Diggs Gallery celebrated its 20th anniversary Oct. 15.
Since Diggs Gallery opened its doors to the public in 1990, it has served as a platform for African-American art and history in Winston-Salem.
Oct. 2 marked the Gallery’s true 20th anniversary, but had the celebration Oct. 15 that featured poetry, live music, and a journey through time documenting some of the highlights from the Gallery’s previous years.
Part of the presentation centered on the exhibit Pride and Dignity from the Hill, which chronicles the rich history of Winston-Salem’s oldest African-American community.
Ten years ago, when Belinda Tate took over as director for Diggs Gallery, about 500 students visited each year.
Last year, about 3,500 students visited the Gallery. Tate said that the huge jump seems to be a combination of the younger generation’s broadening interests and the incorporation of more exhibits that students can relate to.
One change Tate pointed to was how, in the past, students had very little interest in being associated with anything outside their major. Now, she says there are students from all different majors involved.
In past years, Tate said that this community needed the art to be brought to them.
Tate said she is working on ways to incorporate changing technology into exhibits.
She talked about the need to leverage technology “without taking away from the educational experience associated with viewing artwork.”
Tate said, “Mentioning that just because you see a picture of a great piece of art, it’s simply not the same as seeing the art in person.”
There is a certain appreciation that comes with experiencing art in person.
James Funches, a local artist and musician, understands this concept all too well. Funches, who has taught art and music in Winston-Salem, performed at the celebration.
He has been performing since high school and has gained notoriety for playing the saxophone.
After graduating from WSSU with a degree in Music Education and a minor in Art, Funches sharpened his skills as an artist, and found his niche in wire sculpting, which he learned from the famous Hayward Oubre.
Funches has been associated with Diggs Gallery since the early 90s.
“I’m excited about the role the gallery plays in the rising diversity in the art community, something that was not present when I first started,” Funches said.
He has a few pieces in the “Pride and Dignity from the Hill” exhibit, as well as one that is titled after him, created by his mentee Gregory Kimble.