Liz Andrews

Join us for an enriching discussion on the exhibition ​“Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman Art Collection” led by its curator, Liz Andrews.

This exhibition, developed in collaboration with the Art Bridges Foundation, marks the 25^th anniversary of the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art and underscores its mission to elevate art by and about women of the African diaspora. Spanning over a century of African American art, the Spelman College art collection is a testament to the rich and diverse history of Black artistic expression.

“Silver Linings” features 40 works from the Spelman collection, highlighting a broad spectrum of artistic styles, materials, and historical contexts. The exhibition invites viewers to explore themes of identity, color, materiality, history, and the concept of ​“place,” reflecting the varied experiences of artists from the African diaspora in the United States and Western Europe.

Liz Andrews, who has been the Director of the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art since August 2021, has curated nationally recognized exhibitions and created dynamic public programs. Her work has provided invaluable opportunities for students to engage with art, curating, and collections management. Before joining Spelman, Andrews was part of the Director’s Office at LACMA, where she co-curated the acclaimed ​“Black American Portraits” exhibition and contributed to its accompanying book. A Denver native, Andrews holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University, an M.A. from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies.

“Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman Art Collection” is on view at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) through January 5, 2025.

Presented in partnership with the University of Michigan Museum of Art. 

Series presenting partners: Detroit PBS and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Radio