News Release

Commemorating Our Nation's Struggle for Freedom

News Release Date: September 24, 2010

Exhibit featuring Topeka area artists.

August 1-September 29, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Free

During the months of August and September 2011, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is pleased to host a special locally-produced art exhibition. Members of Topeka's art community will exhibit new works created especially to commemorate the site's program series theme, Commemorating Our Nation's Struggle for Freedom: From Civil War to Civil Rights.

Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a strong thread in the national narrative has been the story of overcoming racism, prejudice, and discrimination so that all Americans can enjoy "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Over the years, many brave individuals have stood up to change the country for the better.

This exhibition will feature artwork that communicates the struggle for freedom and salutes the people who moved the nation toward the promise of its founding-the promise of equality for everyone.

Contest judges, Sherry Best and Cindi Morrison, reviewed the submissions and have selected the winning pieces. They commented, "We were glad to see such a mix of artists entering: people who have been making art for years and people who are young and just starting out. We were encouraged to see such a variety in interpretation also - from historic to contemporary issues of equality. We want to further encourage these artists to keep pursuing their work and to keep working to make America a wonderful nation."

We are pleased to announce the following prize winners:

1st Place: E. Vincent Wood III for Per Aspera
2nd Place: Jeff Pulaski for Frederick Douglass Poster
3rd Place: Kristine Luber for Black v. White

For more information, call Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site at [phone] or email by clicking here. Free and open to the public, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, 1515 SE Monroe Street, Topeka, Kansas 66612.