“WE SHOULD VALUE OUR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS AND THEIR ART…MORE” BY TED T. ELLISFor over 25 years I have been painting and pictorially documenting African-American culture, and using art as an instrument of preserving our culture. I’ve challenged folks to look behind the art that is created and value the artist. As an artist we speak through our art to you politically, socially, spiritually, and historically. The early contemporary artists, such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Samella Lewis and Elizabeth Catlett were active in art advocacy and social activism through art. Now there’s another generation of great artists, not just a handful, living in our communities and doing important art. These artists are making positive historical contributions, building a continued legacy of greatness, preserving African American history and culture. So often, I am reminded how certain sects in our own community seem to be very critical and not supportive of the artists’ efforts. It feels and seems that our artistic roles have been minimized. We should be celebrating our cultural treasures to its full potential. Art is a cultural assets, contemporary African American artists are vital in telling a story through their art. A story of struggl and triuph, of resiliency and hope. A message for the future that is full of purposeand optimism. An acknowledgement of their artistic contributions is deserving, celebrating African American artists is paramount, if we are to include them in the anals of American art. History has shown us that art is of extreme importance. It is the first language, a language recognized universally.At this time, I'm encouraged to see and read more about the exploits of African America artists, more scholarly articles and  critical essays on the contributions of African American artists is being published. A  talented group of contemporary African-American artists are beginning to gain recognition. There is still a great need for those in the arts community to do more in the efforts of programming and exhibition opportunities for African American artists. By providing more exposure it elevates the cultural  relevances and the significants of their art. In the ensuing years I will continue to carrying on with the artistic traditions of my art predecessors by continuing to advocate for art and cultural relevance in the art market and our communities.If you want to have purpose and make constructive change you have to identify first with who you are, why your culture is important, and how art is a resource in preserving  culture and history.Artfully,Ted T. Ellis

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