Stepping into the South Side Community Art Center for the “Beyond Frames” exhibition, I felt an overwhelming sense of reverence and pride. This historic Bronzeville institution, the oldest Black American art center in the U.S., provided the perfect backdrop for a showcase that honors the profound impact of Black women collectors in Chicago.
Curated by Bethany Hill and rachel dukes, “Beyond Frames: Black Women Collectors Shaping Cultural Heritage in Chicago” is more than an art exhibition; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the women who have preserved and celebrated Black artistry through their personal collections. The exhibition features works from the collections of fourteen remarkable women, including Patricia Andrews-Keenan, Monique Brinkman-Hill, Frances Guichard and me, Christina Steed. Each collector shared pieces that bring them joy, represent their identity, or mark milestones in their collecting journey.
I shared three pieces with the Center for this exhibit. The artists were multigenerational: one a member of the Silent Generation, one a Gen X-er and one a Millennial. There is a common through-line across these three pieces of presenting Black people in a variety of experiences from celebrating Black intelligence and Black joy to Black tragedy.
The exhibition also pays homage to pioneering Black women collectors like Etta Moten Barnett, Dr. Margaret Burroughs, Frances Minor, Linda Murray, and Susan Woodson. These trailblazers laid the foundation for cultural preservation, often transforming their homes into galleries and creating networks to support Black artists.
“Beyond Frames” invites visitors to consider how art transcends traditional boundaries, engaging with lived experiences, ancestral homage, and memory. It’s a celebration of legacy, love, and the critical role Black women collectors play in sustaining African diasporic heritage.
For those passionate about art, culture, and community, this exhibition is a must-see. It runs through April 26, 2025, at the South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this powerful narrative of preservation and pride. And maybe be inspired to start collecting yourself.
