud
c/o Betty Parsons Gallery
24 W. 57th Street
New York, N.Y. 10019

Dear Miss Chase-Riboud:

The Friends of Art Club of Mount Holyoke College is planning an Afro-American art show and symposium on the validity and the effect of the Afro -American art show. This will perhaps be confusing or even contradictory for some of the artists who may not support such a show in the discussion, but the fact that the confusion exists is the point. Therefore, the real purpose of this panel and show is to bring to light the problems of Black artists today in trying to gain recognition and to sell their work. Hopefully, people will begin to think more about the implications of Black art shows and what the future will be like for aspiring Black artists as well as those who will still be trying to achieve recognition and those who already have. The Afro-American artist is truly a modern phenomenon and everyone, on the artist, institution, and public side, are still groping for ways of dealing with it.

It is expected that the entire 5 College Community - Smith College, Hampshire College, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke, and the University of Massachusetts, will become involved in this event, which will take place in early April. We are planning on having about 4 members on the panel, and we would be glad to have you in this group.

The show will probably be limited to female Black artists. Those entering pieces in the show will be asked to submit a statement on the topic, or a statement of why the artist does not wish to comment. In this way the show will reflect the theme of the symposium, and, in fact, of the whole event.

Enclosed are statements which suggest some of the issues and questions involved in the controversy. I hope you will reply to use as soon as possible and decide to join us in April.

Sincerely yours,
Patricia Ann Long
Patricia A. Long