The formation of an art gallery focusing on African American art and artists in Greensboro evolved from a dream of the late Eva Hamlin Miller, a renowned local artist and educator, who opened the Z gallery in Greensboro in 1982. She and one of her former students, Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., co-founded the African American Atelier and were joined with several local artists and patrons to officially charter the organization in May, 1990. Nearly six months later on January 13, 1991, the gallery opened its doors to the public and the community.
The “Grand Opening” featured the works of the Atelier founding member artists: Alma S. Adams, Vandorn Hinnant, James McMillan, Eva Hamlin Miller, Floyd Newkirk, Candice Ray and John Rogers. Eva Hamlin Miller served as the gallery’s first Curator and James McMillan was the first President. The Atelier has evolved into a venue or workshop/studio to showcase artistic works and contributions and culture of African Americans to the Guilford County community and the state of North Carolina. Local supporters, friends and corporate leaders sustained the operation of this visual arts gallery organization during its first year.
The Atelier received neither state nor federal funds. Generous donations and support by Gerald and Alberta Trusedale, Joseph and Georgia Williams, Dudley Products, Koury Corporation and Greensboro National Bank led to the facilities up fittings. Solid programming and outreach activities for the community along with local and state grant support have increased the visibility and services of the gallery. The acquisition of funding from both local and state agencies as well as foundations and corporate sponsors within and beyond the state on regional and national levels reflect the strength and success of the gallery’s performance to meet the needs of the community and its mission statement. In 1995, the African American Atelier, Inc. became a funded member of the United Arts Council (UAC) of Greensboro, an umbrella organization for the arts.
?2008 African American Atelier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Greensboro Cultural Center
200 N. Davie St., Box 14, Greensboro NC 27401 | 336-333-6885
