A tidy, tan shop front in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa hosts one of the world’s largest collections of 20th century African-American art. In 2008 the late Paul Jones donated more than 1,700 pieces of his Collection of American Art, valued at nearly $5 million, to the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama and are on rotational display at the downtown gallery throughout the year.
Described as a civil rights activist, Paul Raymond Jones began collecting art in the 1960s when he noticed a shortage of African-American representation in public art exhibits. He collected pieces created in a variety of mediums and from more than 600 artists. Jones wanted his collection used for educational purposes, so his donation to the university has been incorporated to the school’s curricula as a means to promote artistic significance and cultural awareness. Some of the works are on display at galleries on campus and will be made available to other academic institutions and museums throughout the state.
The current gallery exhibit, “In Miniature,” showcases some of the smaller pieces from Jones’ collection and is on display until August 23, 2016.
The gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on the first Friday of each month from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Be sure to visit the one and only Paul R. Jones Gallery at 2308 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. For more information, contact gallery Director Karen Kennedy at (205)345-3038 or visit http://paulrjonescollection.as.ua.edu/ for more details.
Written by: Karley Fernandez, TTS Public Relations Intern
Looking for a weekend event that the entire family can enjoy? Live at the Plaza is just that. Due to last year’s tremendous success, the Tuscaloosa City Council approved the second annual Live at the Plaza concert series to be held every Friday night in June and July in the Government Plaza.
This concert series will run from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday night and will feature live music from local bands. The Government Plaza, located downtown behind City Hall, provides the perfect family-friendly atmosphere to the Tuscaloosa community.
If live music alone doesn’t get you excited about this event; did we mention that these weekly concerts are free to the public? Yes, everyone can enjoy great local, live music for free. In addition to that, concert-goers are allowed to bring to alcoholic beverages to the events, but it can only be consumed during the time of the concert.
What makes this event truly unique is that it is really something for all ages to enjoy. Whether you are a kid, college student, middle age or a senior you’ll really enjoy this community-wide event.
The first event of the concert series kicks off this Friday, June 3, and will feature music from the Matt Jones Trio, a folk-rock band.
Furthermore, the June 10 concert will feature Lickety Split, a bluegrass band, and will play host to an open competition from the Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest. More acts are being scheduled and will be announced as they are finalized.
Bring your coolers and lawn chairs and join the #OneandOnly Tuscaloosa each and every Friday this summer at Live at the Plaza for great music and fun!
Written by: Adrian Gee, TTS Public Relations Intern