Salon Series Discussion
Bert Gallery Owner Catherine Little Bert on “Struggle, Strength and Dignity: Sculptor Nancy Elizabeth Prophet (1890 – 1960)
There were many obstacles for artists in America in the early 20th century, but for an African American and a woman the challenges were momentous. Nancy Elizabeth Prophet did not balk at discrimination and societal mores; she confronted them directly across all fronts – art training, European studies, exhibition opportunities, awards and employment. These accomplishments did not come without pain, sacrifice, and isolation, but the Rhode Island artist persevered, documenting her legacy as an African American woman to create some of the most remarkable sculpture in the early 20th century.
Catherine Little Bert will look Prophet’s life, body of work, and obstacles she faced as an African American woman from the various perspectives of the art world: museums, galleries, and the market place. This event is part of the collaborative series of multidisciplinary events funded in part by the RI Council for the Humanities; full list of events here.
Sponsor: Jodi L Glass, bringing you COMMUNISONG – building community through song.
About Bert Gallery: Bert Gallery, Inc was founded in 1985 by Hugo Bert and Catherine Little Bert to showcase and preserve the rich art tradition of Rhode Island. Located in the Providence Biltmore Hotel in downtown for seven years, the gallery re-located in 1992 to its present location along the historic Old Harbor waterfront at 540 South Water Street.
With the move, Catherine Little Bert became sole proprietor. The gallery expanded its exhibition schedule to include regional contemporary artists along with launching a series of exhibitions of 19th century Rhode Island artists. Keeping to the mission of researching, showcasing and preserving paintings from the region, Catherine has organized over fifty exhibits dedicated to trends and styles embraced by New England artists.
These efforts continue with a dedicated exhibition space, the Studio Collection, which offers visitors an opportunity to view the historic inventory and the artists’ estates managed by the gallery.
