GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE
GRAMBLING, LOUISIANA
(318) 274-2560
(318) 274-3330 FAX
mediarelations@gram.edu
For Immediate Release: October 16, 2008
McConnell art collection dedication
set for Friday
GRAMBLING-----The
dedication ceremony for 15 pieces of African art from the collection GSU
alumnus Ira W. McConnell will be held from 11 a.m.-noon Friday at the GSU
Art Gallery in Dunbar Hall.
McConnell, a Houston CPA, said he began collecting African Art in the summer of 1991 when an interior designer that was working with his accounting firm recommended the purchase of some tribal spears for display on the walls of the reception area in his office.
When he was introduced to the owner of an art gallery in Houston, he became hooked on the art.
“I was immediately impressed by the quality of the workmanship on the wood and ivory carvings and bronze castings. I established a wonderful relationship with the owner of the gallery and began to learn more from him about the ritual and ceremonial use of the art,” McConnell said. “The more I learned, the more intrigued I became. I was initially quite attracted to the art of the Dogon people in Mali. I later learned that the Dogon people focused on the study of numerology. That’s no coincidence, given that I am a CPA.”
The exhibit
is composed of 10 pieces of wood sculpture or shrine figures, two ritual
spoons, two masks, and one bronze container piece. Primarily from West Africa,
the regions of origin range from the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Angola and
Mali. Most African Sculpture was designed for ceremonial or ritualistic
purposes. The estimated value of the exhibit is more than $300,000.
Donna McGee, Chair of the Department of Art, said the donation will enhance the university’s collection.
“We are thrilled to be the recipient of this collection of art works. By giving this gift the McConnells provide an opportunity for GSU constituents and the community to enjoy communion with African heritage and culture,” McGee said.
For more information or special arrangements please call 318-274-2274. After the feature exhibition the works will be installed in A.C. Lewis Memorial Library.
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