New Acquisition at the Virginia Museum of fine arts

Little, along with Husny Dahlan, an assistant art professor at VUU, and Barbara Grey, an alumna and adjunct member of the art faculty, prepared the pieces for their new setting.

"This has always been a dream of mine," said Grey, who has been connected with Union for more than 60 years. "A collection such as this is a bridge to the community."

Dahlan pointed visitors' attention to his favorite piece, a ceremonial mask that an African boy would wear during puberty. The mask, a composite of raffia and wood and intricately detailed with pigment, is worn to enlighten, entertain and "distract from everyday life" during the child's circumcision celebration.

Dahlan's knowledge of the collection and African art are equaled by his enthusiasm about the museum and the interest it inspires. He, along with Grey and Little, encourage interest not only from the Union family but also from local schools and the art community.

"Much of African art is derived from religion, social systems and values, therefore it is steeped in esoteric knowledge," said John Woodward, African art curator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. "These pieces have a special meaning to the people that created them."

Woodward encourages people to begin learning about African art by visiting local collections, keeping in mind that understanding requires learning.

"It's good to visit the exhibit and get a broad overview and a sense of the cultural landscape, then go and research for more information," he said.

Little has worked with the university's seed collection for more than a decade and says that there are enough rare pieces in storage to fill the museum's gallery space two more times.

The collection often travels to other schools, including Longwood University and the University of Virginia. She said she receives requests for the exhibit "all the time."

"We hope to get funding for expansion," Little said, noting that the school has discussed renovating the vacant former physical-plant building. "But we need to publicize, and we need to get it to the community."

Belinda Anderson, interim president at Virginia Union, hopes that students will visit the exhibit and take away a renewed interest in black culture.

"We want people to see this collection," Anderson said while admiring the Chi Wara headdress. "This is Virginia Union."

Anderson confirmed that the school has started inquiring about renovating the former physical plant for the museum's use but currently does not have a budget or time frame in place.

Alumna Rosemary Jones, a retired fourth-grade teacher, said the museum is an excellent outing for school groups.

"The more exposure school kids can get to art, the better off they are," she said. "This is absolutely fantastic.

"It takes me to a higher level."

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