Charles White [1918-1979] is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential African American artists of the 20th Century. Over the course of a 40-year career, he created powerfully gripping interpretations of the Black experience, with a confidence and technical skill that defined his mastery as a painter and draftsman. Although his art focused nearly exclusively on African American subjects, he believed his work had a broader appeal, stating, “I like to think that my work has a universality to it. I deal with love, hope, courage, freedom, and dignity – the full gamut of the human experience.”

It is worth noting several works in this collection were included in Charles White: A Retrospective, which traveled from the Art Institute of Chicago, to MoMA, to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The itinerary of this widely acclaimed 2018 tour followed the path of cities that White called home: Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Now, we are so grateful that his art will come to Catawba County where it will leave our community breathless and inspired.