The press release from Metro State University:
Art Gallery Honoring Gordon Parks Planned for Metropolitan State University
Works of St. Paul native to be first exhibit in newly renamed Gordon Parks Gallery.
Metropolitan State University will soon house The Gordon Parks Gallery, an art gallery honoring the life and artistic legacy of past St. Paul resident Gordon Parks. A prolific photojournalist, writer, filmmaker and composer, Parks was best known for his photos illuminating poverty and powerlessness, including “American Gothic,” an image of an African-American cleaning woman.
The university will dedicate the new name of the gallery on May 21 with a major exhibition and retrospective of Parks’ work. The exhibition will run through July 2010.
“I believe Gordon Parks would be proud to have his works on display at Metropolitan State University,” said Erica Rasmussen, associate professor and gallery director. “As the most ethnically diverse four-year college in Minnesota, Metropolitan State shares Parks’ focus on multiculturalism.”
The youngest of 15 children, Parks used his skills as a photojournalist to tell powerful stories, especially during the 1960’s Black Power movement. He became the first African-American photographer for Life magazine, where he worked for 24 years. He authored several books and became the first African American to direct a major Hollywood film. While he directed five films, his most famous was “Shaft.” He also wrote novels, poetry, a ballet and several orchestral scores.
The Gordon Parks Gallery at Metropolitan State University will be located on the third floor of the university’s current library, now simply called the Third Floor Gallery. The university has launched a campaign to raise $250,000 for ongoing programs in support of the gallery. Some of the money will also support community outreach, including ties with several public schools in the Twin Cities.
“Some people are under the assumption that the state provides funding for university programs such as this,” said Robert Heuermann, University Advancement vice president and Foundation executive director. “In reality, the state of Minnesota only provides 38 percent of our funding. We rely on alumni, community leaders and concerned citizens for the vast majority of our financial support.” The fundraising campaign will support the school outreach program, gallery promotion and six annual exhibitions by a diverse group of established and emerging artists.
Corporations, foundations and individuals wishing to contribute to the Gordon Parks Gallery at Metropolitan State University can do so online at
www.metrostate.edu/foundation or by calling Rob Larson at 651-793-1813.
Metropolitan State University (
www.metrostate.edu), a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, provides high-quality, affordable academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. It is the only state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
My favorite art event of the year is upon us--Art in Bloom! This event features floral arrangements by master floral designers inspired by the museum's art. This event puts a new spin on the warmly familiar halls of the MIA. 
