James Bennett Exhibition

KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE ELMER LUCILLE ALLEN GALLERY PRESENTS

FROM RED EARTH TO PROPHETIC CREATIONS JAMES G. BENNETT PAINTINGS 1978-2024 February 7 - March 28, 2025

KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE ELMER LUCILLE ALLEN GALLERY PRESENTS

FROM RED EARTH TO PROPHETIC CREATIONS JAMES G. BENNETT PAINTINGS 1978-2024 February 7 - March 28, 2025

Support for this program is provided in part by: Brown-Forman Kentucky Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet Kentucky Arts Council Metro Louisville

Artwork on Cover:

The Mindset by James G. Bennett 1.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE From the 1920s to the 1950s, Old Walnut Street in downtown Louisville was a center for African American culture and business in the region. Black-owned businesses thrived, and the musical venues and theaters brought people of all cultures to the area. Urban renewal in the ‘50s ended much of this, but we haven’t forgotten our past.

In 1994, the African American Heritage Foundation (AAHF) began with the initial goal of preserving African American sites, communities, and culture. This started with the preservation of historic structures in the African American community in Louisville, as well as the use of historic markers to recognize important sites.

The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is the next step in this process of preservation, with the added goal of acting as a source of revitalization and education for the Kentucky African American community and beyond. An evolution of the Louisville and Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee, the Heritage Center is a place for African American spoken word, visual and performingartists, to collaborate and give the rich heritage of African Americans the voice and platform they deserve.

The Heritage Center’s campus sits on the historic Louisville Street Railway Complex, a centerpiece for the fight for transportation equality in 1876. Since the renovation of the 55,000 sq. foot campus, we’ve worked to raise public awareness about the history, heritage, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky and in the African Diaspora.

The Heritage Center is also a vital, contemporary institution, providing space for exhibitions and performances of all types.

Located at 18th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the Heritage Center overlooks the area that once was Old Walnut Street. This area holds special significance for Kentuckiana’s African American community. Through the efforts of the Heritage Center, with help from the community, we hope to make it a place of cultural significance once more. The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is dedicated to the sole purpose of showcasing our community’s triumphs. Here, African American history has the platform to share its monumental achievements with the community in which they took place.

OUR MISSION KCAAH’s goals are to enhance the public’s knowledge about the history, heritage and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky, and in the African Diaspora. In addition to its commitment to preserving the traditions and accomplishments of the past, the Center is a vital, contemporary institution, providing space for exhibitions and performances of all types.

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ABOUT ELMER LUCILLE ALLEN GALLERY The main gallery at the Heritage Center is named after a hometown hero from Louisville, Kentucky, Elmer Lucille Allen. She paved the way for women in science, the arts, and community building. In 1966, after years of being denied positions in her field, she became the first African-American woman chemist at Brown-Forman. Upon retiring in 2002, she pursued her lifelong passion for art and textile design. At the age of 71, Allen earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts from the University of Louisville, concentrating on textiles, ceramics, and mixed media. With her work displayed throughout Kentucky, Allen’s life journey combined science and the arts, marking her as a pioneer before the STEM/STEAM education movement aimed at preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

The Elmer Lucille Allen Gallery houses a bronze bust of Elmer Lucille Allen, created by artist/ sculptor Terri Gilmore. Elmer Lucille Allen is a dedicated and selfless mentor, as well as a highly respected contributor to our community. She deserves the recognition this sculpture will provide, both now and for future generations. Allen embodies excellence in both science and the arts. Her life serves as a model to inspire everyone, particularly future generations entering the 21st-century workforce.

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ABOUT THE CURATORS

Julia Youngblood, founder of Youngblood Harmonizing Arts, is recognized in the arts and social justice communities for her multifaceted contributions and commitment to fostering creativity and cultural equity. She has received the 2024 Fund for the Arts Community Event Grant, the 2023 Curate, Purchase, Inspire award from Louisville Visual Art, and the 2022 Indiana Arts Commission On-Ramp fellowship.

Julia’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennington College and a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her diverse skill set encompasses arts education, photography, Jin Shin Jyutsu practice, and multidisciplinary artistry, showcased in solo and group exhibitions across Kentucky, Vermont, New Mexico, and California. Her recent solo exhibition, “Held in the Sway,” featuring captivating paintings and printed textiles, was hosted at Lodgic Loft Gallery in 2022. With a rich history of community engagement, Julia dedicated sixteen impactful years to directing ArtsReach, a renowned community arts program at Kentucky Performing Arts. Her commitment to advancing cultural equity extends beyond local initiatives, as evidenced by her participation in panels for esteemed institutions such as the National Endowment for the Arts and The Kentucky Arts Council. Julia serves as an advisor on cultural equity for the Kentucky Peer Advisory Network.

Driven by a profound belief in the healing and transformative power of art, she is deeply passionate about promoting individual and community wellbeing. Julia actively engages with various community organizations, including KCAAH’s Samuel Plato Industrial and Creative Arts Institute, JCPS Elev8, Molo Village, Maryhurst, BluePrint 502, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, and Dreams with Wings, facilitating artsbased programming designed to empower individuals and foster connection. In addition to her community involvement, Julia plays a vital role in supporting exhibitions and curation at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, further exemplifying her dedication to amplifying diverse voices and narratives within the arts landscape. Julia’s tireless advocacy for cultural equity and her holistic approach to art and wellness inspire and uplift communities, embodying her vision of harmonizing mind, body, and spirit for a better world.

Aukram Burton’s extensive career as a photographer and producer has taken him on a global journey, capturing the essence of diverse cultures across continents. His por tfolio spans an array of destinations, including Barbados, Brazil, Benin, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria, Panama, Senegal, South Africa, Tibet, and various locales throughout the United States. His work serves as a visual narrative of humanity’s rich tapestry.

Aukram holds a Bachelor of Ar ts in Ar t, a Master of Education in Instructional Design, and a Cer tificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in International Education. He fur ther honed his exper tise as a research fellow at the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Aukram has curated numerous exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Notable national exhibitions include “Glimpses of the Middle Kingdom” at the Museum of the National Center of AfroAmerican Ar tists in Boston, Massachusetts (1986), “Images From Nigeria” at the Cone Center Gallery, University of Nor th Carolina, Charlotte (1998), and “Journeys Through the African Diaspora” at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (2012). Internationally, Aukram has curated exhibitions such as the “Boston Collective Group Exhibition” at the Guangzhou Fine Ar ts Academy in Guangzhou, China, as par t of a bilateral cultural exchange between Massachusetts and Guangdong Province (1986), and “Journeys Through the African Diaspora,” a permanent photography exhibition at Universidad del Valle Sede Pacifico in Buenaventura, Colombia (2018). In recognition of his dedication to cultural exploration, in January 2023, Aukram received a curator travel grant from the Great Meadows Foundation, allowing him to conduct curatorial research in Benin, West Africa, and explore oppor tunities for ar t and cultural exchange.

Aukram’s curation approach reflects his profound understanding of cultural nuances and his steadfast commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.

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INDEX

Pg. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Rayssa Reflection Pg. 9 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. She Turned Pg. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Sudanic Crucifixion

4. Pink Wraps Pg. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. New York Model Pg. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Tree Knowledge

7. Miss Hope Pg. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Bright Eyes Pg. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9. Real History Pg. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10. My Mountain Vision

11. How Long Pg. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12. The Mindset

13. Daddy Practicing Pg. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14. Red Rose

15. Sudanic Awaken Pg. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16. The Subtle Beginning Pg. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17. Butterfly Nemesis

18. Pose Dance Pg. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19. Algerian Mercenary

20. The Wait Pg. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21. Papa Sowing

22. Water Tower Pg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23. Setting Red

24. Derby Sight

25. Edited Serenade Pg. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26. Pink Blossom Pg. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27. Kemetic Queen Pg. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28. Melting

29. The Reason Pg. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30. Freedom

31. I Wish She Were Back Pg. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32. Civil War Victory Explained

33. Gaza Pg. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34. John Lewis – Good

35. Feared

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"M y mother encouraged my interest in art as a constructive outlet for my hyperactivity. As a result, I developed a lifelong devotion to painting and photography, which led to my becoming a professional photographer. This career allowed me to document numerous organizations, events, and historical figures both in and outside of Louisville. My love for painting has been shared on a personal rather than a commercial basis.

That payoff has been one daughter, an award-winning artist, a son, and another incredibly creative daughter.

Photo Courtesy JaBani Bennett, 2024

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" – James Bennett

ABOUT THE ARTIST

"I have found purpose in my artistic endeavors by documenting significant people and events in my community and beyond while inspiring my children's creativity. Creativity is a labor of love with an enduring legacy." – James Bennett

This retrospective exhibition showcases 35 works by Louisville native James G. Bennett. Bennett is a seasoned and prolific self-taught artist whose creative journey spans over four decades. He is an interdisciplinary artist skilled in paper mâché, plastics, oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting. His vibrant community murals capture the essence of public storytelling. After decades of working as a chemical technician in Louisville’s Rubber Town, Bennett recycled plastic waste and found other objects for creative experimentation.

As a cornerstone of Louisville’s cultural history, Bennett has meticulously documented its evolution as a community photographer. Guided by the legendary Bud Dorsey and a cadre of unsung local photographers, he cofounded the groundbreaking Black-led modeling, entertainment, and photography collective Black Exposure, active during the 1970s and 1980s. Most recently, Bennett was the featured photographer for 25 youth-designed banners showcasing West Louisville’s heritage.

In addition to painting, Bennett devotes his time to empowering community elders by enhancing their digital engagement, ensuring they stay connected in an increasingly virtual world. Renowned for his generosity and humility, Bennett is beloved by his community, which appreciates his contributions and spirit, truly embodying the title of “artist.” Encouraged by his mother to explore art as a constructive outlet for his hyperactivity, Bennett developed a lifelong passion for painting and photography, ultimately becoming a professional photographer. This career allowed him to document numerous organizations, events, and historical figures in and around Louisville. Until now, his love for painting has been shared personally but never with the community. Although his work has not been exhibited publicly until now, he has expressed gratitude for the creative successes and visibility of his children, JaBani, Jameson, and Nubia.

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01. Rayssa Reflection, 1978 Acrylic on Cloth 68” x 48” • $7,000

8.

02. She Turned, 1983 Mixed Media on Plexiglass 49” x 19” • $700

9.

03. Sudanic Crucifixion, 1993 Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Wood 21” x 27” • $750

04. Pink Wraps, 2001 Acrylic on Canvas Board 16” x 20” • $450

10.

05. New York Model, 2005 Acrylic on Paper 14” x 10.4” • $200

11.

06. Tree Knowledge, 2005 Acrylic on Canvas 14” x 48” • $300

07. Miss Hope, 2006 Oil on Canvas 16” x 20” • $300

12.

08. Bright Eyes, 2007 Acrylic on Canvas Board 20” x 16” • $300

13.

09. Real History, 2011 Acrylic on Canvas 70” x 46” • $2,500

14.

10. My Mountain Vision, 2011 Acrylic on Press Wood 36” x 48” • $2000

11. How Long, 2013 Acrylic on Canvas 7” x 5” • $200 15.

12. The Mindset, 2014 Acrylic on Plexiglass 38” x 60” • $2,000 13. Daddy Practicing, 2014 Acrylic on Canvas 8 x 10” • $450

16.

14. Red Rose, 2014 Acrylic on Canvas 16” x 20” • $350

15. Sudanic Awaken, 2015 Acrylic on Canvas 20” x 16” • $450

17.

16. The Subtle Beginning, 2015 Mixed Media Diptych 30” x 10” • $450

18.

17. Butterfly Nemesis, 2016 Acrylic on Canvas 20” x 16” • $200

18. Pose Dance, 2020 Acrylics on Plexiglass 16” x 19” • $450

19.

19. Algerian Mercenary, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 39” x 24” • $550

20. The Wait, 2020 Oil on Plexiglass 12” x 34” • $450

20.

21. Papa Sowing, 2020 Color Pencil on Paper 16” x 20” • $650

22. Water Tower, 2020 Watercolor on Paper 11” x 15” • $350

21.

23. Setting Red, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 24” x 30” • $550

24. Derby Sight, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 37” x 54” • $1000

25. Edited Serenade, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 16” x 20” • $300

22.

26. Pink Blossom, 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 20” x 16” • $350

23.

27. Kemetic Queen, 2021 Acrylic on Canvas 24” x 18” • $450

24.

28. Melting, 2021 Acrylic on Canvas 18” x 24” • $250

29. The Reason, 2021 Acrylic on Canvas 20” x 16” • $500

25.

31. I Wish She Were Back, 2022 Acrylic on Canvas 18” x 24” • $450

30. Freedom, 2022 Acrylic on Plasterboard 40” x 30” • $1000

26.

32. Civil War Victory Explained, 2023 Acrylic on Canvas 20” x 16” • $1500

33. Gaza, 2023 Watercolor on Paper 18” x 24” • $500

27.

34. John Lewis - Good, 2024 Watercolor on Paper 12” x 16” • $550

35. Feared, 2024 Acrylic on Canvas 12” x 16” • $250

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