UNC Asheville Hosts Exhibition of Traditional West African Art

Helmet mask from the Sande Society

 Some 25 pieces of traditional West African art from the private collection of Jordan Holtam will be on view from February 1-27 at UNC Asheville Blowers Gallery. A gallery talk and opening reception with the collector will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, in the gallery. The exhibition is held in conjunction with UNC Asheville’s Black History Month celebration.

Holtam, now a resident of Weaverville, collected a wide variety of traditional African art during the 18 years he lived in Liberia. His collection includes masks, sculptures, pottery and personal adornments from several West African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire.     

Blowers Gallery, located on the main floor of UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library, is open during regular library hours. For hours of operation, call UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library at 828/251-6546.

 Media Contacts:

• Nancy Hayes, Blowers Gallery Director, 828/251-6436
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526