Join the Academy of American Poets, Swann Galleries, and Cave Canem Foundation on September 10, 2015, at 7 p.m. for an exclusive exhibition of Dr. Maya Angelou’s extensive art collection. This will be the first and only time the public will have the opportunity to view the collection. To elucidate her legacy, Pulitzer Prize winner Gregory Pardlo will speak on Dr. Angelou’s literary and artistic work. The event is free, but R.S.V.P.s are required. One can R.S.V.P. for the event at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebration-of-maya-angelous-poetic-legacy-with-pulitzer-prize-winning-poet-gregory-pardlo-tickets-17920841720
Dr. Angelou’s collection presents a unique side of this beloved poet that her devoted readers won’t want to miss. Collection highlights include a painted story quilt by Faith Ringgold, entitled Maya's Quilt of Life. A quintessential example of Ringgold's work, Oprah Winfrey commissioned the quilt for Dr. Angelou's birthday in 1989. Also included is a monumental painting by John Biggers, Kumasi Market, oil and acrylic on masonite board, 1962, which reflects both Biggers's and Dr. Angelou's interest in African culture.
On September 15, 2015, Swann Galleries will auction The Art Collection of Maya Angelou. At seventy-five, Swann is the oldest specialty auction house in New York City. For more information about the auction or the exhibition, please visit swanngalleries.com.
Gregory Pardlo is the author of two poetry collections, Digest (Four Way Books, 2014), which received the 2015 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry and was shortlisted for the 2015 NAACP Image Award, and Totem, which received the American Poetry Review/Honickman Prize in 2007.
The Academy of American Poets is the largest member-supported organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. The organization produces Poets.org, one of the world’s most popular poetry resources; National Poetry Month; the popular Poem-a-Day series; American Poets magazine; resources for K-12 educators; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events.