Each One Teach One

Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at.
– Quincy Jones

For the artists featured in this exhibition, sharing their gifts with others is an inextricable part of their work and lives. Each One Teach One: Preserving Legacy in Perpetuity is seated in our Main Gallery featuring the work of over thirty artists who have taken part in the meaningful exchange of wisdom, ideas, process, career, culture, and more. The works of mentors are juxtaposed alongside the work of their mentees, highlighting the indelible impact the relationship has had on both parties. The artists included in the exhibition speak to their experiences in their own words, translating what can be seen in the power of their art into a narrative that shines a light on the importance of the mentor/mentee relationship. Featuring sculptural works, paintings, fiber arts, collage, and more this exhibition in partnership with Art in the Atrium, Inc. explores another dimension of Black art and artistry, emphasizing the importance of legacy, community, and the profound impact it has on the arts.

The artists included in the exhibition speak to their experiences in their own words, translating what can be seen in the power of their art into a narrative that shines a light on the importance of the mentor/mentee relationship. Well-known ATA artists such as Danny Simmons, Ben F. Jones, Gladys Barker Grauer, David Driskell, Willie Cole, and Norman Lewis have all participated in this reciprocal relationship. Featuring sculptural works, paintings, fiber arts, collage, and more this exhibition explores another dimension of Black art and artistry, emphasizing the importance of legacy, community, and the profound impact it has on the arts.

The selected artists in this exhibition are Viki Craig, Wannetta Phillips, Ellaree Pray, Danny Simmons, Ife East, Kern Bruce, Ben F. Jones, Mansa Mussa, Eleven Muldrow, Gladys Barker Grauer, Danielle Scott, David Driskell, Gwendolyn Jackson, Bryant Small, Anthony Boone, Sontonya Necheal, Dawn Stringer, Gannon Crutcher, Eleta J. Caldwell, Bisa Washington, Theda Sandiford, Cheryl R. Riley, Willie Cole, Lester Johnson, Beverly McCutcheon, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Nette Forne Thomas, Timothy Simmons, Suliman Onque, Onnie Strother, Curtis Grayson, Russell Murray, Jose Manuel Cruz, Fausto Sevila, Juno Zago, and Norman Lewis.

This exhibition is curated by Art in the Atrium, Inc.’s Nette Forne’ Thomas, Onnie Strother, Bryant Small, and Ron Powell with Michelle Graves, Curator, Morris Museum.

Support for this exhibition is provided by M&T Bank and the Joseph Robert Foundation.

Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt, Black-led arts organization that was founded in Morristown, New Jersey in 1991. Since its inception 30 years ago, ATA has annually exhibited four floors of African American fine art in the Atrium Gallery in Morristown, becoming the largest exhibit of its kind in the state. With a mission to celebrate Black excellence, support the careers and lives of Black fine artists, and create opportunities for emerging voices in Black art, ATA has done that and more. Since its founding ATA has given over $30,000 in scholarships to promising BIPOC arts students and has spurred economic activity in the community by selling approximately $500,000 in fine art by rising and established Black artists at its annual and satellite art exhibits for corporate and government partners. Past exhibits have featured such masters as David Driskell, Willie Cole, Deborah Willis, Benny Andrews, Elizabeth Catlett, Bisa Butler, Janet Taylor Pickett and Faith Ringgold. In 2001 and again in 2016, the organization was named “Arts Organization of the Year” by Morris Arts.

Image Caption: Ife East; Enroute to Wisdom, 2022; Mixed Media; 22” x 30”.
Kern Bruce; Black American Refugee, 2022; Mixed media; 16″ x 21”; On loan courtesy of the artist.